Preview: Argentina’s Advantage Clear as Key Players Rest, Peru Aims to Overcome Losing Streak Against South American Giants

On June 30 at 8:00 AM, Argentina faces Peru in the third round of Group A fixtures at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

After defeating Chile, the world champion and defending Copa América titleholder Argentina became the first team to secure a spot in the knockout stage of this year’s tournament. Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martínez continued his impressive feat of contributing off the bench. Despite scoring only three goals in the first two group games, Argentina is the only team in the competition yet to concede a goal.

Sitting on six points, a draw against Peru will ensure Argentina finishes atop Group A for the first time since 2016, regardless of the outcomes of Canada and Chile’s matches. Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni is seemingly already looking ahead to the next phase, as Peru appears to pose little threat. Argentina has an impressive unbeaten streak against Peru in their last 16 encounters, with their last loss dating back to the 1997 Copa América. Since winning the World Cup, Argentina has only lost to Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers, remaining undefeated in all other contests.

As the underdog, Peru now faces the risk of exiting the group stage for the first time since 1995, having reached the final in 2019. After drawing 0-0 with Chile in the opening round, Peru succumbed to a defeat against Canada while playing a man down, leaving their Copa América campaign on thin ice.

To advance, Jorge Sampaoli’s side must not only beat Argentina but also hope for a draw between Canada and Chile. Scoring has been a scarcity for the 31st-ranked Peruvians, who failed to find the net in eight of their last 12 international fixtures and have been goalless in their previous four meetings with Argentina. The task at hand is daunting.

Scaloni has confirmed that he will rotate his starting lineup, giving opportunities to players who haven’t featured in the first two group games, with Lionel Messi, who felt some discomfort in his right thigh against Chile, among those likely to be rested. Palacios, Guido Rodríguez, and Garnacho are potential replacements.

On Peru’s end, Miguel Araujo’s red card against Canada rules him out, paving the way for Anderson Santamaría to potentially start. Captain Adán Balbín, 34, suffered an Achilles injury in the first half of the opening match and missed the Canada game, likely forcing Sampaoli to stick with Marcos López at left-back.

With Peru scoreless in its first two group matches, overcoming Argentina to secure progression seems like a tall order. While Scaloni talks about rotation, it’s hard to envision Peru triumphing in Florida. Argentina should possess the depth to win this encounter and clinch the top spot in Group A.

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