URUGUAY v JAPAN
Copa America
Thursday 20th June 2019
Kickoff: 2000hrs
Pick: Uruguay AH-1.5
Bookmaker: Marathonbet
Odds: 1.63 (odds taken at 20:42 GMT, 19 June 2019)
Copa America action continues on Thursday night with the second round of matches in Group C with Uruguay taking on Japan as the betting tips continue at the Arena do Grêmio.
Uruguay Prediction – Can Uruguay move clear at top?
Uruguay recorded a resounding 4-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening match in Group C which has placed the group favourites top of the pile.
That emphatic win became Uruguay’s fourth win on the trot in all competitions and they’re now one of the favourites to lift the Copa America trophy this year.
Recent wins over Uzbekistan 3-0, Thailand 4-0 and Panama 3-0 have been equally impressive and convincing, whilst also keeping clean sheets.
14 goals in their last 4 matches has been a fantastic return for Uruguay manager, Oscar Tabarez, who continues bravely on in his position as coach for the national team despite battling Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Results away from home prior to this year’s Copa America haven’t been so convincing though as Uruguay have won just 1 of their last 5 matches on the road.
That win came in the aforementioned victory in Thailand, but they’d previously suffered defeats at South Korea, tonight’s opponents, Japan, as well as Brazil and France.
Recent results though have brought about a resurgence as well as seeing a rise in confidence levels amongst the Uruguayan camp.
Japan Prediction – Can Japan spring a surprise here?
Japan found themselves on the end of a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Chile in their opening match in Group C which has put them firmly on the back foot.
The margin of defeat surprised a lot of people though as Japan were expected to at least give a good account of themselves, and they face a mountain to climb here.
The new invitees to this year’s Copa America produced some encouraging results prior to the tournament as the Blue Samurai had put together a 3-match run without defeat.
Wins over Bolivia and El Salvador, 1-0 and 2-0 respectively, along with a 0-0 draw with Trinidad & Tobago gave the Japanese reason for cautious optimism ahead of this tournament.
However, the heavy defeat to Chile underlined and emphasised Japan’s problems in scoring goals against quality opposition, and their task isn’t made any easier on Thursday night.
Results away from home though may just give Japan hope of getting something from this clash as they’ve won 4 of their last 5 matches away from home in all competitions.
A 2-1 win over Colombia in the World Cup was followed by 3 wins on the trot against Oman 1-0, Vietnam 1-0 and a 3-0 win over Iran – the latter three results being in the recent Asian Cup.
Key-Facts – Uruguay v Japan
- Uruguay have won their last 4 matches on the trot in all competitions
- Uruguay have scored a total of 14 goals in their last 4 matches
- Japan have won 4 of their last 5 matches away from home in all competitions
Betting Tips Verdict
Uruguay should win this at a canter and should also cover the asian handicap line with ease too.
