Argentina and Paraguay have both made a good start to their Copa America Group A campaigns and have a recent history of close encounters. November’s draw in a Buenos Aires World Cup qualifier followed a stalemate in this tournament two years ago.
Chile can get the better of Bolivia when the pair meet at the Copa America less than two weeks after a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw between the sides. La Roja were impressive in holding Argentina to a 1-1 draw in their opening game of this tournament.
Colombia thrashed Venezuela 3-0 in an October World Cup qualifier and can record another victory when the teams meet at the Copa America. Duvan Zapata opened the scoring in October and a Luis Muriel brace meant the contest was effectively over before half-time.
Argentina beat Chile in the third-place play-off at the 2019 Copa America and can pick up where they left off to start of this summer’s tournament. La Albiceleste have not had much luck when it comes to lifting this trophy but invariably make it through to the latter stages.
Paraguay will see their Copa America opener against Bolivia as crucial to their chances of advancing through a tough group. Los Guaranies La Albirroja also have Argentina, Uruguay and Chile for company, with the top four qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Colombia will head into their Copa America North Zone opener with Ecuador gunning for revenge and we’re hoping for an open contest. Los Cafeteros were on the receiving end of a 6-1 hammering by the same opponents in a World Cup qualifier last November.
Brazil are the favourites to rule supreme on home soil yet again in the Copa America and can begin by brushing aside Venezuela. The Samba Boys ended a 12-year wait for a South American title in 2019 in their homeland, beating Peru 3-1 in the final.
Brazil have been cut to 5/4 in bwin’s Copa America winner odds after stepping in to stage this summer’s event at short notice. Original co-hosts Argentina had to be dropped due to a rapid rise in coronavirus infections while Colombia were earlier removed as a result of political unrest.
Chile remain on course to complete a historic hat-trick of Copa America triumphs and are fancied to edge out Peru in the semi-finals. La Roja lost 3-0 to Los Incas in an October friendly in Miami but have dominated recent head-to-head meetings between these teams in competitive contests.
Uruguay’s big guns have been firing at the Copa America and that makes them worthy favourites to see off a less-talented Peru outfit in the quarter-finals. Los Incas had their limitations cruelly exposed when thrashed 5-0 by Brazil in the last round of group-stage fixtures and will find it tough to recover.
Colombia lost to Chile in the 2016 Copa America semi-finals but appear to be playing well enough to gain revenge at the last-eight stage this time around. Bringing in Carlos Queiroz as manager has helped Los Cafeteros raise their game to a new level and his presence should be a boost in the knockout rounds.
Brazil will go into their Copa America quarter-final against Paraguay with a score to settle after losing out to the same opponents at this stage in 2011 and 2015. However, the Selecao have looked rock-solid on home turf this year, keeping three straight clean sheets during the group stage.
Venezuela have a good recent record against Argentina and we feel their Copa America quarter-final clash could go all the way to the wire. Since losing to La Albiceleste at this stage three years ago, La Vinotinto have secured two World Cup draws and won a March friendly 3-1 in Madrid.
Chile only need a draw against Uruguay to top Group C at the Copa America and are fancied to achieve that feat in Rio de Janeiro. The 2015 and 2016 champions again look fired up for this competition, with their energy and enthusiasm expected to be a match for La Celeste’s undoubted quality.