News
VIE 03.07.2015
Everything is ready for the game in which Chile and Argentina will face off this Saturday 4th of July in the final of the 2015 Copa America. The Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos staduim in Santiago de Chile will be the stage for this passionate duel between the two titans of South American football. Five representatives of LaLiga will be taking part in a battle that is set to make history.
Claudio Bravo's multiple challenges
The Chilean goalkeeper of FC Barcelona, who only allowed 19 goals to pass hiim by in the Liga BBVA 2014/15, must face up to several challenges. The first of these will be to put a victorious seal on a memorable season for this Bulin-born native. His fight is to make it possible for Chile to win its first Copa America in history. This comes after his great achievements in the course of his first year as an 'azulgrana' in the FB Barcelona team. Bravo is one of the great hopes of the Chilean representation to end the 'curse' that has dogged the team in a competition in which they have lost all four previous finals. His task is to put the brakes on the 'albiceleste' team that will present to the finals after their crushing win against Paraguay (6-1).
Argentina looking to compensate
After just missing out on taking home the FIFA 2014 World Cup to Germany in extra time, Argentina feel the need to compensate their loss with a win that will give them a title they have consistenly failed to make their own since 1993.
The team will be led by one of the biggest stars of LaLiga and one of the big names on the football world stage: Lionel Messi. After scoring a goal and setting up three goals Messi has led his team to this year's final. This is to be his fifth final sporting the colours of his country' team, the same team that was world champion in the under-20´s league and Olympic Champion as well. Now the challenge is to add to the legend by pulling off the Copa America victory so coveted by Argentina's fans.
Messi will be also supported by three stellar players from LaLiga : his fellow club-player Javier Mascherano, the Valencia CF player Nicolás Otamendi and Sevilla FC's Ever Banega. The FC Barcelona mid-centre and the Valencian centre-player will be his key allies in defensive duties whilst the Sevilla FC player is to be one of the Gerardo Martino's stalwarts in centre field.
This is to be, in short, a game that counts on all the right ingredients for a very exciting football match, one which is sure to be full of goals, great moves and good football. This is the sort of football we have come to expect from games played under the seal of the world's best league.
© LALIGA - 2015