South American teams Argentina and Colombia will play each other at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with both teams looking to restore some pride following the World Cup. Argentina famously struggled in Russia, losing 3-0 to Croatia in the group stages and then narrowly qualifying before France sent them home in an exciting 4-3 match.
Colombia could not have started their World Cup any worse with Carlos Sanchez Moreno receiving a red card just three minutes into their opening match. They went on to lose that game 2-1 to Japan. In their next match, they impressively beat Poland 3-0 and then beat Senegal 1-0 to secure qualification to the next round. They were unfortunate to then lose on penalties to England in the next round.
Betting odds
Team news
One big player will be missing from the match and it is the player that the fans will have wanted to see the most. After the disappointing World Cup, Lionel Messi has decided to take some time away from the national team. Whilst he has not officially (re) announced his retirement, he will not be involved in the match against Colombia. Argentina will also be without the services of Javier Mascherano who announced his retirement. Giovanni Simeone impressed during his debut for Argentina against Guatemala but overall the team is a much less experienced one than we are used to Argentina fielding.
Colombia meanwhile has kept the majority of their World Cup squad together and can call on the likes of Cuadrado, Bacca, and Falcao. James Rodriguez was injured in the World Cup and is still to return to full fitness so he will be missing. World Cup star and new Everton signing Yerry Mina is also currently injured and is missing from the squad.
Betting odds
Argentina to win 27/20
Draw 21/10
Colombia 11/5
Argentina vs Colombia match predictions
With Argentina going through a transitional stage right now, there has never been a better time for Colombia to beat their South American rivals. They also go into the match with better form and more confidence in the camp. Colombia could just edge this one 1-0.
