It’s been three years since the last Copa America, with Chile winning the tournament after beating Argentina in a penalty shootout. Exactly the same thing occurred a year previously to this when La Roja claimed a triumph on home soil, so they will be bidding for a third successive victory in the Copa America this summer.
The Chilean squad will arrive with a point to prove, having missed out on the 2018 World Cup, much to shock of many football fans. Reinaldo Rueda’s side will now look to show that they are still a football force in South America, with Alexis Sanchez looking to drive the team forward.
Sanchez has had a horrible season at Manchester United and looks keen to leave Old Trafford this summer, although we might see a different player once he pulls on his national jersey in Brazil. Chile are trading at odds of 10/1 to win the Copa America.
Can Anyone Stop Hosts Brazil?
For many, Brazil were the best team at the 2018 World Cup and their quarter final defeat against Belgium was fairly unjust, although Tite retains that squad of players for this summer tournament and home advantage should be a big deal this summer.
The bookies offer a best price 5/4 about the Brazilians winning their first Copa America since 2007, with the Samba Stars having won four out of five Copa Americas in that particular time period although they haven’t tasted victory in the past three renewals, nor have they even been among the top four teams.
Neymar will be missing after rupturing an ankle during a friendly against Qatar, although there are several other star turns including Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Fernandinho and Casemiro. There is also the perennial toss-up between Alisson and Ederson between the sticks, while Thiago Silva and Miranda are the veteran defenders likely to start at the back.
Argentina Likely to Need Messi Magic
Argentina were in a bit of a mess at the 2018 World Cup, even if they managed to emerge from their group before losing to eventual winners France. Defensively, they were a particular shambles although they will head to this tournament in high spirits under manager Lionel Scaloni.
In Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste will have the best player in the tournament, with the 31-year-old scoring a goal every two games for his country and the Barcelona maestro is key to his team’s chances of triumphing in Brazil.
Unibet offer as big as 7/2 about Argentina landing victory in this tournament and going one better than the previous two renewals. However, they might continue to be weak in defence and could be passed over in favour of other teams.
Uruguay Sure to Pack a Punch
Oscar Tabarez continues to lead La Celeste into battle and this fantastically competitive squad continue to be captained by Diego Godin, while he is joined by Atletico Madrid team-mate Jose Gimenez in central defence.
Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez are the exciting attackers in the team, while there are other star turns in the form of Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentacur and Federico Valverde.
The Uruguayans are trading at 7/1, while Chile and Colombia come next on the list at 8/1. It’s sure to be an exciting tournament, with Peru, Paraguay and Venezuela also among the main protagonists.