The championship race is no longer just between Argentina and Brazil

Brazil regains confidence, but not enough

The Brazilian team regained the trust of fans with a superb performance when defeating Paraguay with a score of 4-1 on June 29. This was the Selecao's first win at Copa America 2024, after a poor opening match with a draw with Costa Rica with a score of 0-0.

After being heavily criticized, striker Vinicius responded strongly with a double goal. The other two goals were scored by young star Savio (20 years old) and midfielder Paqueta. "This Selecao is the Selecao that won the world championship 5 times and the Copa America 9 times," said Spanish newspaper Marca .

However, this is only a necessary condition; the Brazilian team must show full strength in the next match against Colombia. In Group D, Colombia (6 points) has already secured a place in the quarterfinals, next is Brazil (4 points) who is still uncertain. The two teams will meet in the final round at 8am on July 3. A draw is enough for both teams to go hand in hand. But the Brazilian team will not want that. The second place in the group will give them a great chance to face Uruguay (currently ranked first in Group C) in the quarterfinals.

Colombia and Uruguay are emerging as the opponents who can stop Brazil from reaching the expected final against rival Argentina. Colombia can still eliminate Brazil in the group stage with a big win, and in the remaining match of Group D, Costa Rica (1 point, still has a slim chance) also won big against Paraguay (0 points, already eliminated). In case of a tie, Brazil and Costa Rica (0-0 draw) will compare goal difference to determine the position. Selecao has the advantage with a goal difference of +3, while the CONCACAF team has a goal difference of -3.

Who are the people that are making the whole of Argentina worried?

The Argentine press expressed admiration for coach Marcelo Bielsa, 68 years old, who is helping the Uruguay team fly high at Copa America 2024 with two consecutive victories in Group C and scoring the most goals compared to the remaining teams (8 goals, the next team Colombia only scored 5 goals). La Celeste still needs 1 more point in the final match of Group C against the host USA (at 8:00, July 2) to get a ticket to the quarterfinals as the top team.

Since taking charge of Uruguay in May 2023, coach Marcelo Bielsa has only lost 2 matches, won 9 and drawn 3, achieving a winning rate of 64.29%. This experienced strategist is also building a young, enthusiastic Uruguay team with a dynamic and effective playing style. Mr. Marcelo Bielsa is Argentine, having led the national team from 1998 to 2004 and the U.23 team won the 2004 Olympics gold medal.

"If there is any team that can stand in the way of Argentina and Messi defending the Copa America title this year, it can only be Uruguay under Marcelo Bielsa. It is admirable that he has revived a team with the most achievements in Copa America (Uruguay has 15 championships, equal to Argentina)," said TyC Sports (Argentina).

At Copa America 2024, there are up to 7 Argentinian coaches working for the national teams, including coach Scaloni of this team. But only Mr. Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay, and to some extent coach Nestor Lorenzo (Colombia team), promise to be the Argentinians who will make the home team worry in the journey to defend the championship.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-dua-vo-dich-khong-con-danh-rieng-cho-argentina-va-brazil-185240629220742123.htm