USA vs. Argentina Women's Soccer: Key Players to Watch, Preview and Prediction

The USA women’s team must beat Argentina by a big score and hope China lose to Brazil to stand a chance of reaching the final of the 2014 Brasilia International Tournament.

Jillian Ellis’ team have picked up just one point from their opening two games so far after following up a 1-1 draw with China by losing 3-2 to Brazil.

Carli Lloyd, who has scored in both games to date, and Megan Rapinoe put the USA into an early 2-0 lead against Brazil, only for a Marta hat-trick to secure the hosts’ place in the final.

With China having thrashed Argentina 6-0 in their second game, the USA require a seven-goal swing to be able to meet Brazil in the final on Dec. 21.

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If not, they will meet Argentina again on the same date in the third-place playoff. Argentina have yet to score in the tournament after losing 4-0 to Brazil in their opening game.

USA One to Watch: Carli Lloyd

The attacking midfielder has already scored in both games in this tournament and has a habit of scoring goals in important matches.

Lloyd scored the winning goal in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games finals and has already netted 12 times in 2014 for the USA.

Blessed with a powerful shot and an ability to beat an opponent, Lloyd remains an integral member of the team as she approaches 200 caps.

Yet, in a recent piece for NBC SportsWorld, Jeff Kassouf wrote that "despite being arguably the top player on the U.S. women's national team, Carli Lloyd is still driven to silence the naysayers."

Argentina One to Watch: Maria Florencia

Argentina captain Maria Florencia will be trying to inspire her team to a first, and shock, win over their USA counterparts.

Florencia nearly netted in Argentina's match against China, but her second-half free-kick flew just over the crossbar.

She may not be the strongest physical presence in midfield for Argentina, but as a veteran of the 2007 World Cup and 2008 Olympic Games tournaments, Florencia has the experience to try to stem a likely tide of USA attacks.

Prediction: USA to win