Argentina’s Otamendi back in the starting lineup
Nicolas Otamendi is set to be a key player for the Argentina national team in their final Copa America group stage match against Peru. The Benfica captain, who was a substitute in the opening match against Canada and was on the bench in the second match against Chile, will now return to the starting lineup.
Having already secured their spot in the quarter-finals, Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to give rest to some of the regular starters. This means that Otamendi is likely to pair up with Germán Pezzella from Betis in the central defense. Regular starters Cristián Romero and Lisandro Martínez are expected to be rested for this match.
In addition to Otamendi, another key player expected to make a return to the starting lineup is Di María. The experienced winger started in the match against Canada and came on as a substitute in the match against Chile. His presence in the lineup against Peru is expected to provide additional attacking threat and experience to the team.
With Otamendi back in the starting eleven alongside Pezzella, Argentina will be looking to maintain their strong defensive record in the tournament. The experienced defender brings leadership and experience to the backline, which will be crucial as they head into the knockout stages of the competition.
Overall, Otamendi’s return to the starting lineup is a positive sign for Argentina as they aim to finish the group stage on a high note and carry that momentum into the knockout phase of the Copa America.