Canada's players will approach their Copa America semifinal against Argentina feeling like they have everything to gain and nothing to lose, head coach Jesse Marsch said on Monday.

Playing in the Copa America for the first time, Canada was given little chance of progressing to the knockout phase before the tournament began.

But a series of impressive performances in the group stage followed by a penalty shootout victory over Venezuela in the quarterfinals mean Les Rouges are just one victory away from a place in the final.

"What an incredible opportunity to continue to show further growth," Marsch said ahead of Tuesday's match in New Jersey. "It's not about how we can beat Argentina as much as how we can honor our development path, and where are we trying to go and test ourselves at a very high level."

The teams have already met in this tournament, when Canada troubled the world champions early before the falling to a 2-0 defeat in the group stage.

Marsch was encouraged by his team's performance in that match and believes the experience will hold his players in good stead.

"Argentina is the best team in the world," he said. "You can see how aggressive and sharp they are, and how good Messi is. There are things we did well when we played against them. I think knowing their level and quality will be an advantage for us," he added.

The winner of the duel at MetLife Stadium will meet either Colombia or Uruguay in the final.

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