Copa America: Colombia Aim to Confirm Quarterfinals Berth Versus Peru

Colombia vs Peru

Colombia are on the brink of securing their knockout phase spot here in the Copa America, but they’ll have to pass their upcoming test when Peru are set to take them on this weekend.

Reinaldo Rueda’s men have gathered four points in their first two fixtures, which puts them at solo second in Group A.

On the other hand, Ricardo Gareca’s side are fresh from a brutal beating against the Samba Boys last Friday night and they’ll be looking to bounce back with a positive result here in Goiania.

The SBOTOP betting odds have installed Colombia as the big favourites to win here in this contest, but they cannot afford to let their guard down even for a minute.

La Bianquirroja are an intriguing side who have yet to get their feet wet here in the competition, and they have the players who can give Los Cafeteros headaches on the pitch.

Nonetheless, this should be a fun matchup to look forward to, so let’s examine these countries’ chances here in our match preview.

Talking Points

Colombia need to establish killer instinct

Colombia are probably mad at themselves after botching their golden opportunity against Venezuela yesterday.

Los Cafeteros had all the advantage heading into the said match since La Vinotinto’s lineup has been ravaged by injuries and COVID-19.

Venezuela had at least 12 COVID-19 positive cases which put them at a major disadvantage, but that didn’t stop them from stealing a point over Colombia.

Colombia had 17 total shots at goal but they weren’t able to convert after a spectacular performance from Venezuelan keeper Wuilker Farinez.

It was a disappointing performance for Colombia and Reinaldo Rueda should go back to the drawing board in preparing for Peru.

With Luis Diaz out due to suspension, Rueda will continue to rely on Juan Cuadrado and Edwin Cardona on the wings while Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata should lead the attacking line.

The Atalanta duo have combined for 37 goals and 19 assists in Serie A this season and they are sure to be included in the Copa America 2021 highlights reel against the Peruvians.

Yerry Mina and Davinson Sanchez will link up again at central defence and they’ll be shielded by the midfield pair of Wilmar Barrios and Mateus Uribe.

Peru are down but not out

After a disappointing showing against Brazil, Peru have nowhere to go but up.

With Ecuador losing their opening game and Venezuela having only one point from their two games, Peru still have a chance to taking one of the top four spots which makes this upcoming fixture a must-win.

Peru aim to earn their first point in Copa America as they clash against Colombia — Peru’s Gianluca Lapadula fights for the ball against Brazil’s Neymar

Benevento top scorer Gianluca Lapadula was unable to establish himself in the first game and he should be aggressive in searching for goals alongside winger Christian Cueva.

Furthermore, Ricardo Gareca is likely to stick with Pedro Gallese at goal and he’ll be protected by the back four of Marcos Lopez, Christian Ramos, Luis Abram, and Aldo Corzo despite conceding four goals in the last time out.

History

Prior to Sunday, Colombia and Venezuela have squared off in 21 international contests.

Los Cafeteros hold the big edge with 11 victories, while La Bianquirroja only won twice along with eight stalemates.

When these two countries met in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers 15 days ago, Colombia outclassed Peru en route to a 3-0 win.

Yerry Mina, Mateus Uribe, and Luis Diaz all got into the scoresheet with one goal each, while Daniel Munoz and Miguel Trauco were both sent off via red cards.

Peru have yet to breach Colombia’s defence in their last three games. La Bianquirroja’s last score dates back to their 1-1 draw back in October 2017.

Betting Tip

	Colombia vs Peru	Colombia Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.71
	June 21, 08:00 (GMT+8)

Colombia are backed heavily to win by the Copa America 2021 odds since they have the stronger team on paper.

Los Cafeteros are pegged at 1.69 to win, while La Bianquirroja are priced at 4.60 and a draw is at 3.40.

A convincing victory over Peru presents an opportunity for Colombia to build momentum in the final eight, so it’s expected that they’ll be aiming for that result on Sunday.

With their place in the quarterfinals about to be sealed, Colombia will be keen to draw out more positive results to avoid dropping to the lower spots where they’ll figure in an unfavourable matchup against a higher-seeded team.

As for Peru, they are in dire need of a win and they’ll stop at nothing to get it.