Argentina v Bolivia 2011 Copa America Football Betting Odds, Tips & Preview – 01.07.11

July 1st, 2011 – Argentina v Bolivia 2011 Copa America football betting is the match gets the exciting Latin American tournament underway on July 1st. Argentina are hosting the twelve team tournament, and are looking to go one step better than the 2007 edition of the Copa America, where they lost in the final against rivals Brazil. After falling behind early in the match, Argentina never recovered and crumbled to a 3-0 defeat. But now the tournament is back on their home turf and they start the 2011 Copa America as favourites. They open their account against underdogs Bolivia. Argentina, for whom the focal point will be the Barcelona star Lionel Messi will try and throw all of their collective talented weight together as a team. They fell short at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and that was largely blamed on poor tactics from boss Diego Maradona. No-one has really figured out how to use Lionel Messi in the best role for his club, because they have not been able to produce a figure like Xavi who can pull all the strings from the midfield. Argentina are a supremely talented team and out of all the international teams in the world, are the ones who could probably stand alongside Spain in terms of attacking power. But the tactical problems look to have been solved by new boss Sergio Batista as he has employed Messi on the right of a three man attack, allowing him to cut in from the right.

Batista has been pushing his squad hard, making the players train a couple of times a day in preparation for the 2011 Copa America. They mean business here and there will be extra pressure upon them because they are in front of their home crowds. This is a big moment for Argentina to prove themselves and to get one over on their old rivals, Brazil. The two will be on a collision course to meet in the final should they both win their respective groups. They have a comfortable start, and with Colombia and Costa Rica to come in the group Argentina will be strong favourites to top the group. The top two in the group definitely qualify for the quarter finals, while the two best third places from the three groups. Argentina are trading well to win their group, clear front runners with a price of 2/9 at Bet365. Argentina have a good, comfortable start to their campaign and should be able to grow into the tournament. However the home fans will be passionate and hungry for more than just a comfortable ride. They want to see the very best of Argentina, with all of their stars aligned and Lionel Messi shining brightest. There is a more positive feel about Argentina at the 2011 Copa America, and with new coach Sergio Batista getting off to a blinding start with a 4-1 win over Spain, the stakes and hopes are high for Argentina. Look for a good win to get them off the mark against Bolivia.

Argentina v Bolivia 2011 Copa America betting

Argentina to win: 1/8 at BetFred
Draw: 7/1 at Stan James
Bolivia to win: 25/1 at Bet365

Argentina to win Group A: 2/9 at Bet365

Argentina to win 2011 Copa America outright: 11/10 at Totesport

2011 Copa America – Argentina – Schedule, Betting Tips & Results