Argentina Vs Colombia
Argentina Vs Colombia Wednesday 7 July, 2021 – 02:00
Copa America
Pick: Argentina to WIN
Odds: 31/40
Bookmaker: Bet365
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 5 July 2021)
Preview: The second Copa America final takes place at the Nacional Mane Garrincha stadium, in Brasilia, with Argentina hopeful of booking their place in yet another final. However, their last four opponents are none other than a Colombia side whom they have not managed to get the better off in their last three encounters.
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Table of Contents
Argentina – Resolute rearguard complementing Messi excellence?
La Albiceleste have only failed to reach the Copa America final in two of the past six editions. With Lionel Messi inspired and the defence near impregnable, there is a growing belief this team can go on to lift the trophy – most likely at the expense of Brazil – at the Maracana on 10 July. Before they can come face to face with their fierce rivals, though, they must first overcome an all too familiar nemesis.
A bruising quarter-final with Ecuador was ultimately settled by Lionel Messi who, with a couple of assists and another expertly executed free-kick in said 3-0 win, has now had a direct hand in more goals at this tournament than any other player, with four goals and four assists. That is twice that of next best, Neymar. But as remarkable as those numbers are, Argentina aren’t leaning so heavily on their talisman.
Much of the plaudits for their serene progress thus far will fall on Messi’s lap, and rightly so. However, three clean sheets and an average of 0.4 goals conceded per game underscores how difficult it is to score past a defence which has only been breached more than once in one of its last ten competitive matches. That was in a 2-2 draw with last four opponents Colombia, however, in a recent World Cup Qualifier.
Colombia – End of the road for limited Los Cafeteros?
Only one quarter-final tie failed to produce a single goal, and that, unsurprisingly, invovled Colombia, who edged out Uruguay on penalties. Reinaldo Rueda’s men weren’t lacking for endeavour, though, arguably shading the contest as a whole, but have struggled throughout to stick the ball in the net. That is now three goals from five tournament games – easily the lowest figure of those still remaining.
Next up is Argentina. A side with nearly four times as many goals thus far – albeit seven have come in their last two encounters with Bolivia and Ecuador. Meanwhile, Colombia are yet to notch more than once at these finals. Although they did at least stop the rut last time after back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Brazil and Peru – the two semi-finalists on the other side of the draw – during an underwhelming group stage.
Having played out an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Venezuela, it means Los Cafeteros have managed a solitary win – 1-0 versus Ecuador, the side Argentina scored three past in the previous round – in five attempts so far. Coach Rueda will take some comfort from the fact his team conceded in only two of those. Even more heartening, however, is their current three-game unbeaten run (W1 D2) against La Albiceleste.
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Argentina Vs Colombia Betting Advice
Lionel Messi consolidated his place atop the scoring charts with his fourth goal of the tournament in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Ecuador in the quarter-final, adding another sublime free-kick to his unprecedented collection. The scoreline itself probably flattered Lionel Scaloni’s men who have, however, now won four games on the spin since opening with a 1-1 draw with Chile.
Argentina Vs Colombia – Key Facts:
- These teams are meeting for the second time in 2021, after contesting a 2022 World Cup Qualifier in June which ended 2-2. With Colombia coming from 2-0 down at home.
- That recent encounter was the only one of the last seven encounters between these sides to feature both teams among the goals.
- Argentina have won all but one of their Copa America matches so far, compared with the one of Colombia. Three of La Albiceleste’s victories were ‘to nil’.
Whereas their opponents have that winning momentum, Colombia have rather stuttered through to the last four. Los Cafeteros needing penalties to see of Uruguay last time. Consequently, Reinaldo Rueda’s side haven’t won in four attempts, not since edging out Ecuador 1-0 on Matchday 1. Their recent record in this fixture is decent, though, with no loss in three (W1 D2).
Meanwhile, only one of the last seven meetings produced both teams scoring. Moreover, three of Argentina’s four tournament wins were to nil.
Best Betting Odds – Argentina Vs Colombia
Argentina – 31/40 (Betway)
Draw – 13/5 (Betfair)
Colombia – 9/2 (BetFred)
