The Copa America begins in a few days and before we start posting our best bets we want to run through each team involved and give a quick synopsis of their squad and where we think they can go in the tournament
Brazil - Hosts
Squad Value: €950 Million.
Brazil were devasted to learn earlier this week that Neymar won’t be able to feature in this years Copa America. Although Brazil are stacked in terms of their quality in this squad. His absence is huge and should slightly hinder their chances of going all the way.
Squad
GK: Alisson – Ederson – Cássio.
Defence: Thiago Silva – Miranda – Marquinhos – Filipe Luís – Alex Sandro – Dani Alves – Éder Militão – Fagner.
Midfield: Casemiro – Arthur – Philippe Coutinho – Allan – Fernandinho – Lucas Paquetá.
Attack: David Neres – Gabriel Jesus – Everton – Roberto Firmino – Richarlison.
Management
Tite: 35 Matches – 80% win rate
History
Since the turn of the Millennium, Brazil have only won this competition twice, back in 2004 and 2007. In the last three tournaments Brazil haven’t even made it to the semi-finals so expect them to make amends in front of a home crowd this time around.
Odds
2.38 to win the Tournament Outright
1.66 to reach the Final
1.22 to win their Group
Prediction
I would be extremely surprised if Brazil doesn’t at least reach the Final. The way the draw has been made they most likely won’t meet a tough opponent until the Final.
Stage of Elimination: Winner
Argentina
Squad Value: €656 Million
Argentina will be eager to make amends for their humiliation in last years World Cup and the back to back defeats in the last two Copa America Finals. Things haven’t changed much in the lead up to this tournament but perhaps with the weight of expectation being so low, they’ll perform this time.
Squad
GK: Franco Armani Agustín Marchesín Esteban Andrada
Defence: Juan Foyth Nicolás Tagliafico Renzo Saravia Germán Pezzella Ramiro Funes Mori Milton Casco Nicolás Otamendi
Midfield: Leandro Paredes – Roberto Pereyra – Marcos Acuña – Ángel Di María – Guido Pizarro – Rodrigo De Paul – Guido Rodríguez – Giovani Lo Celso
Forwards: Sergio Agüero – Lionel Messi – Matías Suárez – Paulo Dybala – Lautaro Martínez
Management
Lionel Scaloni – 50% win rate (2 matches)
History
Argentina have a great record in this tournament having won it 14 times. With that being said it’s been 26 years since they last won the competition. Argentina have made the Final in the last 4 of the last 5 Copa America’s and lost each time.
Odds
5.00 to win the Tournament Outright
2.87 to reach the Final
1.75 to win their Group
Prediction
Argentina will likely have to get through Uruguay if they want to reach the Final this time around which won’t be easy. I have some concerns about their quality at GK, Defence and in Midfield. Unless Messi lights up the show it will be disappointment for Argentina once again.
Stage of elimination: Semi-Finals
Uruguay
Squad Value: €456 Million
Uruguay are always in contention no matter what the Tournament.
With this experienced group of players and Oscar Tabarez still at the helm, Uruguay can easily make a push to Semi-Finals or FInal in my opinion.
Squad
GK: Fernando Muslera – Martín Campaña – Martín Silva
Defence: José Giménez – Diego Godín – Giovanni González – Marcelo Saracchi – Diego Laxalt – Sebastián Coates – Martín Cáceres
Midfield: Matías Vecino – Rodrigo Bentancur – Nicolás Lodeiro – Nahitan Nández – Giorgian De Arrascaeta – Lucas Torreira -Federico Valverde – Gastón Pereiro
Attack: Luis Suárez – Edinson Cavani – Cristhian Stuani – Maxi Gómez – Jonathan Rodríguez
Management
Óscar Tabárez – 46.25% Win rate (147 matches)
History
Uruguay have won this competition more than any other country (15 times) Since the turn of the Millennium though they’ve only had success once and that was back in 2011. In the last two Copa America’s Uruguay disappointed massively failing to get past the quarterfinals on both occasions
Odds
9.00 to win the Tournament Outright
3.4 to reach the Final
2.15 to win their Group
Prediction
Uruguay are taking a strong squad with them to Brazil for this tournament and should have no issues winning their group and making it to at least the Semi-Finals or Final
Stage of elimination: Final
Colombia
Squad Value: €286 Million
Colombia are now under new management, the former Iranian Head Coach Carlos Queiroz has taken the reigns from José Pékerman and will be hoping he gets off to a good start in his first competitive outing. Queiroz has openly talked about needing to find the right squad and system so this might come too soon for Los Cafeteros
Squad
GK: David Ospina – Camilo Vargas – Álvaro Montero
Defence: Cristián Zapata – Stefan Medina – Santiago Arias – William Tesillo – Yerry Mina Cristian Borja – Jhon Lucumí – Davinson Sánchez
Midfield: Wílmar Barrios – Edwin Cardona – James Rodríguez – Juan Cuadrado – Mateus Uribe – Jefferson Lerma – Gustavo Cuéllar
Attack: Duván Zapata – Radamel Falcao – Luis Díaz – Luis Muriel -Roger Martínez
Management
Carlos Queiroz – 66.7% win rate (3 matches)
History
In the modern Era, Colombia have only had success once and that came when they hosted the tournament back in 2001. Since then they have made it to the semi-finals on two separate occasions 2004 and 2016
Odds
10.00 to win the Tournament Outright
4.5 to reach the Final
3.00 to win their Group
Prediction
If Colombia can get a favourable result against Argentina and win their group I see them having a decent chance to make it to the Semi-FInals, but making it any further would be a big ask in my opinion. Especially considering Queiroz will use this tournament to evaluate players and systems.
