Chile's Gary Medel (R) tries to stop Argentina's Lionel Messi during a World Cup qualifying match in 2012. (Photo : Reuters)
Chile and Argentina are the two strongest teams in the 2015 Copa America and both are truly deserving of their places in the final.
La Roja's offense had been superb, scoring 13 goals in five games. Winger Eduardo Vargas leads the competitions in goals scored with four while controversial midfielder Arturo Vidal is not far behind having three. And all that with Arsenal scorer Alexis Sánchez not yet in his offensive groove.
When it comes to defense, Jorge Sampaoli's squad is also one of the best. So far, they have only given up four goals in five matches, including the own goal scored by defender Gary Medel in their semifinal against Peru. In effect, only Mexico was able to get through Claudio Bravo's guard with three goals.
The hosts defeated arch-rival Peru in the semifinal, 2-1, to return to the final after 28 years, as per Yahoo Sports.
Meanwhile, Gerardo Martino's men had finally arrived in the Copa. Paraguay was unfortunate enough to encounter the long-awaited Argentine juggernaut in their own semifinal match.
Lionel Messi did not score a single goal on their way to a 6-1 victory, but he was responsible for five of them, via The Guardian. And when the greatest footballer on earth is assisting even while lying down on the pitch, any opponent should tremble in fear.
On defense, La Albiceleste have only given up three goals, the same as Chile, and all of them to Paraguay. Sergio Romero is also one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament so far.
This year's final is sure to be a thrilling culmination of the South American tournament. Will Messi finally win one for his beloved home country? Or will Chile end their 99-year longing for a Copa America championship?
Prediction: Tough to call as the hosts could always upset the favorites amidst controversy or not. In the end, though, Argentina wins over Chile, 2-1, as Messi finally gets an international trophy to cap his grandiose season. However, there is also a chance of going into a shootout where Chile could prevail.
Chile starting lineup (4-3-1-2 formation): Bravo; Medel, Isla, Albornoz, Rojas; Vidal, Díaz, Aránguiz; Valdivia; Vargas, Sánchez
Argentina starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Romero; Demichelis, Garay, Zabaleta, Otamendi; Biglia, Mascherano, Pastore; Di María, Messi, Agüero
