Although Leo Messi said that Argentina played their best game in the quarterfinal versus Colombia, they almost lost it. Argentina had numerous chances at goal, but thanks to David Ospina and the goalpost, they did not score in regulation or extra time. Then the madness in the penalty shootout, which included three straight misses, was finally put to bed when Carlos Tevez smashed it past Ospina and that was the end.
Against a Paraguay team that likes to make the game tough and scrappy, Argentina is going to have to bog down and use their skill offensive players to their advantage. If a chance is there for the taking they must take it. Look once again for Leo Messi to be the facilitator for the likes of Aguero and others. The back line has been solid and although Romero has been decent for Argentina, he has been tested so little and was tested little versus Colombia. Although Argentina are favorites to advance to the final, this tournament has had its fair share of upsets and if there is any team to do that, it is Paraguay.
It has been a trail of upsets for Paraguay. They finished second in a group with Argentina and Uruguay, which included a fantastic draw against Argentina. Paraguay stormed back to rally from two goals down to sustain a draw and from then on, they have defied the odds to get here. In the quarterfinals, they took advantage of a Brazil team without Neymar and upset them in penalties to advance. Although Brazil were without their best player, they were still favorites to advance. But Paraguay showed their class and came away the victors. Against Argentina, they will most likely play the same style they did the first time these teams played. They will want to make the game tough and more scrappy than skilled.
Although Argentina are favorites to not just advance but win the tournament, they have to be wary of Paraguay. This one will be a thrilling match.
The match kicks off Tuesday night, June 30th, at 7:30 PM ET, or 8:30 PM local time (UTC-3).