The Argentine national team held its first training session yesterday in the city of Atlanta, United States, in preparation for its debut in the Copa América, next Thursday against Canada, from 9 p.m.
After the friendly tour in which they beat Ecuador 1-0 and Guatemala 4-1, the team had its first training there at Major League Soccer's Atlanta United Stadium without the three players who were not selected and were excluded from the final list: Balerdi, Barco and Ángel Correa.
Concerning the starting lineup, Lionel Scaloni must resolve the gaps in the middle and in attack. The most resounding doubt arises early on, where the option is for Ángel Di María or Nicolás González to start.
“Fideo” played 56 minutes against the “tri” and scored the only goal of the victory, but against Guatemala he started from the bench, although when entering the last 20 minutes he was also able to celebrate. Meanwhile, the former Argentinos Juniors, who has been one of Scaloni's weaknesses throughout his cycle, completed the 90 minutes against the Central Americans but as left back, but also added playing time with Ecuador.
At the same time, in this sector, what is also not clear is who will be the center forward. Between Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, first place is emerging. Although they met Ecuador on the pitch, the coach has already confirmed that he has no intention of seeing them play together. The “Bull” is the one who has the advantage, but in favor of the Manchester City footballer is his ability to put pressure on the rival defense. The decision will also be linked to who will be on the left. If Di María plays, Cordoba adds chances. Otherwise, it would be Martínez and González who would accompany Lionel Messi.
Meanwhile, based on what he has shown on this tour for Scaloni, the central midfielder will not be moving between two options: Leandro Paredes or Alexis Mac Allister. The Roma player occupied that spot against Ecuador in a good performance, but the Liverpool man appeared in the following match. At the same time, Enzo Fernández is gaining ground to be the interior midfielder on the left, while on the right, the immovable one is De Paul.
News in Uruguay
The 26 footballers who make up the official roster of the Uruguayan national team for the 2024 Copa América in the United States are finalizing details before their debut next Sunday, June 23, against Panama at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and they learned yesterday the respective numbers that each will use during the continental tournament. The final list of 26 footballers defined by Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa remained a mystery until practically the deadline to make it official, and finally included the presence of Luis Suárez, who upon his return to the “celeste” will be the one who will wear the number 9 jersey. , while Darwin Núñez will return to using the number 19.
As the English striker from Liverpool has already stated, when the “gunslinger” is in the national team, the number nine belongs to him. Other notable numbers are five, which Manuel Ugarte will wear as he did before, as will Rodrigo Bentancur who will wear six, Federico Valverde 15, Nicolás De La Cruz seven. The numbering of each team became official after the Conmebol confirmed the final lists of the 24 teams that will participate in the Copa América. Another Copa América is coming and in Uruguay they are excited to repeat the title won in 2011, when the tournament was played in our country.
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