The two South American giants square off in the Copa America Semi Final as hosts Brazil take on their fierce rivals Argentina!
So far in this tournament, despite reaching the Semis neither team have really shown consistent great play. Brazil have won 2 games but also drawn 2 and were close to being eliminated when they were taken to penalties by Paraguay in the last round. Brazil have been up and down going forward scoring 3, 0, 5 and then 0 again but defensively they have been rock solid keeping 4 clean sheets from 4.
Argentina’s performances have been improving as the tournament has been going on they went from losing to Colombia and drawing with Paraguay to eventually winning back to back games against Qatar and then Venezuela winning both 2-0. They haven’t hit the crazy good heights going forward either despite all the talent, but defensively they’ve been pretty good.
Look at home form, Brazil have not lost a home game since that disastrous trashing by Germany in the 2014 World Cup. Whether it’s friendlies, WC Qualifiers or Copa America, Brazil have not tasted a defeat in front of their fans for 5 years now. Excluding friendlies, their record in competitive matches at home since the 2014 World Cup is 10W 3D 0L all coming against South American sides. Pure dominance.
During this decade, these teams have faced off 11 times although 9 of those games did end up being friendlies. The 2 competitive games though happened during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers and Brazil were able to get the best of Argentina drawing them away 1-1 and them destroying them at home 3-0. Brazil have not lost to Argentina at home in competitive matches during this century yet winning 3 of the 4 with the other being a draw and Brazil have won each of the past 3 Copa America ties with Argentina.
Player to watch for Brazil is Coutinho. Without Neymar, he has stepped up for them and delivered so far like a star player is supposed to. Coutinho has 2 goals and 1 assist in this tournament so far and Brazil will require a big game from their main man in this tournament. Everton is another player to watch out for as he’s been in fantastic form also with 2 goals and 1 assist in the tournament.
For Argentina, Lionel Messi is of course the man to watch though he hasn’t had the best tournament with just 1 goal, this is the type of game where Argentina will desperately need him to show up. Also don’t rule out Lautaro Martinez to have a big game as he’s delivered in the last 2 games with a goal each to help Argentina progress.
Brazil are bookies favourites to win this match offered at 1.85 to win in 90 minutes whereas Argentina to win is 4.60 while Draw is priced at 3.40. Brazil are 1.40 to advance, Argentina are 2.80 to advance. Odds based on Unibet.
Team News
Brazil: Casemiro returns into the Brazil side after being suspended for the Quarter Final and will likely start.
Argentina: Nothing new to report, expect a similar set up to the last couple of games where Argentina have had success.
Betting Stats (Over/Void/Under, Win/Void/Loss Formats)
Brazil have covered 50% of their total goal overs in the tournament (2-0-2).
Brazil have covered 25% of their total 1st half goal overs in the tournament (1-0-3)
Brazil average 1.75 bookings per game in the tournament (7 bookings in 4 games).
Brazil have covered 50% of their Handicaps in the tournament (2-0-2).
Brazil have covered 25% of their Handicaps in the tournament (1-0-3).
Argentina have covered 0% of their total goal overs in the tournament (0-0-4).
Argentina have covered 0% of their total 1st half goal overs in the tournament (0-2-2).
Argentina average 2.5 bookings per game in the tournament (10 bookings in 4 games).
Argentina have covered 50% of their Handicaps in the tournament (2-0-2).
Argentina have covered 50% of their 1st half Handicaps in the tournament (2-1-1).
KICK OFF – 3rd July 2019 – 1:30am UK Time
