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United States-Argentina: Copa America Semifinal Lineups, Match Details

This is not the lineup we were hoping for, but John Brooks and the US defense are ready for Argentina either way.

By Jake Catanese
Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

In the days leading up to today's semifinal, most of the talk was about Jurgen Klinsmann and his lineup for the United States. With three key players in Bobby Wood, Alejandro Bedoya and Jermaine Jones suspended, would the US head coach opt for youth or experience.

Experience wins the day again, as Graham Zusi, Kyle Beckerman and Chris Wondolowski, all MLS veterans, were summoned into the starting lineup for what will likely be the USA's biggest match of the calendar year.

In theory this lineup could be a diamond midfield or even a 4-1-3-2 with Beckerman holding and Dempsey/Wondo up top as partners or as a flat 4-4-2. Bobby Wood's hold up play and Zardes' off the ball runs as wingers have been positive elements in the Americans new 4-3-3 setup, but for tonight's game it appears Klinsmann has opted for a more defensive approach and left more creative and attack minded players like Darlington Nagbe and Christian Pulisic on the bench.

Fabian Johnson will remain on the backline though with DeAndre Yedlin back from his suspension in the quarterfinals it will be Fabian back on the left side for this game. The defensive unit has been incredibly strong all tournament but Argentina could be at a different level than even past opponents like Colombia and Ecuador.

ARGENTINA LINEUP

That is a monstrous lineup from Argentina and there's a reason they've been steamrolling through most teams in this tournament. While this game could be similar to the scoreline of Argentina's first group game, a 2-1 win over Chile, this is also the best team and absolutely the best defense Argentina have played since that initial match.

MATCH DETAILS

COPA AMERICA 2016 SEMIFINALS

USA vs. ARGENTINA

Where: NRG Stadium, Houston

Kickoff Time: 9:00 p.m. ET

Available TV: Fox Sports 1, Univision, and Univision Deportes

We'll have live commentary and updates throughout the match. Please note that in this round of the Copa America knockout stages there will not be extra time, if there is a draw after 90 minutes the match will go straight to PKs.

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