Expect even more excitement as we head into the final group games of Copa America 2024. Argentina, Uruguay and surprise package Venezuela are through to the quarterfinals, and with qualification yet to be determined in other groups, we are set for a thrilling climax to the group stage action. Here is our Copa America matchday 3 preview and expert betting tips.
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**Argentina vs Peru** Lionel Messi’s Argentina became the first nation to book their place in the knockout stages of the 2024 Copa America courtesy of a 1-0 win over Chile. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez made an impact off the bench to score a decisive 88th-minute winner, making it 2 goals in 2 games for the 26-year-old. The world champions have had a flawless campaign so far, and even with a potentially changed side, you’d still back them to defeat Peru. Only Uruguay and Saudi Arabia have beaten Argentina in their last 58 matches (W49, D7), and Lionel Scaloni’s men have kept eight clean sheets in their last 10 games, making them a scary opponent for any team. Peru, on the other hand, have only managed one point from their first two games against Chile and Canada (0-0, 0-1). They’ve looked miles below the required level, and Jorge Fossati will be disappointed by what his men have produced so far, especially in the 1-0 defeat to Canada, where they created decent openings but lacked the finishing touch. There is still a chance to qualify, but they must beat Argentina and hope that Canada and Chile play out a draw. **Prediction: Argentina have won their last seven games in all competitions by an aggregate score of 15-2, and have not lost any of their previous 16 meetings with Peru (W12). Our bet of the day is a comfortable win for the defending champs.**
**Canada vs Chile** Canada made history on Wednesday, defeating 10-man Peru 1-0 to claim their first ever victory at Copa America. The dismissal of Peru defender Miguel Araujo early in the second half helped swing the contest in their favor, and star player Jonathan David marked his 50th cap with the decisive goal in the 74th minute. That win helped the Reds into second place in Group A with three points, and victory against Chile will send them into the quarterfinals. A draw could also be enough to progress, as long as Peru do not pull off an upset against group leaders Argentina. 2016 champions Chile are in danger of failing to qualify for the Copa America quarterfinals for the first time since 2004. Ricardo Gareca’s men have only picked up one point from their opening two fixtures, playing out a goalless draw with Peru on matchday one, before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to reigning champions Argentina. La Roja are currently third in Group A, level on points with Peru in fourth, and they must beat Canada by more than one goal, and hope for an Argentina win against Peru to secure a top-two finish. **Prediction: We expect a really close game with two teams desperately looking to avoid defeat. However, Canada have been the more adventurous side in their first two games and our full time prediction is for Jesse Marsch’s men to get the job done.**
**Jamaica vs Venezuela** Copa America 2024 surprise package Venezuela booked their place in the quarterfinals on Wednesday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mexico. Veteran striker Salomon Rondon fired in the only goal from the penalty spot, sealing all three points for La Vinotinto, who are top of Group B with six points from two games. They came into this tournament riding a 5-game winless streak but have defied the best online betting tips by qualifying with a game to spare. Meanwhile, Jamaica are only playing for pride at this point, after losing their first two group games, 0-1 to Mexico, and 1-3 to Ecuador. A group stage exit was always a safe bet for the Reggae Boyz, but the manner of surrender has been disappointing. Their defense has looked vulnerable through the first two games, and they are unlikely to take anything from this one - especially against a Venezuelan side that gives very little away at the back. **Prediction: We expect Venezuela coach Fernando Batista to rotate his team and that could lead to a more open game, especially against a Jamaican defence that has been shocking so far. Our bet prediction is for both teams to score.**
**Mexico vs Ecuador** Mexico take on Ecuador on Sunday evening, with a spot in the Copa America quarterfinals at stake. Both teams have three points, but Ecuador has a better goal difference (+1) after defeating Jamaica 3-1. Mexico started with a 1-0 win over Jamaica but lost to Venezuela on Wednesday, putting them in danger of being knocked out at this stage for the third time in three Copas. They will not be overly confident going into this one as they have lost six of their previous seven meetings versus CONMEBOL opponents and have just one win against Ecuador in the last 5 meetings. Ecuador, however, have the momentum, after bouncing back from the second-half collapse against Venezuela (2-1 loss) to defeat Jamaica comprehensively. They enter this encounter with 3 wins in their last 4 games and are poised to reach the quarter-finals for the third time in four editions. Only a loss to Mexico would prevent Felix Sanchez’s side from advancing, and recent history suggests La Tri will avoid defeat. **Prediction: The Mexicans have been disappointing in front of goal throughout this tournament, and they will struggle against a well-drilled Ecuadorian side. Enjoy the best odds by backing Ecuador to pull through.**
**USA vs Uruguay** The United States suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Panama, deflating the excitement from their opening-round win over Bolivia. Despite taking an early lead, the hosts were outplayed, outfought, and outmaneuvered. It was a surprising display of timidity from Gregg Berhalter’s men, who had exuded confidence against Bolivia. They gave up 15 shots, while only managing 6. They have dug a hole for themselves with that loss and must now avoid defeat against Uruguay and hope Panama fails to win against Bolivia to have any chance of advancing. Uruguay, meanwhile, secured their quarterfinal spot with a resounding 5-0 win over Bolivia, showcasing the relentless energy instilled by Marcelo Bielsa. Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez was at the heart of everything, and was rewarded with a goal, while Facundo Pellistri and Maximiliano Araujo also impressed. Uruguay’s energetic attack and solid defense make them a formidable force, and their record of 2 defeats in 18 games (W11) makes it easy to put your money on them. **Prediction: USA were woeful against Panama and our bet prediction is another defeat for the hosts.**
**Brazil vs Colombia** Brazil will hope to have secured their win in their second group game against Paraguay by the time they face Colombia at Levi’s Stadium in California. Otherwise, things could get tricky. The Selecao were underwhelming in their 0-0 opener against Costa Rica and must improve rapidly to avoid a disappointing exit. Dorival Junior’s men have won just two of their last 9 games (L3), and the fanbase is growing increasingly discontent. This talented group of players, featuring Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and 17-year-old Endrick, should be performing better. However, this isn’t the ideal game to be desperate for a win. Colombia have been the most consistent team in South America over the past 12 months, with 9 straight wins, including a 2-1 victory over Brazil last year. They’re unbeaten in 24 matches, and head coach Nestor Lorenzo is building something really special. While Los Cafeteros won the last meeting between both sides, they’re wary of Brazil’s historical advantage, with the Selecao winning 6 of the last 10 encounters. **Prediction: Brazil has the better players and historical advantage, but Colombia is currently the better team, and It’s hard to see them losing. Our full-time prediction is a draw.**
**Costa Rica vs Paraguay** Costa Rica face Paraguay in the final group game of Copa America 2024 at the Q2 Stadium in Texas. Despite being underdogs in Group D, both teams still have a chance to advance. Costa Rica defended resolutely in their 0-0 draw against Brazil, earning a valuable point, and depending on the outcome of Brazil’s game against Colombia, taking three points from this game could be crucial for Los Ticos. Paraguay come into this one on the back of some terrible form (1 win in 7 games), and while they showed some promise in their matchday 1 defeat to Colombia, the lack of quality was obvious as they struggled to keep the ball and defended deeper as the game went on. The last time La Albirroja defeated Costa Rica was in 2010, and on current form, it is hard to bet on them. **Prediction: Costa Rica are the better side and showed some promise against Brazil. For the best odds, back Los Ticos to steal a narrow win here.**
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