GOAL US writers offer their Copa America final predictions, and evaluate an enthralling tournament on US soil
Finally, we have our two Copa America finalists. One of them was entirely expected. Argentina looked like the best team in the field a month ago, and even if they haven't quite played like it, the reigning World Cup champions were likely always going to have enough to get there.
Their opponents, though, are something of a surprise. Colombia may have started their tournament preparations by battering the USMNT, but few would have pipped them as potential title winners. It all seems set up for a juicy final, which will take place at 8 pm Sunday night in Miami.
There's a lot to reflect on in Copa America 2024. The US flopped on home soil, fired their coach, and now face a serious reset ahead of 2026. Brazil endured a miserable time, while some forgotten stars re-emerged to the forefront of world football. It was an enthralling few weeks, and should culminate in style.
There's a lot to analyze, and our GOAL US writers do just that in a Copa America edition of… The Rondo.
Getty ImagesWho wins the Copa America final?
Tom Hindle: Uhhhh, tough one. On talent, pedigree, and pure vibes, it's got to be Argentina. They haven't played particularly well and – Ecuador penalty win notwithstanding – have made this all look reasonably easy so far. Then again, Colombia have been excellent. Let's go Argentina, if only for the football romanticism alone (oh, and that Messi guy.)
Ryan Tolmich: Colombia has the vibes, but this is Argentina we're talking about here. They're the defending champions of this tournament, and of the world. So of course they're favorites. Lionel Messi isn't quite dominating, but he doesn't have to. His supporting cast is the reason that Argentina is thriving, and they're the reason they'll lift the trophy, again.
Jacob Schneider: Colombia’s resilience in the semis against Uruguay was enough to convince us that they have what it takes to go all the way. In the same manner in which they defeated La Celeste, if Los Cafeteros can earn set piece opportunities, it's entirely possible that they can beat Argentina.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWho is the player of the tournament?
TH: It's not entirely cut and dry. Colombia's James Rodriguez has certainly been excellent, and will probably be the favorite. But a word for both Rodrigo De Paul and Emi Martinez, who have made an impact in a big way for Argentina. With Messi not quite at it, the reigning champs have needed help from elsewhere, and that duo have both been vital. Let's be honest, though, James has been the best player on (possibly) the best team. That should be enough.
RT: It has to be James, right? He's turned back the clock in ways no one could have predicted, reverting to the 2014 version of himself that the world fell in love with. With six assists, and room for more, he's been the biggest force in this summer's tournament. Colombia made it here because of him. Can he pull off one more miracle?
JS: James, hands down. Six assists and a goal, it feels like 2014 again. And Colombia have now gone 28 straight games unbeaten. He’s giving us one last glance at the Galactico he was, and it’s been brilliant.
GettyWho (or what?) has been the biggest disappointment?
TH: The fact that Brazil's Dorival Jr never really gave Endrick a run out – until he absolutely had to. Perhaps we were all wrong, and Endrick really isn't all that. Still, it would have been good to see the 18-year-old have a proper opportunity at proving himself. He was, for most of proceedings, a bit-part player, and was then tossed into the highest stakes game of the tournament, and kicked around for 90 minutes. It's not really fair for a youngster who could have really done with getting some minutes before having the privilege of being fouled by the Uruguay backline for 90 minutes.
RT: There's an easy answer here, and it's the USMNT. Far and away. The other groups largely went relative to plan, aside from one or two slight surprises. No one could have predicted the U.S. crashing out to Panama, of all teams. They were far and away the biggest letdown this summer, which is why it is no surprise that Gregg Berhalter lost his job.
JS: Rodrygo. Just expected more out of him, even though he was being played out of position by Brazil. The stage felt too big at times, and he let his form get into his head.
Getty ImagesWho was the breakout star of the tournament?
TH: Going to cheat and say James was the breakout star – if only because we all thought he was finished. The Colombian playmaker has faded into relative irrelevance over the past few years, and although fans will certainly remind you that he can still be world class, few had him pipped as one of the players of the tournament. Not sure a massive European move is on the way – he's 32, after all – but the guy can still play a bit.
RT: This tournament hasn't exactly been dominated by young players, so we'll shout out an unsung hero. Argentina's Cristian Romero has been far and away the best defender in this tournament and deserves more love. He's been just about perfect the whole way through and, if you didn't already view him as a top-level centerback, you have to now.
JS: There are a few great options here. Someone such as Kendry Paez of Ecuador deserves a shout, because this was his announcement to the world. Also a word for Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte. He had a difficult first season at PSG, and this Copa America was a reminder of how solid the 24-year-old is in the center of the pitch.