Canada is gearing up for a monumental Copa America semi-final clash against Argentina on Tuesday, a match that coach Jesse Marsch has likened to a David versus Goliath encounter.
Argentina, reigning Copa champions and 2022 World Cup winners, sit atop the FIFA rankings, contrasting sharply with Canada’s 48th world ranking and their debut appearance in the tournament.
“They’ve only lost twice in five years,” Marsch acknowledged, emphasizing the formidable challenge posed by Argentina. “Messi is the best player to ever play the game. But we believe we have a chance and that’s the way we’re preparing.”
Despite a 2-0 defeat to Argentina in their group stage opener, where Lionel Messi orchestrated both goals, Canada enters the semi-finals with confidence after a penalty shootout victory against Venezuela.
“We know how good Argentina is because we played against them but we also had success in certain moments,” Marsch noted, reflecting on their earlier encounter.
Looking ahead, Marsch acknowledged the need for near-perfection against such a formidable opponent. “I said after the (Venezuela) match that we probably have to play a perfect match and maybe even then it may not be enough.”
While Canada gained valuable insights from their initial encounter with Argentina, Marsch anticipates a tougher challenge in the semi-finals, expecting Argentina to elevate their performance.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s star player Lionel Messi, despite recent injury concerns, is expected to feature prominently in the semi-final clash.
“He’s doing OK and he’s going to be part of the match,” confirmed Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. “Even when he’s not at his best, he still has a lot to give.”
The winner of this eagerly anticipated clash will advance to the final in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday, where they will face either Uruguay or Colombia, who contest their semi-final on Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
