European Championship 2020
Argentina, Italy Keen to End Continental Trophy Droughts
Prior to the start of Copa America 2021, Brazil were a clear favourites to retain the title. As the tournament progressed, Argentina have shown more consistency and a stronger determination to win their first Copa America championship in 28 years.On the other side, Italy were considered one of the outsiders to lift the UEFA EURO 2020, with many football experts predicting Belgium and France as the favourites.However, Italy have shown more maturity and have played some of the most exciting football in the competition. Argentina and Italy are both keen to end their continental trophy droughts, as discussed in this article.
Why Argentina are favourites to win the Copa America 2021?
Argentina have always been one of the favorites in the South American Championship, but they haven't won the Copa America since 1993 despite reaching the final four times during this time.This is Lionel Messi's final Copa America tournament, and they should win it in his honor.
Argentina's Copa America campaign in 2021 started with a 1-1 draw against Chili, but they went on to win the remainder of their group stage matches and the quarter-final encounter against Ecuador.
Read UEFA EURO 2020: Quarter Finals Preview
Argentina will play against Colombia in their semifinal match at EstádioNacionalManéGarrincha in Brasilia on Wednesday. Argentina should easily qualify for the final based on their current form, and we can anticipate them to face Brazil in the championship match.
So the question remains, how will this rejuvenated Argentina team perform against the Brazilian side in this year's final?
Consistency is one of the most important factors. Argentina have improved and displayed more consistency in the competition. Initially, they were shaky, but Argentina have since played with a lot of confidence. Importantly, this set of players believes they can win the tournament.
Read Copa America 2021: Quarter Finals Preview
On the other hand, Brazil have struggled in their past two matches and would need to re-establish their rhythm before the crucial final. If they can't, Argentina will seize the opportunity to win a record 15th South American Championship.
Three important players for Argentina
Romero (Defender), Lionel Messi (Forward), Lautaro Martinez (Forward)
Probable Playing XI
Martinez (GK), Tagilafico, Romero, Molina, Pezzella, Rodríguez, Di María, Paredes, Lionel Messi, Gómez, Lautaro Martinez
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Copa America 2021 Semifinal & Final Fixtures
Date
Match
Venue & Time (BST)
Semifinal
July 6 (Tuesday)
Brazil vs Peru
Rio de Janeiro (5 AM)
July 7 (Wednesday)
Argentinavs Colombia
Brasília (7 AM)
Third place play off
July 10 (Saturday)
Loser Match 25 vs Loser Match 26
Brasília (6 AM)
Final
July 11 (Sunday)
Winner Match 25 vs Winner Match 26
Rio de Janeiro (6 AM)
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Copa_Am%C3%A9rica
Read Brazil beats Chile at Copa America despite 2nd-half red card
Why Italy are favourites to win the UEFA EURO 2020?
Italy haven't won a major trophy since the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and they haven't won the European Championship since 1968. So, Italy will be hoping to win their second UEFA EURO Championship this year.
Many experts anticipated that Italy would have a slim chance of winning the tournament, but they have surpassed expectations by playing the most entertaining brand of football in the game.
They finished top in the group stage points table but struggled a bit in the Round of 16 match against Austria. However, Italy had demonstrated their true capabilities in the quarter-final match against hot favourites Belgium, winning 2-1 and securing a spot in the semifinal.
Read Italy advances to semifinals at Euro 2020
Italy should win against Spain in the semifinal, but they will have to fight hard against England, who are in great form at the moment. While, after defeating Belgium, Italy are full of confidence and will make it difficult for England to win their first European Championship trophy.
Argentina and Italy are both confident that they will end their continental trophy droughts with their current form.
Three important players for Italy
Donnarumma (GK), Chiellini (Defender), Insigne (Forward)
Probable Playing XI
Donnarumma (GK), Chiellini, Bonucci, Di Lorenzo, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Chiesa, Verratti, Insigne, Immobile
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UEFA EURO 2020 Semifinal & Final Fixtures
Date
Match
Venue & Time (BST)
Semifinal
July 7 (Wednesday)
Italyvs Spain
Wembley Stadium, London (1 AM)
July 8 (Thursday)
Englandvs Denmark
Wembley Stadium, London (1 AM)
Final
July 12 (Monday)
Winner Match 49
vs
Winner Match 50
Wembley Stadium, London (1 AM)
Sources: https://www.uefa.com/
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Verdict
After analyzing the qualities of the teams and current form, it is clear that Argentina and Italy are both keen to end their continental trophy droughts. Argentina are the overwhelming favourites to win Copa America 2021. But their most likely final opponent, Brazil will make it difficult for them.On the other hand, England are in excellent condition and will give it their best to win their first European championship. However, Italy are now a strong favourites to win their second UEFA EURO Championship, especially after eliminating Belgium in the quarter-final. Overall, we expect the best teams will win their respective tournaments.
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