International football returns to South America in June, when the 46th Copa America is hosted in the spiritual home of football…Brazil.
Some of the biggest names in world football, headed up by Lionel Messi and Neymar, will be on show as the best sides in the Americas are joined by two new entrants, all aiming to make the final on 7th July. Asian cup finalists Qatar (World Cup 2022 hosts) and Japan have been invited to take part for the first time, though neither is likely to feature at the top of the SBOBET odds!
These five teams will get plenty of backing though:
Brazil: World Ranking 3rd
The Selecao hosted the World Cup back in 2014 and they will hope to do better than their disastrous exit to Germany on that occasion. The early Copa America 2019 betting odds have installed the hosts as favourites, and Tite’s 23 man squad certainly seems to have the most depth.
With the best two goalkeepers in the Premier League, Manchester City’s Ederson and Liverpool’s Alisson, as the last line of defence, the outfield men can play with their customary exuberance. The creative muscle of Neymar, Phillipe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus will guarantee goals. And such is the quality at Tite’s disposal; there is no place for midfielder Fabinho or Lucas Moura, who has just completed his best season for Spurs.
The hosts kick off the tournament with a game against Bolivia on June 14th and should get off to a winning start.
Uruguay: World Ranking 6th
La Celeste could be without its main attacking threat, as Luis Suarez has undergone knee surgery which could keep him out of much of the competition; and that is a headache for head coach Oscar Tabarez. It may open the door for Cristhian Stuani, who scored 19 goals in La Liga for Girona, despite his team getting relegated.
Uruguay fans can have more certainly in its fabled centre back partnership though, as Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez can rekindle their Atletico Madrid form, while Juventus’ stylish 21 year old midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is also one to watch.
Argentina: World Ranking 11th
Lionel Messi will be part of an Argentina team trying to win its first Copa America title since 1993. The Barcelona talisman has broken record after record in La Liga this season, winning the Pichichi Trophy, with 36 goals, for the sixth time. The Copa America 2019 highlights are sure to be lit up by his mercurial talent and if he hits the heights of his Barcelona form, then Lionel Scaloni’s team could go all the way.
Sergio Aguero is back in the Argentina squad for the first time since the disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign in which he scored two goals in four games. The Manchester City striker has had another successful season in the Premier League, scoring 21 goals and making eight assists as the Sky Blues completed an historic domestic treble.
Scaloni has left out Inters’ troubled striker Mauro Icardi, but has given a place to his club mate Lautaro Martinez, while Juve’s Paulo Dybala has also made the cut.
Wing back Nicolas Tagliafico has had a superb season with Champions League surprise package Ajax and he will provide plenty of ammunition for the front men.
Colombia: World Ranking 12th
The 2001 champions could be a good outside bet, and head coach Carlos Querioz has kept his options open, naming a preliminary 40 man squad. Goalkeeper David Ospina has done a sound job at Napoli this season, while centre back Yerry Mina has been finding his feet at Everton. Spurs record signing, Davinson Sanchez could start at the back alongside Mina.
Attacking midfielder James Rodriguez is Columbia’s most creative player, while Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado will stretch opposing defences to the limit. And this could be a big competition for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata, second top scorer in Serie A with 22 goals.
Chile: World Ranking 15th
Chile failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but Reinaldo Rueda’s team is looking for a third Copa America success in a row. His team is characterised by a combination of steel and flair. Defensive midfielder Gary Medel could feature, and if he does there will be plenty of fleet footed attackers trying to avoid contact with the Besiktas hard man.
Barcelona’s Arturo Vidal won’t take any prisoners either, as he pulls the strings in midfield, and striker Alexis Sanchez will be desperate to impress. The Manchester United front man has had a wretched season at Old Trafford and is looking for pastures new. The Copa America is his ideal chance to get his career back on track.
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