On July 1, Argentina drew Bolivia in the opening match of the 2011 Copa America. It was probably the most shocking result in South American football since...Bolivia beat Argentina 6-1 in La Paz. Okay, so maybe Bolivia just has Argentina's number? Regardless, they face a team on Wednesday that should be a much tougher test on paper. Colombia is loaded with talent, even if they haven't been able to turn that talent into success on the international stage.
Copa America 2011, Argentina Vs. Colombia: Can Lionel Messi, Radamel Falcao Find Form?
All eyes will be on two players in this game, Argentina's Lionel Messi and Colombia's Radamel Falcao. The two were two of the best players in Europe this past club season, with Messi having what was probably the best season of any player in the world. Neither have been able to duplicate their club form on the international stage to date, with Messi's international failures being much more scrutinized.
Everyone and their mother has an opinion on why Messi is not as good for Argentina as he is for Barcelona. Some point to tactics, some point to teammates, and some go as far to question his heart and desire to play for his national team. Whatever it is, Lionel Messi does not produce for Argentina like he does for Barcelona, and it’s something that needs to be corrected for Argentina to contend for Copa America and World Cup titles.
Following his team's draw against Bolivia, it wouldn't be surprising to see Argentina manager Sergio Romero make some serious changes. Many are calling for Sergio Aguero, who scored Argentina's equalizer, to replace Carlos Tevez, while many are also clamoring to see Javier Pastore, Palermo's playmaker who is subject to transfer rumors linking him to all of Europe's biggest clubs.
While the Argentinian fans and press debate about whether Pastore or Ever Banega should be the team’s main midfield playmaker, there is no such debate on the Colombian side, as Falcao’s FC Porto teammate Fredy Guarin is the man Colombia has pulling the strings. His stunning through ball from deep in midfield set up Colombia’s winner against Costa Rica, and his team will need him to come up huge on Wednesday night if they want to defeat Argentina.
The Albiceleste are struggling to find chemistry and find their form, but there’s no question that their talent makes them the favorites in almost any match they play, including this one. The likes of Falcao and Guarin give Colombia the firepower to score goals, but things are not yet dire enough for Argentina that they should be bet against on their home soil in Copa America.
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