The 2024 Copa America continues with a crucial Group A clash between defending champions Argentina and Peru at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Argentina have already secured their place in the knockout rounds after winning their first two matches, while Peru are in a must-win situation to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Match Preview
Argentina are the reigning Copa America champions, having won the title in 2023.
Led by the iconic Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste are the favorites to retain their crown and have looked impressive in the tournament so far, winning both of their opening games against Canada and Chile.
Despite Messi’s absence due to injury, Argentina boast a deep and talented squad, with the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Angel Di Maria providing the attacking threat.
Defensively, they have yet to concede a goal in the competition, thanks to the solid partnership of Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi.
Peru, on the other hand, have struggled in the tournament so far, earning just one point from their first two matches against Canada and Chile.
Jorge Fossati’s side will need to produce a heroic performance to keep their quarter-final hopes alive, as they have not beaten Argentina in over 27 years.
The Peruvian team is led by experienced players such as Andre Carrillo, Christian Cueva, and Paolo Guerrero, but they have yet to find their scoring touch, failing to find the back of the net in their opening two games.
Argentina have been in impressive form leading up to the Copa America, winning four of their last five matches, including a 4-1 victory over Guatemala and a 1-0 win over Ecuador.
Their only defeat in that stretch came against Costa Rica in a friendly.
In the Copa America, Argentina have been solid, winning 2-0 against Canada and 1-0 against Chile, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the winning goals in both matches.
Peru, on the other hand, have struggled, earning just one point from their first two Copa America matches.
They were held to a 0-0 draw by Chile and suffered a 1-0 defeat against Canada, where they were reduced to 10 men after Miguel Araujo was sent off.
Head-to-Head
Argentina and Peru have a long history of encounters, with Argentina holding a dominant record.
In the last five meetings between the two sides, Argentina have won three, while the remaining two have ended in draws.
The most recent match between the two teams was a World Cup qualifier in October 2023, where Argentina won 2-0 with Lionel Messi scoring both goals.
Injury and Suspension
Argentina will be without the services of Lionel Messi, who is nursing a hamstring injury.
Marcos Acuna and Leandro Paredes are also doubtful for the match due to minor injuries.
Peru will be missing the suspended Miguel Araujo, who was sent off in their previous match against Canada.
Prediction
Despite the absence of Lionel Messi, Argentina are still the overwhelming favorites to win this match and secure top spot in Group A.
Their defensive solidity and the attacking threat of players like Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez should be enough to overcome a struggling Peru side.
Our algorithm predicts that Argentina have a 75.8% chance of winning the match, while Peru’s chances are just 10.2%. The remaining 14% is for a draw.
Betting Tips
Match Result: Argentina to win
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5 goals
Both Teams to Score: No
Anytime Goalscorer: Lautaro Martinez
Argentina are the clear favorites to win this match, and their defensive record in the tournament so far suggests that a low-scoring affair is likely.
Lautaro Martinez, who has scored in both of Argentina’s matches, is a good bet to find the back of the net again.
