Many soccer betting fans are ecstatic about the Euro 2016 in France, but this summer will also have the Copa America – and a very special edition because, like your grandpa whom you never thought would make it to a hundred but did, this is this tournaments’ centennial. As part of the fiesta, the cup has been expanded to include the even number of 16 teams instead of the odd usual of 12. The 10 South American countries will be joined by six others from Central and North America – the latter of which include the United States as a host.
Argentina is at the top of the food chain at the moment, and as such are the favorite of people who bet on soccer. Stars such as Javier Mascherano, Angel di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi make Argentina a force to be reckoned with. Argentina is 5-0 (as in win/loss record ) under coach Martino, though only two of those have been this year. On the other hand, Argentina is fourth in its world cup qualifying group, having lost 2-0 to Ecuador during the last complete span that the Earth went around the sun.
Uruguay, conversely, is first in its group, and with Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin being the shield and Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani being the sword, they’re liable to go medieval on someone. The Uruguayans have done pretty well at major competitions in recent years, winning the Copa America in 2011 and finishing in 4th at the World Cup in 2010. In addition to all of that, they draw an easy – if ever slightly deceptively so – group of Mexico, Jamaica and Venezuela.
Alexis Sanchez is a soccer betting guarantee that the defending champions Chile are looking to repeat. Arturo Vidal and Charles Aranguiz are the backbone of the team, and Hoffenheim’s Eduardo Vargas has sent the ball through the goal line – what we call scoring a goal – 25 times in 52 international occasions. La Roja is going through one of its best moments in its history, though they have encountered some problems in World Cup qualifiers, losing to both Argentina and Uruguay. The same two teams we were discussing above. What are the odds of that for the Copa America?
James Rodriguez led Colombia to a scorching 2014 World Cup and a similar performance is expected if not demanded this time out. Juan Cuadrado is a bit of a square but will be another ace in the hole in the middle of the field. However, Radamel Falcao and Jackson Martinez, will be sorely missed on attack, leaving the offensive in the hands – or feet; or head – of AC Milan’s Carlos Bacca. Guided by seasoned coach Jose Pekerman, the Coffeemakers can get the best of any other team but will take it up a notch from last year.
Soccer betting fans never know what to expect from the Brazil, but even when they seem at their worst – and their worst is better than most team’s best – people who bet on soccer can’t simply just count them out. Brazil is 7th in the global rankings, and 6th in the world cup qualifiers, having won only two of the six matches contested thus far. Party animal Neymar will not grace American soil with his presence because his presence is required the Olympic Games in his native land, so his teammates will have to pass the ball instead to Dani Alves, William, Phillipe Coutinho or Hulk.