Dean Etheridge
The 2021 Copa America is in full flow now, and Group A sees the first real heavyweight clash of the competition when Argentina meets Uruguay at Estádio Mané Garrincha in Brasilia on Match Day 2.
- Argentina is the bookmaker’s favorite to win Group A in the 2021 Copa America.
- It’s expected to be a two-horse race between Argentina and Uruguay to win the group.
- Uruguay is the most successful team in Copa America history, with 15 titles to their name.
2021 Copa America Beset With Problems
This year’s edition of the Copa America has already been beset with numerous problems, making soccer bettors a little anxious.
It was originally set to be jointly hosted by Argentina and Columbia in 2020. That competition was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and was rescheduled for this year.
Since then, first Columbia was removed as co-hosts, and then Argentina was stripped of the whole competition. The competition was then subsequently moved lock, stock, and barrel to Brazil.
#BREAKING Copa America 2021 moved to Brazil: CONMEBOL federation #AFPSports pic.twitter.com/cWFqI5OzKU
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 31, 2021
Prior to the hosting problems, guest participants Australia and Qatar also pulled out earlier in the year. Meaning the 2021 Copa America is just a 10 team tournament this time around.
The competition finally got underway on 13th June, with Brazil beating Venezuela 3-0. A huge relief to the tournament organizers after all the problems.
Another massive plus point for the organizers is the sight of all of the continents’ big star names taking part.
For Brazil, Neymar and Gabriel Jesus were involved, while for Argentina, they have Lionel Messi playing, as well as the likes of Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria available.
Argentina vs Uruguay Betting
- Venue – Estadio Nacional de Brasilia
- Day – Friday 18th June
- Time – 8pm EST
The major sportsbooks like Bovada don’t see this match as a banker win for Argentina, although Messi and co are the favorites.
Argentina can be backed at +110 in 90 minutes of betting. The draw is +230, while if you think the Uruguayans can upset Messi and co, they are +270.
Argentina Form Guide
This will be Argentina’s second match at the competition. Lionel Scaloni’s team drew their opening match 1-1 with Chile on Monday.
In this fixture, the Argentinians seen less of the ball. They had 48% possession, to Chile’s 52%. When it came to attempts on target, Scaloni’s team were well on top. Argentina had 18 shots, compared to Chile’s 5.
In shots on target though, the gap closes. Messi’s Argentina team had just 5 on target, compared to the Chilean’s 4.
Prior to the start of the Copa America, Argentina played two world cup qualifiers.
On 4th June they drew 1-1 at home with Chile. Lionel Messi gave them the lead with a 24th-minute penalty. Alexis Sanchez then equalized in the 36th minute to gain Chile a point.
Argentina’s other world cup qualifier in the month of June was another draw. This time 2-2 away at Columbia.
In this match, the visitors raced into two leads after just 8 minutes, thanks to strikes by Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes.
Argentina couldn’t hold on for victory though. A 51st-minute penalty from substitute Luis Fernando Muriel Fruto got the hosts back in the match. And then four minutes into stoppage time, another substitute, Miguel Borja scored the equalizer.
Uruguay Form Guide
For Uruguay, this is their opening fixture of the competition. Their only other fixtures prior to the start of the Copa America were two World Cup qualifiers at the start of June.
In those matches, there was a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Paraguay on 3rd June. This was followed by another 0-0 draw, away to Venezuela on 8th June.
In both of the matches, the Uruguayans had the majority of the possession, but their shot-shy forwards couldn’t convert any of the chances created.
Copa America Group A Betting
Despite having already dropped 2 points in this year’s Copa America, Argentina is still odds on favorites to top their group.
Sportsbooks (you can check out how to choose a good sportsbook here) make Scaloni’s team just -111.1 to top Group A. Next in the betting are upcoming opponents Uruguay, who can be backed at +188.
Martín Lasarte’s Chile side is next in the betting at +500, with Paraguay following at +700. If you really like the sound of backing a complete outsider, Bolivia can be backed to win Group A at +10000.
Team News
There are no reported injuries or issues with both sides leading up to this fixture.
Argentina went into the opening match against Chile with Lautaro Martinez and Nicolas Gonzalez in a front three alongside Lionel Messi.
Should Lionel Scaloni wish to freshen up his front line, he has Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria at his disposal.
For Uruguay, having completed an international suspension, Edinson Cavani should return to the starting lineup alongside Luis Suarez.
At the back, Oscar Tabarez can call upon his experienced central defensive due of Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin to keep Argentina out. The pair have formed a formidable partnership over the years, and Godin is set to win his 142nd cap in this fixture.
Argentina vs Uruguay Prediction
This is an incredibly hard match to call. These two sides have a fierce rivalry, and absolutely no quarter will be given.
I expect a tight game, and a draw looks the best call. Both sides could cancel each other out, and it could be 0-0 or 1-1.
The alternative bet to a draw could be under 2.5 goals, but that is extremely short looking at just -175.4.
The good thing about the unders bet though, is that it covers 0-0, 1-0, and 1-1. All possible outcomes in a tight match like this.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
