- South American powers face off at the Maracanã Stadium
- Messi happy to swap golden boots for trophy for Argentina
- Brazil v Argentina could redeem a turbulent Copa América
- Tweet Bryan at @BryanAGraham or email him
XI Damian Martinez, Otamendi, Acuna, Montiel, Romero, De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso, Messi, Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez
Tonight’s match has been framed as the caliber of final that could redeem a disappointing tournament beset by organizational problems and public turmoil. This year’s Copa was initially due to be co-hosted by Colombia and Argentina, but those nations’ struggles with deadly street protests and coronavirus saw it controversially moved to Brazil in the final hour, where it’s been played in empty stadiums to a backdrop of health and social crises.
But the optimism of today’s run-up was disrupted by news reports that a number of the around 8,000 spectators who have been permitted to attend the match were caught bringing false Covid-19 tests to the stadium.
Rio de Janeiro city hall decided on Friday to allow 10% of the 78,000-seat stadium’s capacity at the final, with no ticket sales. Conmebol would have to issue accreditations to the guests and fulfill multiple recommendations.
Conmebol allowed Brazil’s and Argentina’s soccer bodies to invite up to 2,200 guests each. Many of those were gathering outside the ticket offices at the Maracanã for their accreditations and invitations with no regard to social distancing and hours before kick off.
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