The opening semi-final of the Copa America sees the tournament hosts USA taking on the favourites to win the competition in Argentina for a place in Sunday’s final. USA have done well to make it this far while Argentina are yet to be challenged. This will be the toughest test for both to date.
The Americans have played on the front foot in this tournament since their opening match where they were a little timid against Colombia. They seemed to be caught between what they wanted to do and seemed to play on the counter which didn’t work at all. Credit must go to them for changing since then.
It will be interesting to see if they continue to try and attack here or whether they revert back into their shell and invite Argentina onto them. Either plan would be loaded with risk you would think and that is the dilemma the Americans have.
In terms of the scoreline Argentina were tested by Chile in their opening match but the scoreline flattered Chile big time that night. Since then Argentina have won 5-0 against Panama, 3-0 against Bolivia and 4-1 against Venezuela and have looked mesmerising in attacking areas.
Venezuela did at least give USA something to think about when they exposed this Argentina defence almost at will but they had nothing to lose at the time it must be said. Defensively is the only area Argentina have looked in any way weak.
Team News
Not only do America have their work cut out they will have to try and get a result without three key players in Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya. All three picked up second bookings against Ecuador. Chris Wondolowski could come into the side. DeAndre Yedlin returns from suspension.
Argentina will be without Nicolas Gaitan after he picked up a second yellow in the tournament against Venezuela. Angel di Maria has missed the last couple of matches and if he is fit he could return in his place. If not Erik Lamela could start.
Head to Head
Of the 10 matches these two have played in the past Argentina have won six and lost two with a couple of draws mixed in as well. In fairness to the States they have held Argentina in the last two games but you have to go back to 1999 for their last win.
Betting
You have to fear for USA here but after their defeat to Colombia at the beginning of the tournament I fancy if they go down here they will go down on the front foot and fighting and that should make for a really exciting semi-final and a good one to watch.
I don’t see Argentina losing the match but we’re not going to get too rich backing them and I’m not a handicap player in semi-finals or any big match when the result is the only thing.
The best bet of the game to me looks like over 2.5 goals. I don’t see USA containing Argentina especially without Jermaine Jones shielding the back four so Argentina could cover this line on their own but I wouldn’t be surprised if America find the back of the net. When all is said and done here I think we’ll have seen three goals.
Tips
WON – Back Over 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Skybet
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