Key events
One complaint the Copa organisers had to deal with this year was security. Uruguayan national coach Marcelo Bielsa brutally criticized the powers that be after a brawl between his players and Colombian fans, and Canadian coach Jesse Marsch said his team was treated as second-class citizens.
Of course everything will be put right in time for the final tonight in …
Oh dear…
BREAKING: The gates at Hard Rock Stadium have opened and fans are pouring in for the 2024 game. #CopaAmerika final. The police try to control the flow of people. photo.twitter.com/fkoMMYGk8K
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) July 14, 2024
Preamble
That’s a tough law to live by, isn’t it?
The Copa América has been in an uphill battle for the world’s attention, with Euro 2024 taking place at the same time. Matches have become more erratic. Officials have struggled to maintain control while the Dark Arts flourish. The hosts were knocked out in the group stage. In some games, you might as well have skipped the 90 minutes of regulation time and gone straight to the penalty shootout.
Nevertheless, we have an intriguing matchup here between two worthy finalists. Reigning world champions Argentina have aged a bit in the last two years, but have a formidable defense behind the still-powerful Lionel Messi and other experienced attackers. Colombia started the year with a friendly against Spain, and they have blown away several teams in recent months, including the United States.
And believe it or not, Colombia have only won this trophy once. What a chance they get to double that total tonight in steamy Miami.