The second set of matches in Group C of the Copa America get underway on Thursday night where there is just the one game for us to enjoy. It sees a Uruguay side who were emphatic winners of their first match taking on a Japan team who left plenty to be desired.
Given that best third placed teams go through in this competition, a defeat for Japan wouldn’t be terminal but with third in the other two groups all having points it would leave them severely handicapped if they are beaten in Porto Alegre.
Uruguay
My pick to win this tournament before a ball was kicked in it were Uruguay and I saw nothing to change my opinion of that in the opening match, although how much we can truly judge them remains to be seen given that they were up against 10 men for large periods. One thing you can be when you have an advantage is ruthless and that is exactly what Oscar Tabarez’s charges were against Ecuador.
We can expect the sky blues to be tested more defensively as this tournament progresses and that might well come here as it goes, but you get the feeling they are kitted out to cope with that when it comes along. The fact the main two up front both bagged a goal each should serve the Uruguayans very well as the competition goes on so they are in a decent place.
Japan
We knew going into the tournament that Japan are looking to the future in this event. They host the Olympics next summer and winning that will soon become a priority for them but based on their loss to Chile in their first game they are going to have their work cut out to be competitive there, even allowing for home advantage at the Games. We do need to acknowledge that they were up against a good senior outfit but even so.
Actually, it could have been so different for them if they had taken their chances but the longer the match against Chile went on the more you got the feeling they knew they weren’t going to score and a rot in front of goal set in. They will need to offer more confidence in front of goal here because you would think they are going to have to find the net a few times if they are to come out on top.
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Team News
There are no reason for Uruguay to make any changes here. A win in this match will put them into the knockout stages so it might be that they get the job done in this one and then rest anyone who needs a break in their final game.
I got the feeling heading into the tournament that Japan would use their squad through the course of the tournament so we should expect some changes to be make for this encounter but which ones remain to be seen.
Betting
It is hard to see beyond Uruguay in this match. Japan are energetic and might look to have a go initially but we saw them wilt dramatically against Chile when they went behind and there is nothing to suggest a repeat of that can’t happen here. I thought Japan might have got some joy out of the Chilean defence but their finishing was terrible which doesn’t bode well here given that chances are likely to be more of a premium.
Uruguay looked very encouraging going forward against Ecuador and I don’t see this Japan side being any harder to break down, especially with the aggression of Suarez and Cavani as well as the flair and creativity of Nico Lodeiro. All things being equal I’m expecting another match where Uruguay run up the score to send them into the knockout stages with a match to spare. I’ll take them to cover the 1.5 goal handicap.
Tips
Back Uruguay (-1.5AH) to beat Japan for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with BetVictor
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