Argentina predicted lineup for Ecuador clash in Copa America 2024 quarter-final
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Lionel Messi and co will be looking to win another international trophy
Riding on an unbeaten run, defending champions Argentina are set to battle Ecuador in the first quarter-final of Copa America 2024. La Seleccion would be dreaming of their record 16th title with an impressive tally of scoring five goals while facing none in the entire group stage.
Managed by the tactical genius Lionel Scaloni, the world champions will have themselves all pumped up with confidence when they face group B number two, who reached here with one win, one draw & a loss.
With a secured quarter-final spot, Argentina had a lot of its stars rested when they faced Peru in the last game. Now with the knock-out game set to happen next, let’s see how La Albiceleste would line:
Argentina’s predicted lineup against Ecuador:
GK: Emiliano Martinez
A game without Emi Martinez is unimaginable for the defending champions. His leadership qualities, apt reflexes & penalty-saving ability make the Argentine defense look stronger than ever.
The 31-year-old has kept a clean sheet in all the games Argentina played in the ongoing Copa America. The Aston Villa goalie is proving to be a vital cog like he did in the last Copa America & FIFA World Cup.
RB: Nahuel Molina
The Atletico Madrid side-back was rested in the match against Peru, but will surely start the game for Lionel Scaloni’s men. He played well in both the games he started against Canada & Chile.
Besides performing his defensive duties, Molina will also be responsible for catering quality passes to Mac Allister, Enzo & De Paul. However, he might be subbed in the dying minutes like in the first two.
CB: Cristian Romero
The most high-profile defender in the Argentine squad, Romero played perfectly in the first two games before being rested in the last one. He played a crucial role in Argentina’s clean sheet record. The 26-year-old is expected to continue his good form when faces Enner Valencia & co.
CB: Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United’s Lisandro was also rested in the last game, having performed his duties efficiently with partner Romero in the first two. He played full minutes against Canada & Chile and disposed of the minimal threats that appeared. His bonding with Romero makes the defense well-shielded.
LB: Nicolas Tagliafico
The veteran side-back is the only Argentine in the back-line to have featured in all three games. While he came only in the 89th minute for Acuna in the first game, he has performed with consistency in the next two, where he started.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
The 25-year-old Liverpool midfielder is showing his class this Copa America. He provided an assist in the first one while serving as a winger & performed his duties exceptionally as a midfielder against a formidable Chile squad.
He got to play full minutes in the first two games, while was also rested in the last one. His ball control & passing abilities are expected to hamper Ecuador’s plans.
CM: Enzo Fernandez
The prolific Chelsea youngster hasn’t shined to his true potential yet, having been benched against Canada, while playing just 64 minutes against Chile & only 24 against Peru. This knock-out game will be a golden opportunity for the talented 1.78m CM to show his class.
RM: Rodrigo De Paul
Rodrigo from the right is something all opponents fear. He got to play entire minutes in the first two games, playing as a CM against Canada, while proving his efficiency as an RM against Chile.
If Ecuador chooses to be physical after not being able to match Argentina’s quality, he would be the best answer. However, he needs to keep his game clean for the semis & finale ahead.
LM: Angel Di Maria
The veteran winger is known for his superior performance in the knock-outs. He featured in all three group games as RW, playing as a captain in the third one. However, in this game, he is expected to attack from the left.
Fans will expect him to deliver in this game like he did against Peru with an assist. Di Maria’s scoring will boost the team’s already high morale too.
ST: Lionel Messi
Captain Messi hasn’t ignited much in the ongoing competition yet. Though he has created some good chances, provided an assist & displayed his magical skills like he always does, he is yet to score.
The team will expect its greatest to start his goal-scoring tally from this game after being rested in the last one with reportedly fever.
ST: Julian Alvarez
The talented Manchester City youngster is expected to start upfront like he did in the first two games before getting benched in the third. The 24-year-old is a lethal nightmare for any defense line. His knack for scoring goals will haunt the opponent. Getting perfect assists from Lionel Messi will easily destroy Ecuador’s hopes.
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