08-06-2007 Copa America Betting Analysis from PinnacleSports.com

Venezuela is normally known for its oil and the odd military coup, but as the host of 2007 Copa America the South American country will be graced from June 26th by the continent’s best soccer talent. 180 countries will be broadcasting games from the 12 team event including Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Leading online sportsbook PinnacleSports.com will also be covering the event, and has already posted prices for the opening clashes, offering up to 60% better Copa America odds than traditional bookmakers.

Have Samba Boys Lost Their Rhythm
The Samba Boys will be out to defend the title they won in Peru on penalties against their arch-rivals Argentina, but coach, Dunga, has named a squad without his two biggest stars, Ronaldinho and Kaka. The pair have cried off citing exhaustion after a long campaign, and with the retirement of several other big names after the World Cup, and the exile of Ronaldo and Adriano, what’s left is a Brazilian squad that looks a little ordinary.

That suspicion was confirmed in two recent European friendlies. Only a last-gasp header from Diego saved Brazil from defeat against England at the international opening of the new Wembley Stadium, a result they scarcely deserved. The Canaries followed that disappointing effort with a goalless draw against Turkey in Dortmund, providing a lame build up to their opening 2007 Copa America game against Mexico on June 27th. PinnacleSports.com price Brazil 2.140 (-1) and Mexico 1.803 (+1).

Dunga will be under considerable pressure following Brazil’s poor showing at last summer’s World Cup under his predecessor. Failure by the national side is simply not tolerated back in Brazil, and though Dunga enjoyed early success with an egalitarian attitude toward selection, there is some scepticism that the current crop can step out of the shadow of Brazil’s legends.

Vamos, Vamos, Argentina!!!
Losing 2004 Copa America finalists Argentina, will be fuelled by the desire for revenge over their nemesis, Brazil who beat them on penalties in Lima. The Argentines twice led, and were only pegged back two minutes into injury time. Manchester United’s Gabriel Heinze missed the crucial spot-kick, and he is one of several squad members who will be reasonably fresh, having been injured for most of the season. Lionel Messi has been on fire since returning to fitness in April, while Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano have enjoyed light campaigns having been mired in the controversy of their move to West Ham Utd.

The Argentines set the 2006 World Cup alight with their 6-0 win over Serbia, but failed to reproduce that form in their quarter-final against hosts, Germany. The side that showed such potential remains but coach, Jose Pekerman, was replaced by Alfio ‘Coco’ Basile in September for his second stint as national manager. Basile led Argentina to two Copa America titles in the early nineties, the last time they lifted the trophy, so he clearly understands what it takes to become the South American continent’s best national football team. Argentina open their campaign against the USA on June 28th priced 1.877 (-1) with Americans 2.050 (+1).

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