Preview: U.S. faces colossal test vs. Argentina in Copa America semifinals

The United States Men's National Team delivered one of its best performances in recent memory last Thursday at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, ousting Ecuador 2-1 in the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals to stir up national fervor as the tournament draws to a close.

Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann stated before the prestigious competition began that the United States' objective was to reach the semifinal stage. The goal may have seemed ambitious at the time, especially after his team opened Copa America with a lethargic 2-0 setback to Colombia on June 3.
Fast forward two and a half weeks, and the U.S. MNT is rolling with a palpable sense of belief ahead of its biggest test since the 2014 World Cup and its biggest game on home soil since the 1994 World Cup. The reward for its second all-time appearance in the Copa America semifinals? A match against the world's No. 1 team and the world's best player.
Lionel Messi and Argentina will meet the U.S. MNT in the Copa America Centenario semifinals on Tuesday at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. CT on FS1, Univsion and Univision Deportes, and Kansas City supporters are invited to the official watch party at No Other Pub in the Power & Light District. No Other Pub will continue its Copa America special for the duration of the tournament, offering a complimentary appetizer to all who sign up and order any beer pitcher.

• Daily Special: Make No Other Pub your home for Copa America

Two Sporting Kansas City players featured in last week's triumph against Ecuador. Winger Graham Zusi came off the bench for the fourth successive game, while defender Matt Besler made his tournament debut with a 90-minute outing at left back. With key suspensions to Jermaine Jones, Alejandro Bedoya and Bobby Wood, Besler and Zusi are both in contention to start against Argentina. The duo are well accustomed to the global spotlight, having played every game at the 2014 World Cup.

The U.S. has progressed to its first Copa America semifinal since 1995 thanks in part to the strong center back partnership forged between John Brooks and Geoff Cameron. An Ecuador strike in the 74th minute was the Americans' first goal allowed from the run of play all tournament, snapping a run of 343 minutes. Another vital cog has been goalkeeper Brad Guzan, whose seven saves against Peru on June 11 ensured the U.S. progression to the knockout stage.

Up top, seasoned veteran Clint Dempsey is making a legitimate case for the Golden Ball award, given to the tournament's best player. The 33-year-old ranks third with three goals in the competition and is tied for the lead with three assists. Dempsey has played a part in six of the Yanks' seven goals at Copa America, including a goal and an assist in the quarterfinal victory before his home fans in Seattle.

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Messi headlines FIFA's top-ranked team, but Argentina is far from a one-man show. An embarrassment of attacking riches could see manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino choose from any combination of several gifted players, including Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Erik Lamela and Angel Di Maria. All have bagged at least once this tournament for an Argentina side that has outscored opponents 14-2 en route to four straight wins.
La Albiceleste have caught fire over their last three games in particular, hammering Panama (5-0), Bolivia (3-0) and Venezuela (4-1) in ruthless fashion. Argentina is a two-time Copa America champion but hasn't won the title since 1993. Martino's men advanced to the final in 2015 but fell to Chile in a penalty shootout.
The U.S. is 2-6-2 all-time against Argentina, earning draws in the two most recent meetings in 2008 and 2011. Should Tuesday's contest finish tied after 90 minutes, there will be no extra time and a penalty shootout will decide the victor.
Copa America Centenario's other semifinal pits Colombia against Chile at 7p.m. CT Wednesday at Soldier Field in Chicago. The semifinal winners will meet in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium near New York City. The Third Place match will be played Saturday in Glendale, Arizona.

Click here for the full Copa America Centenario schedule and results as four remaining nations battle for the coveted championship.

COPA AMERICA CENTENARIO SCHEDULE