Defending COPA champion Brazil is in top form with three wins in three games and awaits their quarterfinal opponent. Little Canary is rolling like the powerhouse they are touted to be. Meanwhile, Argentina is the second choice and is also unbeaten. Namely, Lionel Messi makes the White and Sky Blues a popular public pick with the Soccer odds. After Brazil and Argentina, there is quite a drop in public perception. Uruguay is the third pick of gamblers and does carry the cache of winning the 2011 COPA. Can La Celeste surprise all and do it again?
2021 COPA America Odds To Win
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Brazil | -167 |
| Argentina | +280 |
| Uruguay | +800 |
| Colombia | +1400 |
| Paraguay | +1600 |
| Peru | +3300 |
| Ecuador | +5000 |
Monday, June 28, 2021 Matches
Bolivia vs. Argentina, 8 pm. ET
The first game action saw Bolivia lose to Paraguay 3-1. The Green next lost to Chile 1-0. And then Bolivia was shut out by Uruguay 2-0. Bolivia carries a weak FIFA ranking of 81st. That hardly inspires a lot of sports betting handle from the masses. Their only COPA championship was in 1963.
Argentina opened with a 1-1 draw against Chile. Following that was a 1-0 win over Uruguay. And then the White and Sky Blue scored a 1-0 win over Paraguay. Lionel Messi has only one goal in those three games. Of major concern is the theory that he is tiring at age 34. But not many gamblers are truly eager to step into Argentina as long as Messi is in the lineup. Argentina was the COPA runner-up in 2016, 2015, 2007, and 2004. However, their last win was in 1993. Argentina is 8th in the FIFA rankings
Uruguay vs. Paraguay, 8 pm. ET
The first time out for Uruguay was a 1-0 loss to Argentina. Uruguay then played Chile to a 1-1 draw. Next was a 2-0 soccer betting odds win over Bolivia. Luis Suarez is one of the greatest strikers in the history of the game. Suarez has 64 goals in 121 apps for La Celeste. Uruguay has a FIFA ranking of 9th. Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani is a Manchester United Striker. Cavani has 52 goals in 121 apps for Uruguay.
Paraguay is likely overmatched here. Consider the White and Red carries a FIFA ranking of 35th. Paraguay opened with an impressive 3-1 win over Bolivia. Next was a 1-0 loss to Argentina. And then the White and Red earned a 2-0 win over Chile. Namely, Angel Romero has two goals to lead Paraguay. Romero is an attacking midfielder not known for prolific goal-scoring.
Tite Not Happy Despite Powerful Start
Brazil coach Tite has the luxury of being able to critique playing conditions. Since his team is playing so well, the coach took exception to the pitch of the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. While the Maracana Stadium is being prepared for the COPA Final, Nilton Santos is the alternate venue. Of great concern is that Nilton Santos Stadium’s pitch is worn down from frequent use. Tite was fined $5000 for his critique.
Thus far, Neymar leads Brazil with two goals and two assists. For his career, Neymar has 68 goals in 108 apps for the Brazil national team.
COPA 2021 SBG Free Picks
In his situation, Brazil is loaded like no other team in the COPA. Of course, an upset is always possible. But in this situation, nobody seems likely to pull it off.
COPA 2021 SBG Best Bet: Brazil.