How to Bet on Matches in the Copa America Knockout Stage (Part II)

Argentina meeting Brazil in the semifinals would be the default scenario, however the Selecao will miss Neymar in their tough quarter-final against Paraguay.

Group A winner Chile could enjoy the benefits of the easier route in the knockout phase of the Copa America as Argentina, Brazil and Colombia all qualified to the other route. Therefore this section could bring even more exciting games, even though Brazil and Colombia will suffer, as Neymar was banned and Radamel Falcao has been chronically struggling after his ACL was torn last year.

• Brazil to overtime against Paraguay
• Argentina still favorites to win
• Pekerman has to fool Albiceleste

Los Cafeteros still have a gifted team with James Rodriguez in midfield to take on strong favorites Argentina, while Brazil have a handful of interchangeable attackers that could enable them to eliminate Paraguay. Anyone who bet on sports in the US could enjoy these games, and with an upset in the air, could also make a considerable fortune on it.

Do Brazil have any chance without Neymar?

After Neymar was red-carded at the end of Brazil’s 0–1 defeat against Colombia, the Barcelona star received a four-game ban which means that he is out of the tournament. The Selecao were lucky enough to start their experiment without their number one asset against Venezuela in the last round of the group stage and won 2–1. However, to unlock the defense of the undefeated Paraguay in their upcoming quarter-final will be a considerably tougher job.

In this fixture, La Albirroja have the potential to cause another upset after eliminating Brazil on penalties four years ago at the same stage of the Copa America. Players betting at online sportsbooks in the US should note that overtime is quite likely here. However advancing to the semis after 90 minutes of confident football would mean a boost for either side that would be certainly needed against Argentina in the semifinal. If Argentina reach the semis, of course…

Argentina to roll on

As Lionel Messi and his teammates are still favorites to win the tournament, it would be a surprise if they went out against Colombia. Los Cafeteros have been anything but convincing so far in the tournament with their biggest name, Radamel Falcao still struggling after his serious knee injury more than a year ago. The former world class striker’s personal tragedy could easily mean a tragedy for his nation if Jose Pekerman will not find a solution to utilize the limited skills of Falcao the best possible way, or opt to leave him out and set up a perfect plan to destroy the game of the Albiceleste.

That would be difficult as Argentina dropped points only in their first game when they eased out throwing away a two-goal lead against Paraguay. Though they hardly looked invincible, their performance was better in every match and as the group stage ended, Argentina retained their status as favorites to win the Copa America. Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain scored Argentina’s three goals, while Carlos Tevez is always there if an extra forward is needed and Angel di Maria returned to his best after having a disappointing first year at Manchester United.

With Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia controlling the midfield, it would be a hard night for Juan Caudrado and James to feed Falcao and Teofilo Gutierrez with balls. Pekerman has to choose whether trying to control the ball and take the game to Argentina’s half or to put men behind the ball to defend their box and try to catch the opponent on the break. With Falcao’s speed gone after his injury and with Pekerman’s philosophy preferring attacking football, the former option is more likely. However, he could easily fool anyone eventually, but anyway the clash between him and his former team could be the most exciting game in the quarter-finals.

As the tournament in general has been unfolding as it was expected before, players involved in digital gambling should consider picking Argentina or Chile for the winners of the tournaments. The hosts could enjoy the easiest route to the final, while Argentina have the strongest team in the field. A showdown between the two could certainly be a match to remember, something that the mobile betting audience would recall after years been passed.

Read more about how to bet on the Copa America here
You can find an extensive betting guide to the Copa America here