The first set of matches in the Copa America concludes with a repeat of last year’s final as Argentina take on Chile in Group D in Santa Clara. Both sides are extremely likely to qualify from this group regardless of what happens here and with Panama and Bolivia to come it isn’t dressing it up too much to suggest this is a group decider even this early in the piece.
Chile won that final 12 months ago on penalties but they will be out to win a little more comfortably this time around. That defeat should act as all the motivation Argentina need so this should be fiercely competitive.
La Albiceleste go into this tournament as the overwhelming favourites to win it just as they did last year but as we saw both in this event 12 months ago and the World Cup the year prior to that, just because they are favourites doesn’t mean they will necessarily win it and you could argue having lost both those finals they might struggle to get over the line when it really counts.
In terms of attacking talent it could be argued that Argentina are the strongest side in the tournament but it might be defensively where they need to be counted and they have a largely inexperienced defence in this competition particularly if they pick up injuries.
The champions begin their title defence in the toughest match they could begin with but in many ways I’m sure they will be pleased to get this match out of the way and if they can get something from it then it would set them up for the remainder of the tournament.
Since winning the tournament the Chileans are under new management with Jorge Sampaoli being replaced by Juan Antonio Pizzi so we won’t be seeing the all out, aggressive attacking style that we saw from Chile both in the World Cup two years ago and in this tournament last year. A more conservative approach is adopted now.
Team news
Argentina are sweating over the fitness of Lionel Messi ahead of this match after the Barcelona star injured his back in a recent warm up match. He will be given as long as possible to be fit for the game by Gerardo Martino.
Chile rested a number of players for their most recent friendly which they lost to Mexico but the likes of Eduardo Vargas, Mauricio Isla and Claudio Bravo are among a bunch of star names expected to come into the side for this game.
Head to head
These two sides are regular foes. This will be the 88th time they have met in their histories so if they don’t know each other by now they never will! Argentina have won 58 of the previous 87 matches while there has been 22 draws which means that Chile have won just seven times including that penalties win last year.
Betting
I think this match will be a great spectacle and I’m expecting to see some goals in this match. I was going to be a little cautious about backing the overs in this match given the lack of goals we’ve seen in the tournament but Mexico and Uruguay brought the event to life on Sunday night and I’ve a feeling it might just ignite from here.
If we ignore last year’s final, which we can because it was a different kind of match – a) it was a final and b) the host nation were involved and desperate not to lose, then the last three meetings between these sides have seen more than 2.5 goals and I fancy we might be seeing more goals here.
Clearly the attacking units of both sides need no introductions here and we’ve seen in the past how the defences of both teams can be exploited and I certainly think that is even more the case here with some of the old guards beginning to change so at odds against I’m going to take goals in what should be a really good exhibition of football.
Tips
WON – Back Over 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 2.30 with Betfair
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