Amid plenty of controversies, including the withdrawal of two hosts (Argentina and Colombia) and Coronavirus, the Copa America 2021 has kicked off with plenty of excitement.
Brazil is hosting the tournament for the second consecutive time. They are the defending champions and will hope to successfully defend it.
The 10 South American countries, traditionally, are all participating and have been drawn into two groups of five teams each. Australia and Qatar were originally invited, as is the norm. However, both countries had to pull out due to the date clashing with the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
The new format will see the best four teams qualify from each group to make a final eight. The eight teams will play knockout matches till the final.
This looks like the last chance salon for one of the best footballers ever, Lionel Messi and his Argentine team to win an international trophy.
With the competition set to span through the entire month, here are four well-analysed bet options to help punters earn great rewards on their bets.
Argentina To Concede In The Group Stages
Argentina is in group A alongside Bolivia, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay.
The Albiceleste have come very close to winning the holy grail, having made two of the last three finals. They have not won the continental trophy in 28 years.
While Lionel Scaloni appears to have some of the best talents at his disposal, his team has consistently been blighted by a lack of organisation.
They are on a 14-match unbeaten run. However, they have only won one of their last five matches, including two 1-1 draws against Chile.
Argentina will continue to rely on their captain, Messi for inspiration. The defence, however, continues to remain an easy target. The combination of Ezequiel Garay and Gabriel Otamendi has been anything but solid.
Scaloni’s men have conceded at least a goal in the four of their last five matches.
Seeing the quality of opponents Argentina is billed to face, it is therefore a smart option for punters to bet on them conceding in every group stage match.
Over 2.5 Goals In Matches Involving Brazil
The hosts have just one mission at this Copa America- to win and defend the title they won two years ago. If they defend it, it will be the first time since 2007.
They will be counting on the home support to see them over the line in the more difficult matches.
The Selecao have stayed unbeaten since 2019 and are the bookmakers’ favourites to win the competition. They have been drawn alongside Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela- a group where they are almost guaranteed to breeze through.
Tite will be counting on Brazil’s ‘Golden Boy’, Neymar to inspire the team. The former Gremio coach also possesses arguably the most fearsome attack-line on the continent with Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino.
Brazil has recorded five over 2.5 matches in its last 10 matches, including encounters against Venezuela and Peru at the Copa America.
This is certainly a must-have for punters interested in the South American tournament.
Uruguay To Keep A Clean Sheet
La Celeste are the most successful team at the Copa America, having won the title 14 times.
Oscar Tabarez’ side have been largely underwhelming in recent weeks. They have played out two goalless draws in their last two qualifiers. They are now in fourth place in the World Cup qualifiers.
Uruguay’s strength remain in defence with the experienced partnership of Diego Godin and Jose Jimenez. A pair with a combined 203 appearances.
Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez will also prove key in offence.
Uruguay plays its first match against Argentina. They have kept four clean sheets in their last five matches.
Over 1.5 Goals In Matches Involving Colombia
Colombia will be keen to impress after losing the rights to co-host this edition alongside Argentina.
La Tricolor have dropped in quality in recent years and will be without James Rodriguez.
Atalanta’s Murriel and Villarreal are the top forwards for Colombia with Yerry Minna in defence.
They are unbeaten in their last four, including a 1-0 win against Ecuador in their first game.
Colombia has recorded three over 1.5 matches in their last five matches. It is therefore a great option for punters.
