The second Copa America quarter final on Friday night sees the defending champions Chile looking to book their spot in another semi-final of the South American showpiece when they take on a strong looking Colombia side in Sao Paulo.
Colombia won a group that included Argentina courtesy of winning all three of their matches without the concession of a single goal so they look in a good position to take it to a Chile side who lost to Uruguay in their final group game.
Colombia
The most impressive team at this tournament so far have been Colombia and they will hope that they can recreate the quality of their performances to date when they take part in knockout football. Colombia have looked defensively resolute thus far, and unlike some in the tournament they have been tested in that department but have yet to be breached at any stage in the competition.
What I have been impressed with is the dynamic way that they have attacked despite their organisation in defensive areas. They have some potent forwards who have capitalised on their opportunities and some creative players who have delivered the goods when it comes to offering up the supply line. A lot can change in the knockout stages but Colombia need to do nothing different from what they have been to have a real shot at this.
Chile
The title defence of the Chileans all looked to be going to plan. After two matches they had won them both with relative ease and needed only a draw in their final match to set up a crunch clash with Peru in the quarter final. They lost that though so they are going to have to reach the semi-final the much harder way as they bid to hold on to the trophy for as long as possible.
Chile have shown no problems when it has come to finding the back of the net in this tournament but they have looked a little exposed defensively at times, which could be the root of some concern for them in this match. Even when they have had periods of not conceding they have had to ride their luck so they will need a better defensive performance here if they are going to save themselves a tough night.
Get a 10% bonus on your winning acca if it has 4 legs or more when you bet with Coral! Perfect for the football accas! Click the image above to bet. 18+ T&Cs apply
Team News
Colombia are set to remain without the services of Luis Muriel, who was injured earlier in the tournament so the only decision Carlos Queiroz may have to make is whether Falcao leads the line or that job is given to Duvan Zapata.
Chile have a massive doubt over former Cardiff City man Gary Medel. He picked up an injury against Uruguay and it is not yet clear if he is fit to feature in this match. Alexis Sanchez will be called upon for a big performance.
Betting
Although Chile have a wonderful record in the knockout stages of this event it is Colombia that I like here. I almost backed them outright before the tournament began and am kind of regretting not doing that now but I have already coined it in on them winning their group, and I fancy I might be able to do likewise here.
While I accept knockout football is a different beast, Colombia have shown a verve in front of goal which is needed and a real defensive tightness and it is the latter part that could be decisive here. I say that not because this will necessarily be a tight match but because Chile are not as solid at the back and that is the area of the match I expect Colombia to have the joy in. This should be a quality encounter but I like Colombia to win however it is knockout football so I’ll take the draw cover on offer.
Tips
HALF LOSS – Back Colombia (-0.25AH) to beat Chile for a 4/10 stake at 1.90 with BetVictor
Back them here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2019
