The last match of the second set of group games in the Copa America takes place in the one game of the tournament on Friday night as the title defence of Chile continues when they go up against Ecuador in Salvador.
Chile were emphatic winners in their opening match so they know they will be into the last eight with a win here and would only need to avoid defeat in their final game to win the group. Ecuador were heavily beaten in their first game and must get something from this to stay alive.
Ecuador
It was a night to forget for Ecuador in their opening match. They were in trouble long before Jose Quinteros was dismissed after 20 minutes and after he departed there was just no way the Ecuadorians could contain Uruguay. It is hard to say they need to put in a better display here because they were given no chance in that opening game really but they are under pressure to get something from this one.
It wasn’t just the loss which was damaging. It was the margin of it. Losing by four goals pretty much wipes them out of qualifying on goal difference so they are going to need to find at least four points from their next two outings. In order to do that they’ll have to tighten up at the back but they will have to take risks so they are going to have to ride their luck a little on the way now.
Chile
There are no such concerns for Chile however. Their 4-0 win over Japan has them fine on goal difference although they won’t be wanting to have to rely on that anytime soon. Chile were not in great touch going into that opening match of the tournament but if there is one thing we are seeing from them these days it is that they know how to peak when it matters.
The draw on Thursday night means that Chile are definitely through with a win here and if they do win the game they can even plot their route through the knockout stage if they so wish with this being the last of the groups to be completed. To get the win here they will be looking for a repeat of the performance they gave against Japan although that might not be easy to replicate.
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Team News
Ecuador will be without Jose Quinteros for this match as he serves his suspension for the red card he picked up in the defeat to Uruguay. You would think Ecuador are going to need to employ extra attack minded players in this outing.
You would think Chile will be unchanged for this encounter given the dominance in which they disposed of Japan in. There is no discernible reason for them to change anything unless there is an illness in the camp.
Betting
Heading into the tournament I had this down as the highest scoring group of the three and that is how it is prevailing. I expect that trend to continue here too because Ecuador need a result here and I certainly don’t see Chile tightening up and playing for a draw anytime soon so this should be a very open contest.
Given all that, I think the obvious bet here is over 2.5 goals. We’ve seen Chile show all their goalscoring potential and we’ve seen Ecuador’s weakness in defensive areas brutally exposed already. I would fancy those stories to be continued here but if they keep 11 on the pitch there is nothing to suggest that Ecuador won’t get some joy attacking Chile. Japan missed some great chances against them and you’d fancy Ecuador might put those away. I’ll take over 2.5 goals in this one.
Tips
WON – Back Over 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Bet365
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