Expect the expected when Argentina takes on Colombia in a table
topping clash on Wednesday night.
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The Group A table looks a little topsy-turvy after just one
game in the 2011 Copa America. Argentina (somehow) dropped points in their competition opener against
Bolivia, only just managing to rescued a point with a 1-1- draw. Their next
opponents, Colombia, sit on top of the table after beating Costa Rica 1-0.
Despite the early upset Argentina are still the favorites in the betting odds
to lift the Copa America following the opening round of games.
Wins thin on the ground
Despite each of the 12 nations having now played, only two
teams managed victories (Group B is all even with all four teams on a single
point), and Group C’s Chile are the other team with three points after beating
Mexico. Due to the scant number of
victories after the opening matches both Colombia and Chile have had their soccer
odds cut and can he backed to lift the trophy at 8/1 and 16/1 respectively,
with Ladbrokes.
A misfiring squad and an under fire Coach
The tournament hosts, Argentina, haven't won the Copa
America since 1993, and have seen their odds stretch to evens to win the cup this
year and to 2/5 to top their group, while Wednesday night opponents; Colombia
are still 7/4 to win group A. Despite the poor performance in their first game,
the bookies (and this handicapper) are predicting a home victory when Argentina
faces Colombia. The lines on a draw seem to be about 7/2 with numerous outlets.
If you have been listening to Costa Rica coach Ricardo La
Volpe, you might fancy betting against the Argentineans and squeezing some cash
out of the sportsbooks. The former Argentine World Cup-winning goalkeeper has
controversially criticized the way his countrymen play football; he reckons
they aren’t so much a team as "individuals" who play for themselves.
“Argentina are not a
team, they are a group of individuals; Aguero, Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez,
Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higuain. They must no longer insist on winning
with the names on their shirts, but as a team,” La Volpe said of his
compatriots.
Still, with that much talent (even if it is diluted) they
should be able to cope with Colombia.
The (last three) head to head game stats for these sides
make interesting reading, as all three have seen the home side run out
victorious. Argentina won 1-0 when they last faced off in 2009, Colombia won
2-1 in 2007 and even further back Argentina were comfortable winners when they
overturned Colombia 4-2 four years ago (almost to the day) on 2nd July
2007.
Argentina’s Coach Sergio Batista seems happy with his
selection though and claims he will not be changing the side that faced
Bolivia. "To start with, there will not be big changes to take on Colombia;
we are completely focused on Wednesday's game." In spite of Argentina’s
uninspiring performance in their opening match, they seem to be in a buoyant
mood, and could sparkle against the soccer betting underdogs, and they could
showcase their football skills and bring the tournament to life. Their under
fire manager will hope they do.
He will also be expecting a focused performance
from Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez who has recently announced his desire to
leave the club. His reason is reportedly to spend more time with his family,
who currently live in Argentina. However a Manchester City spokesman said:
"Carlos is a contracted player to Manchester City for another three years
and we have had no offers for him.” A good performance against Colombia will be
a start to justifying the price City will be putting on him, allegedly as high
as £40million.
A draw would keep Colombia on top of the table and they have
a tight and efficient back line, - five clean sheets in their last eight
matches, gives you some hope of a 0-0 or a tight Colombia victory. 0-0 is at
+1000 with Bodog, or 9/1 with Paddy Power, in fact any draw is at 7/2 with
Paddy Power. The safest bet of the day is going for under 2.5 goals, you can
pick that up at -120, but that’s a dull and boring way to earn money. I’m going
for an Argentinean clean sheet and victory.
Prediction: 2-0 to Argentina (+500 with Bodog).