International Friendly: Colombia and Carlos Could Be Perfect Match

Colombia vs Panama

It’s been 18 long years since Colombia had something to celebrate in football terms.

Yes, they’ve had good players during much of that time.

Many SBOBET fans will raise a smile at the likes of Carlos Valderrama, Rene Higuita – master of the scorpion kick – Faustino Asprilla, Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez.

Yet, ahead of this international friendly, it’s the likes of the latter two upon whose shoulders expectations now fall as the country craves some tangible glory.

Talking Points

As they prepare to warm up for the Copa America in Brazil, a tournament they last won in 2001, their opponents next week should be the perfect visitors to create some international friendly 2019 highlights against.

Remember, these are minnows which England put six past at last summer’s World Cup. Although it did take Belgium a good while to wear them down in their opening match of the tournament.

The fact remains that they are not expected to create any footballing shocks, even in friendlies like this. Expectations have, arguably, already been surpassed for this generation of players.

Colombia, meanwhile, are expected to be serious contenders in the Copa after failing to progress beyond the last 16 in Russia last summer.

They are in a tough group alongside Argentina – runners-up last time – Paraguay and Qatar will not deter them, especially as they now have a manager in charge with a proven track record in the talented Carlos Queiroz – a coach with real pedigree.

Carlos Queiroz and his squad look to win this international friendly clash in order to gain momentum — International friendly 2019 betting odds back Colombia to defeat Panama

They also have some proven experience at the top level of club football. You only need to look at the likes of Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham Hotspur), Yerry Mina (Everton), Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) and the exciting talent of Duvan Zapata – after a highly successful season in Serie A with Atalanta – to show why they should be among the favourites. In addition to Rodriguez (a player linked with a summer move to Manchester United) and Falcao, his country’s all-time top goalscorer with 33 goals.

One man who won’t be in their squad is Rangers frontman Alfredo Morelos. He has been omitted, despite a fine season in front of goal.

Yet his reaction to his omission on social media, and the fact he was sent off five times during the 2018/19 campaign, will no doubt be factors which justified Quieroz’s decision as he looks for reliable strikers rather than players whose ill-discipline could prove costly.

Queiroz has much to consider in this match and a further friendly against Peru before his side meets Argentina in their tournament opener on June 15.

Panama will be on a high following a 1-1 draw with Brazil in their most recent outing, a friendly in Portugal where Adolfo Machado cancelled out Lucas Paqueta’s opener.

It was due to a heroic defensive effort led by goalkeeper Luis Mejia as it was the first time they had avoided defeat against the Selecao.

Can lightning strike twice or was it just a flash in the pan?

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History

Panama have actually beaten Colombia in two of their three most recent meetings.

However, you have to go back to 2005 for those victories.

A Luis Tejada goal won the CONCACAF Gold Cup clash (group stages) before the sides met again in the semi-finals a few weeks later.

Then a double from Ricardo Phillips and a Jorge Dely Valdes goal secured another victory.

Historically, though, Colombia have the edge with nine victories in their 13 meetings.

Their last meeting was a friendly in 2007 when Colombia triumphed 4-0 in Panama – Humberto Mendoza, Cesar Augusto Valoyes, Hugo Rodallega and Yulian Anchicothe marksmen.

Betting Tip

The international friendly 2019 betting odds lean heavily towards Colombia — that is hardly a surprise.1X2 odds back them @ 1.17. The draw is priced @ 6.00 and Panama @ 16.00.

Even First Half 1X2 offers low odds on a visitors’ triumph.

Colombia are available @ 1.54, Panama @ 9.50 and the draw @ 2.72.

	Colombia vs Panama	Asian Handicap Colombia -2.00 @ 2.00
	June 4, 06:00 (GMT+8)

You cannot expect it to be any different with Asian Handicap betting odds where Colombia -1.75 @ 1.72 and Colombia -2.00 @ 2.00 are offered.

For Panama, there is +1.75 @ 2.25 or +2.00 @ 1.92.

A repeat of their last meeting from 12 years ago – correct score 4-0 to Colombia –will tempt some @ 9.50, as will the prospect of goals: over 3.00 goals @ 2.17, total goal 2-3 @ 1.89, total goal 4-6 @ 2.66 and, something I rarely mention in my previews, total goal seven or over @ a whopping 28.00.

Although Panama may well have points to prove against their critics, I simply cannot see beyond a victory for Queiroz and his side.