Once again we have a double header in the Copa America on Wednesday night and it is the turn of Group B to be back in the spotlight. Colombia assumed control of the section in the first round of games and they will be looking to qualify for the knockout stages when they face Qatar in Sao Paulo in the first of the two matches.
Qatar themselves can put themselves into the knockout stages if they can find a win from this match and given that they face Argentina in their last one they probably need to pick up all three points so this should be full of competitiveness.
Colombia
There was a whole lot to like about Colombia in their opening match, not just the victory. They controlled the pace of the game throughout, attacking in numbers but defending stoutly and other than a few long range efforts, David Ospina wasn’t really tested which will have pleased Carlos Quieroz. A repeat of that performance is exactly what is desired in this contest.
I will be an interested observer here because generally Quieroz likes to set his sides up to play on the counter attack but in a match where they are expected to dominate and win with a bit in hand, it remains to be seen whether they can be set out to get on the front foot and dominate in the opposition half. There is no doubt they have the players to do that it is just whether they have the tactical approach.
Qatar
It originally looked like Qatar were going to be out of their depth in their first match of this tournament when they went 2-0 down to Paraguay without really ever landing a blow, but to their eternal credit the way they came back and got a point from the match, and were still looking to win was very encouraging. It was the sign of a confident side, one who is used to winning and that can never be a bad thing.
If they can start this game a bit better they will believe there is every chance that they can win this match. They look enterprising going forward but there does appear to be a vulnerability in defence which is something they are going to have to address if they want to go deep in this tournament. They don’t have a whole lot of lose having already banked the Asia Cup this year so they can attack this game.
Team News
Roger Martinez and Duvan Zapata both came off the bench against Argentina to find the back of the net and they will be pushing for starts in this one. Falcao could sit this one out if Colombia feel he needs to be rested at this stage.
Qatar have no huge need to change anything from their comeback draw against Paraguay. Almoez Ali began the tournament expected to be one of their most dangerous players and justified that with their first goal on Sunday.
Betting
This is another match in this tournament where I’m expecting to see goals and with that in mind I think the 4/5 on over 2.5 goals in this match is a good looking way to play the game. We saw the danger Colombia have when they went forward on Saturday night and they should enjoy even more freedom in the attacking areas here where their key players can do some damage.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Colombia cover this line on their own because even if their first choice players don’t deliver the goods their bench strength will be strong but each time I’ve seen Qatar the only way they can play is look to get forward to cover up the defensive weaknesses that they have. Whoever gets the goals I fancy over 2.5 of them in this one.
Tips
Back Over 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Betfair
Back it here: