The final game of what should be a wonderful triple header exhibition of football in the Copa America on Saturday night and Sunday morning sees the first all-South American battle of the tournament as Brazil meet Ecuador in Group B.
These two are the heavy favourites to come through in this group and the winners here will believe they have what it takes to go on and win the group and in theory pick up a nicer draw in the quarter finals. Given how solid both sides are they can both have a go here which should make for a good game.
Brazil
This isn’t the strongest Brazil side known to man it has to be said. Some of their bigger players have been saved for the Olympics which takes place in their own country so that is fair enough but it gives the chance for some of the lesser known players to shine.
Brazil’s record in this tournament is pretty good having won it eight times but they haven’t won it since 2007 and that will be a concern. Dunga will need to go close either here or at the Olympics if he takes charge there else he will be under some real pressure.
Ecuador
‘La Tri’ has begun their World Cup qualifying campaign really strongly and they should cruise through to book their place in Russia from here and that should hopefully have given them the confidence to have a real go at this tournament.
Historically they have been known as very good at home with the altitude but found wanting when they go away on their travels but that is no longer the case. Already in that qualifying campaign they have been to Buenos Aires and won and mugs don’t do that.
Team news
Neymar isn’t the only big name missing this tournament for Brazil. Kaka has recently been ruled out through injury while there is no Rafinha, Roberto Firmino, Oscar, Douglas Costa or Marcelo in the squad either so Brazil miss a lot of talent here.
They’re not the only ones with big name absences as Felipe Caicedo misses the tournament through injury for Ecuador. That isn’t ideal. Segundo Castillo surprisingly didn’t make the cut but both Enner and Luis Antonio Valencia did.
Betting
This should be a good game to watch because the natural instinct of them both is to attack and that always makes for good football. Both sides have the potential to be exposed defensively but both have the pace and trickery needed to open sides up.
With Brazil missing the players they are you can easily make the case that Ecuador are decent value here and I certainly wouldn’t disagree but having backed them outright I don’t really need to back them again here.
Instead I will take advantage of the attacking intent likely to be on show here and take the goals to flow. Clean sheets are pretty rare when these two are around and I’m not expecting another here. I live over 2.5 goals especially at a solid odds against price.
Tips
Back Over 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 2.15 with Betfair
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