Argentina - Canada predictions and free betting tips [21/06/2024]

On Friday, 21 June, at the group stage opener of the Copa America, Argentina will face Canada's national team. The "Maple Leafs" make their tournament debut, having defeated Trinidad and Tobago in the qualifiers, while the reigning world champions are considered the top favourites.

Expected Line-ups

Argentina: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuña; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, Gonzalez, Alvarez.  

Canada: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; David, Larin.  

Argentina

As the holders of the Copa America title and the reigning world champions (having defeated France on penalties in the final to win the coveted trophy for the first time since 1986), Argentina heads into the tournament under immense pressure and with great expectations from their fans. Moreover, the "white and sky blue" are in excellent form, having won 12 of their last 13 matches since their triumph at the Qatar World Cup 2022. Only Uruguay managed to upset "Albiceleste" (0:2) in November, topping the South American qualifying group for the next World Cup as a result. In March, Lionel Scaloni's side defeated El Salvador (3:0) and Costa Rica (3:1) in friendlies. Ahead of Copa America, Argentina comfortably overcame Ecuador (1:0) and Guatemala (1:4), courtesy of doubles from Leo Messi and Lautaro Martinez. In Group A, the hosts will compete against Canada, Chile, and Peru. Their opponents will find it tough: the South American team has conceded only two goals in their last five matches across all competitions.

Canada

Canada is one of the six CONCACAF national teams invited to participate in the Copa America, and on Friday night, the "Maple Leafs" will play their first-ever match in the tournament. Despite improving their FIFA ranking over recent years, the team disappointed in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, finishing last in their group with three losses. They failed to redeem themselves to their fans the next year, losing to the USA (0:2) in the CONCACAF Nations League final and then exiting the Gold Cup in the quarter-finals. Recently, Jesse Marsch’s side defeated Jamaica 1:2, only to lose 2:3 to the Reggae Boyz days later. In March, they laboured to overcome Trinidad and Tobago (2:0) thanks to goals from Cyle Larin and Jacob Shaffelburg in the second half, and in June, they were thrashed by the Netherlands (4:0) in a friendly. Two weeks ago, however, the Canadians drew unexpectedly with France away (0:0). The "Maple Leafs" aim to gain invaluable experience in major tournaments ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with the USA and Mexico.

Head-to-head

In the 21st century, these teams have met only once – in a friendly match in 2010. Back then, "Albiceleste" left Canada no chance (5:0) under Diego Maradona's leadership.

Match Prediction: Argentina vs Canada

Canada boasts an array of talented players led by Davies and David, but this is unlikely to help the "Maple Leafs" in the Copa opener. The Argentines are currently the best team in the world, consistently winning all competitions over the past couple of years. Leo Messi is determined to finish his national team career with another trophy, so confidently bet on "Albiceleste" to win with a -1.5 handicap.

Total Goals Prediction

Argentina has outstanding attacking players and consistently scores two goals per game. There seems to be nothing stopping the South Americans from enjoying themselves now, so I am betting on the favourite's individual total over 2 goals.