Copa America: Argentina vs Peru Preview, Prediction & Betting Picks

There's very little reason to believe this game will result in anything other than an Argentina win. Argentina are yet to concede a goal and have been the most effective tournament team in world football over the course of the last three years. Lautaro Martínez, whose contributions have been subpar for a while, looks on top form, which if sustained will make a monumental difference to the potency of the team's attacking threat.

In both of their prior two tournaments under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina have started slowly and have grown into the competition, so given they've won both of their opening fixtures this time around it bodes well for the development of their performances.

Peru, on the other hand, have not looked as strong as they have in recent editions of this tournament and arguably should have lost their opening game where they conceded 65% of the possession and 11 shots to Chile. They've had a fairly miserable tournament and it's hard to imagine them turning that around against the world champions. Argentina 3-0 Peru.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Argentina and Peru will face off in a crucial Group A match at the Copa América. With Argentina riding high at the top of the group and Peru struggling at the bottom, this encounter promises to be a significant one for both sides, albeit for different reasons.

• Date: 06/30/2024
• Kick-off time: 20:00 (ET)
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Argentina entered this year’s Copa América as the defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2021, a run that continued into the World Cup, which they went on to win in 2022. As one of the favourites for the current tournament, Argentina have started strongly, securing six points from their opening two games.In their first match, Lionel Scaloni’s men faced Canada. Despite being pushed hard, Argentina managed to secure a victory. Their second game against Chile was a more dramatic affair, with a very late goal clinching the three points for Argentina, a victory that ensured their progression to the knockout stages with a game to spare.Lionel Messi has been as influential as ever, contributing two assists thus far. Lautaro Martínez has been clinical in front of goal, netting twice in the opening two matches, a national team contribution that was sorely overdue for him on a personal level. Despite their success, Argentina’s path to the top of the group has not been without challenges; both Canada and Chile provided stiff competition, highlighting that while Argentina are favourites, they must remain vigilant and focused.

On the other hand, Peru’s journey in this tournament has been arduous. They currently sit at the bottom of Group A with just one point from their first two matches. Their campaign began with a drab draw which was followed by a narrow defeat. This leaves them in a precarious position where they need to beat tournament favourites Argentina and hope for a favourable result in the Chile vs. Canada match to advance.

Expectations for Peru were relatively low coming into this tournament. Nonetheless, they have a strong Copa América pedigree, having finished as runners-up, in third place twice, and fourth place, as well as reaching the quarter-finals in their last five appearances. Their track record reflects their capability to perform well in this competition, even if they have not yet found their stride this year.

Jorge Fossati, Peru's manager, will be acutely aware of the task at hand. Peru have struggled to find the back of the net, having failed to score in their opening two games. Yet, they have managed to keep their matches close, indicating that while their attack may be faltering, their defence is holding up reasonably well.

For Argentina, Lionel Messi remains the linchpin. His ability to create opportunities and unlock defences is unparalleled. Alongside him, the sharpness in front of goal of both Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez will be crucial. Argentina’s defence, anchored by experienced players, has also shown resilience, which will be essential against a Peru side desperate for goals.

Peru’s strategy will likely revolve around trying to contain Argentina’s potent attack while looking for counter-attacking opportunities. Their defence, which has been relatively solid despite their lack of goals, will need to be at its best. Players like Carlos Zambrano and Alexander Callens will be central to Peru’s efforts both defensively and in transitioning to attack.

Historically, Argentina have had the upper hand in recent meetings between these two sides. Peru are winless in their last five encounters with Argentina, with the Albiceleste winning the last three, highlighting the enormity of the task at hand for the Peruvians.

For Argentina, this match is an opportunity to maintain momentum and potentially rotate their squad with the knockout stages already secured. A win would consolidate their position at the top of Group A and send a strong message to their rivals.

For Peru, this is a do-or-die situation. Only a win will suffice, and even then, their fate is not entirely in their own hands. They will be hoping for either a draw or a narrow win for Chile against Canada, scenarios that could allow them to progress based on goal difference, providing they beat Argentina by two goals or more.

This game will be aired live to ViX, FOX Sports App, Fox Sports 1, TUDN USA, Univision, SiriusXM FC, and TUDN Radio.

Argentina Team News:

Ángel Di María could come into the starting XI after starting on the bench last time out, while Lautaro Martínez will feel worthy of a place in the lineup after scoring in both of the team's opening games. Tottenham's Giovani Lo Celso is also a contender for a starting berth.

Teenagers Valentín Carboni and Alejandro Garnacho will be desperate to make their tournament debuts for La Albiceleste, with both having so far been unused substitutes.

Peru Team News:

Peru will be without Miguel Araujo who is unavailable through suspension following his red card against Canada in their most recent outing. Anderson Santamaría is the likely man to replace him.

Veteran striker Paolo Guerrero and attacking midfielder Christian Cueva could come in to try and add some spark to the attack of a side that need to score a few goals here in order to stand a chance of sealing a place in the knockout stages.

Argentina's last five games have seen them register three wins, starting with a 3-1 win against Costa Rica, a 1-0 win over Ecuador and a 4-1 win over Guatemala.

In this competition, Argentina began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Canada. The game was not as comfortable as many expected it to be for the reigning world champions, with both Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies squandering big chances for Canada early on.

However, Argentina rallied in a manner indicative of true champions and early in the second half a fine through ball from Lionel Messi eventually found its way to Julián Álvarez who brushed the ball into an open goal.

Messi himself missed a chance or two following the opening goal, but another crafty pass late on sent Lautaro Martínez through on goal who made no mistake, securing the win for Argentina in a tough game where Canada consistently posed a threat.

In their second game against Chile, Argentina again found life tough, winning the game with only a few minutes to spare. Scaloni's men dominated the play but struggled to convert their territory into goals, but after waves of pressure their persistence eventually paid off as substitute Martínez netted the winner in the 88th minute, making Argentina the first side to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2024 Copa América.

Peru are coming into this game with two wins, two draws and one defeat from their last five games. Their first three games, all friendlies, were a 4-1 win over the Dominican Republic, a 0-0 draw with Paraguay and a 1-0 win over El Salvador.

Peru's opening game of the Copa América saw them take on Chile, a game where many peoples' fears of an impending borefest came to light as two sides that have struggled mightily in front of goal in 2026 World Cup qualifying both blanked in front of goal, with neither team doing anywhere near enough to win the game.

Following that encounter, Peru attempted to make amends against Canada, a game they'll likely continue to kick themselves for losing for some time yet. Peru had by far the better chances in the first half of the game, with Piero Quispe missing a golden opportunity while Gianluca Lapadula saw a goal ruled out for offside.

Miguel Araujo was sent off in the early portion of the second half for Peru, a decision that swung the game in Canada's favour, and the North Americans took full advantage of that decision as Jonathan David netted a 74th-minute winner.

Even with ten men Peru were a threat, with 40-year-old striker Paolo Guerrero missing two injury-time chances. However, it was not to be for Peru who were narrowly beaten 1-0 and now face a mammoth task in their final game.

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