Brazil v Argentina is a final that could redeem a disappointing Copa América

09-Jul-2021 07:00:41 | The Guardian

The tournament has been let down by its odd format and lack of fans, but the final at the Maracanã could be one for the ages

By Tom Sanderson for Yellow and Green Football

The Copa América has been beset by organisational problems and played in empty stadiums to a backdrop of health, social and public turmoil, but at least it has the best possible grand finale. Hosts Brazil beat Peru 1-0 on Monday, and their neighbours and foes, Argentina, beat Colombia on penalties on Wednesday, setting up a Brazil v Argentina final at the Maracanã on Saturday night. For the first time since 2007, the continent’s two greatest rivals will meet in the final of the world’s oldest international tournament.

Suddenly the planet is interested in the 2021 Copa América, even if Conmebol dropped a major clanger by holding the final when most Europeans will be asleep. The tournament has not exactly set viewing records in Brazil, with the odd format hardly helping – there were 20 games in the group stage to eliminate just two teams before the quarter-finals. Brazil’s opening game – a 3–0 win over Venezuela – was trounced in the ratings by the standard Sunday night variety shows.