Argentina vs Bolivia

Argentina will be looking to cement a top place in Copa America 2021 Group A when they lock horns with CONMEBOL’s lowest-ranked nation Bolivia at the Arena Pantanal.

Regardless of the outcome of this clash, Bolivia will exit the Copa America group stage for the eighth time in their last nine tournament appearances and third in a row. The Bolivians have lost each of their opening three Group A fixtures and remain the only nation at Copa America 2021 yet to pick up a single point. Additionally, except for Erwin Saavedra’s spot-kick strike in a 3-1 loss to Paraguay on Matchday 1, ‘La Verde’ have produced just seven attempts on goal across their first three group stage matches, failing to convert any of them. With only pride left to play for, Bolivia will at least try to defy their disappointing Copa America H2H record against Argentina, which has seen them fail to win any of their six meetings at the tournament since 1979 (D2, L4).

On the other hand, the Argentineans have put together identical 1-0 wins over Uruguay and Paraguay following a 1-1 draw with Chile in their Group A curtain-raiser to ensure a top-two finish. However, Argentina will be looking to claim a top spot to avoid the risk of facing bitter rivals Brazil before the final. ‘La Albiceleste’ do not have to look beyond their impressive recent form for inspiration as they take the field undefeated in their last 16 internationals (W9, D7). Worryingly, though, Argentina attempted just eight shots against Paraguay on Matchday 3, their joint-lowest under current boss Lionel Scaloni. Curiously, each of their three goals at the Copa America 2021 so far has come within 33 minutes, with 11 of their last 12 international strikes coming before half-time.