Colombia’s predicted lineup against Argentina ahead of the Copa America 2024 final includes a couple of new faces in the aftermath of Los Cafeteros’ chaotic semi-final match.
Nestor Lorenzo’s squad has carried their impressive unbeaten streak into Copa America 2024, extending their run to 28 games ahead of the tournament’s final. Colombia’s last defeat came against Argentina in February 2022, and now, Los Cafeteros get another chance to claim a victory over the reigning Copa America and World Cup champions.
Colombia’s lineup will have a few changes come July 14, though. Daniel Munoz was sent off against Uruguay in the semi-final, earning himself a suspension for the final. Also, Richard Rios suffered a leg injury and was forced off the pitch in the second half. Without two of his most impactful players, Nestor Lorenzo must find replacements that can withstand Argentina’s world-class quality.
Here’s what Colombia’s starting XI could look like against Argentina on July 14.
GK: Camilo Vargas – Vargas has three clean sheets at Copa America 2024, and the keeper will need to be at his best to stop Lionel Messi.
RB: Santiago Arias – Arias is the natural replacement at right-back for the suspended Daniel Munoz.
CB: Davinson Sanchez – Sanchez has logged every minute of the Copa America so far and has played a pivotal role in helping Colombia concede zero goals in the knockout rounds.
CB: Carlos Cuesta – Ever since Jhon Lucumi went down with an injury in Los Cafeteros’ first match of the tournament, Cuesta has stepped up and done an excellent job alongside Sanchez.
LB: Johan Mojica – In must-win games, Mojica will always start at left-back for Nestor Lorenzo.
DM: Mateus Uribe – If Richard Rios is unfit to start the final after sustaining a leg injury against Uruguay, then expect Uribe to slot in alongside Lerma in the midfield.
DM: Jefferson Lerma – Fresh off scoring the winner to send his team to the Copa America 2024 final, Lerma will make his 48th appearance for Colombia on Sunday.
RM: Jhon Arias – Arias is always tidy in possession and is one of Colombia’s most accurate passers.
AM: James Rodriguez – Rodriguez recorded his sixth assist in the semi-finals, the most by any player in the tournament since 2011. His set piece deliveries could find Colombia the breakthrough they need against the reigning champions.
LM: Luis Diaz – Diaz will be unafraid to take on either Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel to create goalscoring opportunities for his side.
ST: Jhon Cordoba – Cordoba only has two goals at Copa America 2024, but the striker always poses a threat in the final third.
