Di Maria in serious doubt for Copa America final

Argentina, you may remember, just Hulk-smashed the USMNT in the Copa América Centenario earlier this week to earn a spot in the Copa final-the third consecutive tournament title match the Albiceleste have competed in. While Colombia needed penalties to eliminate Peru after a 0-0 tie on Friday last week, Chile roared into the semi-finals with a 7-0 victory over Mexico that included five second-half goals.

A two-goal blitz inside the first ten minutes has ensured Chile’s passage through to the Copa America final despite a lengthy weather delay.

In fact it was just four minutes later. In a much-contested ball in Colombia’s area, a center managed to reach the left pole, but Mr. Cuadrado was there to solve the situation. Aránguiz was perfectly positioned to intercept the ball scoring an easy goal. The Colombians are the slight favorites so far in this one. Unlike the US, they figured to have a legitimate chance at winning their semifinal game, but the ruthless nature Chile pounced on them and put the match away has to have a psychological effect.

The one excuse of course would be Alexis Sanchez and Chile, which have gotten better and better as this tournament has evolved. Jose Pedro Fuenzalida made a run and crossed into the box. That wasn’t necessary, but the long pause kills the Chileans momentum.

Colombia’s chances of a comeback were diminished when midfielder Carlos Sanchez was sent off in the 57th minute for his second yellow card of the match, leaving Los Cafeteros with 10 players for the duration of the match. If Jurgen Klinsmann uses the senior squad, they already proved it couldn’t play with Colombia. Maybe it was for good because bringing a weak defense against Argentina, a team that has been completely dominant, is the best way to lose horribly.

Last year’s finale saw Chile emerge as victors following a penalty shootout, but Argentina have made substantial improvements since then and are major favourites to take the first-place prize fund of $6.5 million (£4.4 million). Chile winning was fantastic and wonderful and all things sugar and spice, but the match itself was eminently forgettable except for a few glaring mistakes and miscues, like Gonzalo Higuain missing multiple game-winning sitters. The South American sides faced each other in their group stage openers at this Copa America, with Argentina prevailing 2-1.

The championship game is scheduled for Sunday at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, N.J.