Colombia came into Copa America with big expectations, but they’ve failed to deliver so far. They backed into the quarterfinals, finishing as the second-best third-placed team, and they’ve been handed a very difficult draw as a result. If they want to get farther, they’ll have to go through Lionel Messi and Argentina.
Argentina vs. Colombia 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Copa America online
It’s James Rodriguez vs. Lionel Messi, just in different color shirts than we’re used to.
Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
That’s not to say Argentina have been amazing in this tournament, but none of the favorites have looked great. Messi’s still dazzled for them as they’ve attempted to figure out how to play in Gerardo Martino’s system, which has featured Messi as a wide playmaker and Angel di Maria back out on the wing.
It’s been a strange tournament so far, and it wouldn’t be too shocking to see an upset. As poor as they’ve been, Colombia did manage to scrape a win over Brazil with a lucky set piece goal and some good defending. And as stylish as Argentina have been at times, they fell apart late against Paraguay, giving up two goals in the second half.
Key player: James Rodriguez
This has been a mediocre tournament for James, and that needs to change if Colombia are going to get past Argentina. It’s not necessarily his fault that he’s been moved out of his best role in order to accommodate Radamel Falcao, but with Falcao getting subbed off at the end of Los Cafeteros’ last game, it seems possible that he might finally be dropped.
But even if he isn’t, James will have to cope. Colombia aren’t going anywhere unless he’s their most dangerous player.
Key matchup: Carlos Sánchez vs. Lionel Messi
On paper, this is not a direct matchup. Sánchez is Colombia's most defensive midfielder and Messi will be starting on the right for Argentina. But Messi drifts inside, and drops deep more to find the ball than he does run behind the defense off the ball. He'll be an advanced playmaker who starts on the right and moves toward the center. That means the player he's going to run into the most is Sánchez, not left back Pablo Armero, and it'll be down to Sánchez to rough up Messi without getting sent off.
Match Date/Time: Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada -- English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. -- Spanish), Premier Sports (U.K.), Canal 7 TV Publica (Argentina), Caracol TV, RCN Television (Colombia) DirecTV Sports, TyC Sports (Argentina and Colombia)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), FuboTV (U.S.), Premier Live (U.K.), DirecTV Play (South America), Caracol Play (Colombia)
Listings via Live Soccer TV.
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