Stage of elimination: Semi-Final/Quarterfinal
Chile
Squad Value: €137 Million
Chile have won the last two Copa America’s but are pretty big underdogs to make it a 3rd and it’s easy to see why. Their squad is aging and star man Alexis Sanchez’ best days seem to be behind him.
Squad
GK: Gabriel Arias Brayan Cortés Yerko Urra
Defence: Gary Medel Gonzalo Jara Mauricio Isla Jean Beausejour Paulo Díaz Guillermo Maripán Óscar Opazo Igor Lichnovsky
Midfield: Arturo Vidal Charles Aránguiz José Pedro Fuenzalida Pablo Hernández Erick Pulgar Diego Valdés Esteban Pavez
Attack: Alexis Sánchez – Eduardo Vargas -Nicolás Castillo – Ángelo Sagal -Júnior Fernándes
Management
Reinaldo Rueda – 41.6% win rate (12 matches)
History
Chile have won the last two Copa America’s beating Argentina in the Final on both occasions. Prior to those win you have to go all the way back to 1987 for the last time they made it to a final
Odds
12.00 to win the Tournament Outright
4.00 to reach the Final
2.8 to win their Group
Prediction
Chile shouldn’t have trouble finishing at least 2nd in their Group behind Uruguay.
If they do manage that 2nd place finish they’ll likely set up a quarterfinal clash with Argentina which could prove a step too far for this group of aging veterans.
Stage of elimination: Quarterfinal
Peru
Squad Value: €62.5 Million
Peru shot up the FIFA rankings thanks to an impressive World Cup CONMEBOL qualification that seen them squeeze into the World Cup ahead of Chile. In Russia they gave a good account of themselves considering what they came up against and should be capable once again of grinding out some positive results.
Squad
GK: Pedro Gallese – Carlos Cáceda – Patricio Álvarez
Defence: Luis Abram – Aldo Corzo – Anderson Santamaría – Miguel Araujo – Miguel Trauco – Carlos Zambrano – Luis Advíncula – Alexander Callens
Midfield: Paolo Hurtado – Christian Cueva – Renato Tapia – Jesús Pretell – Yoshimar Yotún – Edison Flores – Christofer Gonzáles
Attack: Paolo Guerrero – Jefferson Farfán – Raúl Ruidíaz – Andy Polo – André Carrillo
Management
Ricardo Gareca – 43.4% win rate (53 matches)
History
Peru won the Tournament twice but their last victory was back int he 1970’s and their best recent run was back in 2015 when they finished in a very respectable 3rd place. It’s worth noting that they managed that 3rd place finish by only beating Venezuela, Bolivia and Paraguay.
Odds
21.00 to win the Tournament Outright
10.00 to reach the Final
9.00 to win their Group
Prediction
Being drawn in a group with Brazil pretty much means Peru will have to battle it out with Bolivia and Venezuela for 2nd/3rd place.
If they grab that 2nd place position a quarterfinal likely beckons with Colombia or Paraguay. With a bit of luck this side can make a push to the Semi’s but a quarterfinal exit is more likely.
Stage of elimination: Quarterfinals/Semifinal
Paraguay
Squad Value: €117 Million
Paraguay had their last good run in this Tournament back in 2015 when they finished ahead of Uruguay in the Group stages and knocked Brazil out on Penalties to reach the Semi-Final.
However, after a disappointing World Cup qualification campaign they’ll be looking for a better showing.
