The match that nobody wants to be in takes place on Saturday night when the USA and Colombia meet for the second time in the tournament to decide who will finish third in the 2016 Copa America. Both were well beaten in the semi-finals and have this consolation effort as a result.
Colombia won 2-0 when these two sides met in the opening match of the tournament a few weeks ago but given that they host the tournament you could maybe argue this is a bigger match for the States than it is for Colombia.
Not many gave USA much of a chance going into the semi-final against Argentina and in the end they were right not to because Argentina close to their best just blew them away but they’ve had a good tournament and I’m sure they would like to finish it in style to take something into World Cup qualifying.
I’ve had concerns over America’s defence throughout the tournament and those concerns were justified in the semi-final. In the opening match Colombia tore them to shreds so it will be interesting to see if Jurgen Klinsmann makes any adjustments for the second meeting between the two.
Colombia were beaten in the first 15 minutes by Chile in the semi-final and while Chile sat back in treacherous conditions after the lengthy lightning break you have to give the Colombians credit for playing on the front foot despite having 10 men for much of the second half.
Ultimately it was Colombia’s defence which wobbled against Paraguay and Costa Rica in the group stages which has cost them in the tournament although an injury to Carlos Bacca didn’t help them in forward areas. They’re a proud nation and I’m sure they will give this one a good go.
Team News
USA will welcome Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya back from suspension for the match. All three could be recalled to the starting line up. It remains to be seen whether Klinsmann rotates the squad. If he does Tim Howard could start the match in goal.
Colombia will be without Carlos Sanchez who was sent off in the semi-final. Carlos Bacca only came off the bench in that game and unless he is completely fit you wouldn’t think there is much of a point in risking him in this one.
Betting
I always think these third placed matches are set up for goals to be scored and especially this one where two sides who are better attacking than defending oppose each other. Last year broke a run of five successive third placed games that had more than 2.5 goals but I’m expecting the run to resume in this edition.
There were two goals in the opening match but Colombia could have had as many as they wanted that night. Since then America have improved in offensive areas and I expect them to be much more on the front foot here. Neither have anything to lose in this match. They can both play with freedom and showcase their skills and provide us with at least 3 goals.
Tips
Back Over 2.75 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.82 with 188bet
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