Kick-off: 0200, 07/07/2021
Stadium: Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha
TV: BBC Digital
Colombia are always hard to beat in big matches but Argentina have to be rated a form pick in their Copa America semi-final clash.
La Albiceleste cruised through the group stage and were the most impressive victors at the last-eight stage when crushing Ecuador 3-0.
Securing a long-overdue success in this competition seems to mean a lot to Lionel Messi and Co this summer.
We’re snapping up 7/10 for them to get the job done in normal time for our first Argentina vs Colombia prediction.
A Look At Argentina’s Betting Odds
Argentina last lifted this trophy way back in 1993 but appear doubly determined to end that barren run after being denied the chance to act as hosts.
They kicked off their Group A campaign with a solid draw against Chile before claiming 1-0 wins over Uruguay and Paraguay.
Qualification was already assured prior to facing Bolivia but La Albiceleste turned in a high-tempo display to prevail 4-1.
That was followed by another statement of intent in the quarter-finals, when Ecuador were brushed aside in classy fashion.
The incomparable Messi laid on assists for Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez before firing in a stoppage-time free-kick himself.
“It was a hard match, we know how difficult an opponent they can be, but the important thing is we’ve taken another step forward,” commented Messi.
“I’ve always said that individual prizes are secondary – we’re here for something else. We have an objective and we’re focused on that,” quotes BBC Sport.
Inter Milan forward Martinez appears to be growing in stature during this event, having helped the Nerazzurri to Serie A glory last term.
Looking at the Argentina vs Colombia odds, we like 23/10 for the 23-year-old to score in a win for his side.
A Look At Colombia’s Betting Odds
Colombia deserve plenty of credit for getting this far without star duo James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao.
Los Cafeteros started out in Group A with a 1-0 defeat of Ecuador before drawing 0-0 with Venezuela.
A 2-1 loss to Peru was disappointing but they were then unfortunate to concede deep into stoppage time when going down to Brazil by the same scoreline.
Most pundits expected Uruguay to prove too strong in the quarter-finals but Colombia battled hard for a 0-0 draw before former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina proved the hero in a penalty shoot-out.
Reinaldo Rueda will again set his team up to keep things tight and they could well be competitive for a while.
However, we fancy La Albiceleste to wear them down and 13/4 for Draw HT/Argentina FT completes our Argentina vs Colombia betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
ARGENTINA 3-0 Ecuador – De Paul, Martinez, Messi
Uruguay 0-0 COLOMBIA (2-4 on pens)
Head-to-head: Colombia 2-2 Argentina, Argentina 0-2 Colombia, Colombia 0-0 Argentina, Argentina 3-0 Colombia
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