Squad
GK: Antony Silva – Junior Fernández – Alfredo Aguilar
Defence: Gustavo Gómez – Iván Piris – Bruno Valdez – Júnior Alonso – Fabián Balbuena Juan Escobar – Santiago Arzamendia – Iván Torres
Midfield: Richard Ortiz – Hernán Pérez – Juan Rodrigo Rojas – Miguel Almirón – Celso Ortiz – Matías Rojas
Forward: Óscar Cardozo – Óscar Romero – Derlis González – Federico Santander Cecilio Domínguez – Juan Iturbe
Management
Eduardo Berizzo – 0% win rate (2 matches)
History
Paraguay went well here in 2015 and 2011 reaching the quarterfinals and finals respectively. Outside of that you have to go back to 1989 for the last record of them reaching a semi-final or better.
Odds
34.00 to win the Tournament Outright
10.00 to reach the Final
15.00 to win their Group
Prediction
Group B is wide open with Argentina unpredictable and Colombia in transition. Providing they can pick up three points over Qatar they should be able to do enough to finish 2nd or 3rd and qualify for the later rounds.
With that being said they’ll want to avoid 3rd place here as that will likely set up a quarterfinal meeting with Brazil.
Stage of Elimination: Quarter-Finals
Venezuela
Squad Value: €57 Million
This Venezuela side is a bit of a darkhorse for many, they have a decent squad and on their day can trouble the best. Earlier in the year they upset the odds beating Argentina 3-1 on their home turf.
They will need more of the same if they’re to have a decent run this time round.
Squad
GK: Wuilker Faríñez – Joel Graterol – Rafael Romo
Defence: Mikel Villanueva – Yordan Osorio – Jhon Chancellor – Luis Mago – Roberto Rosales – Ronald Hernández – Rolf Feltscher
Midfield: Júnior Moreno – Yangel Herrera – Darwin Machís – Tomás Rincón Jefferson Savarino – Juan Pablo Añor – Luis Manuel Seijas – Jhon Murillo – Adalberto Peñaranda – Arquímedes Figuera
Attack: Fernando Aristeguieta – Josef Martínez – Salomón Rondón
Management
Rafael Dudamel – 24.1% win rate (29 games)
History
Venezuela’s best ever run was in 2011 when they made it to the Semi-finals, outside of that they’ve made to the quarterfinals a bunch of times and will probably hoping for at least the same here.
Odds
34.00 to win the Tournament Outright
15.00 to reach the Final
21.00 to win their Group
Prediction
Venezuela will have a tough time pushing Peru and Brazil in this group so qualifying as one of the best 3rd place teams is probably their best option at qualification. If they do manage to squeeze through as one of the best 3rd place teams Uruguay will be their likely opponent in the quarter-final
Stage of Elimination: Quarter Finals
Ecuador
Squad Value: €45 Million
Ecuador have rehired one of their former coaches, Hernán Gómez, some of you might remember him from the World Cup last summer when he was managing Panama.
His style of play isn’t pretty so we can expect Ecuador to play to the best of their abilities and attempt to grind our results as they attempt to reach the later rounds.
Squad
GK: Alexander Domínguez – Máximo Banguera – Pedro Ortíz
Defence: Gabriel Achilier – Arturo Mina – Cristian Ramírez – Robert Arboleda – Pedro Pablo Velasco – Beder Caicedo – Xavier Arreaga – José Quintero
Midfield: Antonio Valencia – Renato Ibarra Carlos Gruezo – Jefferson Orejuela – Ayrton Preciado Romario Ibarra – Jhegson Méndez – Jefferson Intriago – Andrés Chicaiza
Attack: Enner Valencia – Ángel Mena – Carlos Garcés
Management
Hernán Gómez – 44.4% win rate (9 matches)
History
Ecuador’s best ever run in the Copa America was back in 1993 when they hosted the event. For those of you that don’t know. Ecuador usually have a huge advantage playing at home in Quito because of the high altitude (+9,000 feet) so this being their only decent run isn’t surprising.
Odds
41.00 to win the Tournament Outright
15.00 to reach the Final
8.5 to win their Group
Prediction
Providing they can pick up 3 points over a weakened Japan side they may have a chance of qualifying as one of the 3rd best teams but I wouldn’t want to have any of my money running on Venezuela to even make it out of the group.
Stage of elimination: Group Stages/quarterfinals
Japan
Squad Value: €52 Million
The Samurai Blue will be coming into this tournament with an experimental squad. 18 of 23 man squad are 24 or younger and 17 of them have never been capped for the Senior squad.
