Uruguay Vs Colombia
Uruguay Vs Colombia Saturday 3 July, 2021 – 23:00 (LIVE on BBC)
Copa America – Quarter-Finals
Pick: Uruguay to WIN
Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: Betfair
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 1 July 2021)
Preview: A potential semi-final rematch with Argentina, the only side to register a win over Uruguay at this year’s Copa America, will be the reward for La Celesta provided they overcome what has so far been a disappointing Colombia in Saturday’s last eight tie.
Copa America 2021 Betting at Betfair
Table of Contents
Uruguay – Oscar Tabarez’s men finally in the groove?
La Celeste were already assured of their place in the quarter-final line-up in advance of their final group match but knew defeat to Paraguay would have resulted in a much tougher draw, likely with reigning Copa America champions Brazil. Fortunately, that worst-case scenario was avoided thanks to a 1-0 win, courtesy of an Edinson Cavani penalty, that was a lot more comfortable than the scoreline suggested.
Nevertheless, this tournament hasn’t exactly been plain sailing for the experienced Oscar Tabarez and his well-trodden side. Uruguay were slow to get going initially. Stretching their winless run to five (D3 L2), with only one goal scored, with a 1-0 loss to Argentina and 1-1 draw with Chile. Before rallying to round off Group A with successive ‘to nil’ victories against Bolivia and Paraguay.
The 2-0 win over Bolivia was particularly pertinent. That’s because it was the only occasion across their previous sevens internationals in which they netted more than once, averaging a paltry 0.57 goals-per-game since recording a resounding 3-0 win against Colombia in a World Cup Qualifier last November. However, after consecutive clean sheets, it is now just two conceded in six games.
Colombia – creaking rearguard will prove their undoing?
Los Cafeteros topped their group at the last edition of the Copa America. This time around, however, they were forced to settle for third after a disappointing return of one win from four outings in Group B. That solitary triumph came in their opening game of the tournament. A narrow 1-0 success against a poor Ecuador side which, along with Venezuela, failed to register a single win during the group stage.
Speaking of Venezuela. La Vinotinto would finish bottom of the group but claimed one of their two points in a goalless stalemate with Colombia in Goiana. Successive 2-1 defeats followed, to Peru and reigning Copa America champions Brazil, leaving coach Reinauldo Rueda with plenty to ponder ahead of the knockouts. Particularly as his side boast just two wins in the last nine competitive matches (D3 L4).
There is no shortage of firepower within their ranks, explaining how they’ve only failed to score in one of four tournament games so far. Yet they haven’t netted more than once in any of their contests, which is a concern when taking into account their defensive vulnerability. Colombia conceded twice in each of their final two group games, and have now done so in six of their past nine internationals.
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Uruguay Vs Colombia Betting Advice
Neither has really come to the fore at this year’s Copa America. However, Uruguay (W2 D1 L1) will be the more satisfied with their performance so far. Oscar Tabarez’s men have only been beaten the one time, narrowly by Argentina no less, and while scoring goals remains an issue (4 in 4 games), keeping them out isn’t (2 conceded). Registering a clean sheet in each of their group stage wins against Bolivia and Paraguay.
Uruguay Vs Colombia – Key Facts:
- It was Uruguay who fared the better of the two teams during the group phase. La Celeste picking up seven points (W2 D1 L1) compared to the four of Colombia (W1 D1 L2).
- All four matches involving Uruguay at this year’s edition of Copa America contained Over 0.5 First Half Goals. However, all four produced Under 2.5 Goals in total, while only one saw both teams score.
- There was just one goal in Colombia‘s opening two matches but six across their final two, both of which saw Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score land.
The fact Uruguay secured both group stage victories in their final two encounters suggests the momentum is with them. Conversely, Colombia (W1 D1 L2) failed to beat any of Brazil, Peru or Venezuela following a 1-0 victory over an average Ecuador in their opening game of the tournament. Moreover, Los Cafeteros offer far less security at the back, conceding at least twice in six of their previous nine internationals.
Best Betting Odds – Uruguay Vs Colombia
Uruguay – 7/5 (Betfair)
Draw – 2/1 (Betway)
Colombia – 23/10 (PaddyPower)
