For the teams that struggled at the World Cup this summer, the next 12-18 months are going to be a test of character. It takes national teams much longer than domestic clubs to get over a big disappointment because the players who have played are not together for very long. Argentina struggled at the World Cup and they have to show they are capable of bouncing back, while also heading into a time of great uncertainty over the next few years.

Colombia had a pretty good World Cup by their standards, going to the last 16 stage before losing out against England on penalties. That was good for them, and they will be looking to build on that experience and move forward now they are back in the more comfortable surroudings America. With the uncertainty surrounding Argentina and Brazil showing they are beatable, a good run from Colombia over the next few months would give them hope that a Copa America title was a possibility. First up though is a tough game against Argentina, where they have to show that they can mix it with the very best that South America has to offer.

Two Very Different World Cup Campaigns

This summer in Russia things couldn’t have been any further different for these two teams. Argentina went into the tournament as potential winners, with pressure on their backs and they failed to deliver, going out at the last 16 stage. Colombia on the other hand didn’t really have any pressure on them, but they did well in the group stages and went on to play England in the last 16, where they were beaten on penalties. Two teams, both knocked out in the last 16 but two very different stories.

While the disappointment with how Argentina played was felt all over the world, it was of course at its strongest in their home land, where fans were left disappointed, hurt and very underwhelmed with what happened in Russia. For a long time we have seen Argentina play with great creative flair, something that was seriously lacking in the four games we saw them play. Defensively they have never been outstanding, but always solid and that was something else that was missing from their team. It has to be said that they looked clueless at the back, and a variety of different errors throughout the tournament led to them being knocked out.

As far as the Colombians go, they delivered pretty much what was expected of them. They were never expected to challenge and beat the best in the world, but they are solid and capable of winning football games, something they did. We saw South American flair in abundance, but they were also very solid at the back, something they will have to continue with if they are to make a legitimate claim to win the next Copa America tournament. While the Colombians didn’t overachieve, they did what was expected of them and they now have something to build on and work with going forward.

Life Without Lionel Messi is Coming Soon

Argentina go into this game without Lionel Messi and some other big names as they have opted to rest them after playing at the World Cup. That could work in their favour though, with a whole host of youngsters involved in the team looking to leave a lasting impression and show that they deserve to be in line for a place in the team when everyone is fit and ready to play. This is a real chance for many young, up and coming players, and in a friendly it is often the team that wants it more that wins, rather than an automatic win for the team with the most skill, which bodes well for Argentina here.

One of the next generation of stars that is currently coming through will have to step forward and be the next Lionel Messi. Argentina know that by the time the next World Cup arrives, Messi will not be available for selection and someone else will have to fill his boots. The skill Messi has is pretty much irreplacable, but the way he grabs hold of the game and drives his Argentinian team forward is something that will need replacing.

The Messi era is by no means over just yet and I expect him to play on for another year or two, but Argentina have to be realistic and they have to look towards the future. It is easier said than done, but they have to find a new driving force to take them forward, and they need someone who will be ready for the 2022 World Cup, which is likely to be their first big tournament without Lionel Messi.

Many teams have had this problem in the past and it is going to be interesting to watch Argentina over the coming months and years to see how they replace not only the skill, but the character and drive of their current star man.

Colombia vs Argentina Betting Tips

Being played on a neutral pitch in America, there appears to be little to choose between these two teams. Neither of them are at full strength but if there is one thing we can use to differentiate between the teams then it is desire and a willingness to perform well and win. I think this gives Argentina the edge, they have a handful of youngsters who are going to play in this game, each one of them thinking they have a place in the national team for the next decade. They have to earn that place though, and it is friendly games like this where they will have the chance to shine, which is why I am backing Argentina to win this game, with their youngsters coming through and delivering the goods for them.

Colombia are not going to lay down and take this lightly though, they have quality in their line up and certainly have the ability to shock Argentina. I would have strongly fancied them playing at home where they are very good, but being away in America I think the Argentinian youngsters will just have enough about them to take the win.

This may only be a friendly, but Argentina will want to show their fans that they have a bright future, and the players taking part will also want to show that they can step up and leave the gap that will be left beind by Lionel Messi when he finally decides the time has come to retire from the international game.

In what should be a good game to watch, the edge here looks to be with Argentina.

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