After the World Cup Hajime Moriyasu took over at Japan and for the most part, they have played an attractive brand of football. If that can be replicated here with the youngsters remains to be seen.
Squad
GK: Eiji Kawashima -Ryosuke Kojima – Keisuke Osako
Defence: Takehiro Tomiyasu -Naomichi Ueda -Teruki Hara – Ko Itakura – Tomoki Iwata – Daiki Suga – Daiki Sugioka – Yugo Tatsuta
Midfield: Gaku Shibasaki – Shoya Nakajima – Hiroki Abe – Tatsuya Ito – Takefusa Kubo Taishi Matsumoto – Koji Miyoshi – Yuta Nakayama – Kota Watanabe
Attack: Shinji Okazaki – Ayase Ueda – Ayase Ueda
Management
Hajime Moriyasu – win rate 73.3% (11 matches)
History
This is Japan’s 2nd appearance at the Copa America, back in 1999 they made an appearance and finished bottom of their group winning none and conceding 8 goals.
Odds
51.00 to win the Tournament Outright
21.00 to reach the Final
19.00 to win their Group
Prediction
Japan are not taking their participation in this tournament seriously which such a weak squad being sent. Had they used a similar squad to the one used at the Asian Games and World Cup I would be a lot more interested in them but not with this squad.
Stage of elimination: Group Stages
Bolivia
Squad Value: €8.65 Million
Bolivia tends to be the biggest strugglers in CONMEBOL World Cup qualification and Copa America’s and that shouldn’t change this year. Away from La Paz, the Bolivians haven’t won a match since 2015 (vs Ecuador)
Squad
GK: Carlos Lampe Rubén Cordano Javier Rojas
Defence :Marvin Bejarano Diego Bejarano Luis Haquin Adrián Jusino Saúl Torres Mario Cuéllar José María Carrasco
Midfield: Alejandro Chumacero – Raúl Castro – Erwin Saavedra – Leonel Justiniano Samuel Galindo – Fernando Saucedo – Diego Wayar – Roberto Fernández – Paul Arano
Attack: Marcelo Martins – Gilbert Álvarez – Rodrigo Ramallo – Leonardo Vaca
Management
Eduardo Villegas – 0% win rate (4 matches)
History
Both times Bolivia have had success in this tournament (1963 and 1997) they hosted the event and had an altitude advantage. In the last 7 editions of the competition, they’ve only made it out of the group stages once..
Odds
67.00 to win the Tournament Outright
31.00 to reach the Final
36.00 to win their Group
Prediction
With a bit of luck they may be able to squeeze a 3rd placed finish. A lot will depend on whether or not they can take 3 points off Venezuela but even that looks unlikely
Stage of elimination: Group stages
Qatar
Squad Value: €17.5 Million
Qatar are coming into this after beating Japan in the Asian games earlier this year. The team is managed by Spaniard Félix Sánchez and their progress under him has been massive.
With that being said there will still be a huge gap in talent here and they should struggle to even score a single goal.
Unlike Japan, Qatar are taking this tournament seriously and have sent their strongest squad to Brazil.
Squad
GK: Saad Al Sheeb – Yousef Hassan – Mohammed Al-Bakri
Defence: Abdelkarim Hassan – Hamid Ismail – Ró-Ró – Al-Mahdi – Ali Mukhtar – Assim Madibo – Bassam Al-Rawi – Tarek Salman – Tameem Al-Muhaza
Midfield: Karim Boudiaf – Boualem Khoukhi – Abdulaziz Hate – Ali Afif – Ahmed Fatehi Salem Al-Hajri – Ahmed Moein – Abdullah Al-Ahrak
Attack: Hassan Al-Haydos – Akram Afif – Almoez Ali – Ahmed Alaaeldin
History
This is the first time Qatar have been invited to the Copa America
Odds
81.00 to win the Tournament Outright
36.00 to reach the Final
41.00 to win their Group
Prediction
Qatar can retain possession well and defend in an organized fashion but going forward against this level of opposition will be very difficult for them. Expect them to struggle to create many chances and ultimately go 0/3. This group with Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay is a step too far for this team.
Stage of Elimination: Group stages.
Copa America Betting Tips
Brazil to reach the Final @ 1.66 with Betfair/PaddyPower – 2.5 units
Uruguay to reach the Final @ 3.3 with Betfair/PaddyPower – 1.5 units
Top Goalscorer – Cavani @ 9.00 with Bet365 - 0.5 units
Top Goalscorer Suarez @ 9.00 with Bet365 - 0.5 units
This article was written by Neil Macdonald for www.bookieinsiders.com
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