Argentina-112
Argentina vs. Colombia Copa America 2021 Semifinals Picks and Odds Analysis (Archive)
Argentina and Colombia collide in the Copa America semifinals. Find out where the best bets are to be had as we preview this matchup and serve up choice soccer picks. Who will join defending champions Brazil in the Copa America final this year? Will it be the twinkle-toed Lionel Messi and his Albiceleste that book their passage into the final? Or will it be Colombia, defying the Copa America odds to set up a final showdown with the Neymar-inspired Selecao?
If the sports betting markets were any indication, then Argentina is the likeliest of the pair to advance. They have the pedigree, the quality and the star-studded cast to compete for the title and as such they’re the firm faves in the betting, while Colombia are the quintessential long shots. Having said that things don’t always fall in line with the betting odds. Although Argentina are the better bet on paper, they’ve flattered to deceive on numerous occasions before in the recent past. So, they’re not as sure of a bet as the odds would suggest.
Argentina vs. Colombia
Tuesday, July 6, 2021– 9:00 PM EDT at Mané Garrincha Stadium
Neymar Cheering For Argentina
Lucas Paqueta sent the defending champions into a second straight Copa America final with his first-half winner against Peru at the Nilton Santos Stadium on Monday. Neymar did most of the graft, beating three defenders on the left before sending the perfect cross pass for Paqueta to tuck into the net. After Brazil’s 1-0 victory over Peru, an excited Neymar gushed about the prospect of playing in another Copa America final and claimed he’ll be cheering on the Albiceleste to emerge as the second finalists. "I want Argentina, I am cheering them on," Neymar said.
There is no bigger matchup on the continent and none more storied in the history of South American football than the matchup between Brazil and Argentina. Essentially, they’re the titans of South American football. Hence, it’s no surprise to discover that the consensus soccer pick for the second semi-final is Argentina after all – the firm faves according to bookies. No pressure then at all…….
The Weight of Expectations
Argentina are burdened by the weight of expectations – their own expectations as well as those from outside sources. It’s building up to be quite the pressure cooker for them at the Copa America 2021 tournament and it remains to be seen whether they can keep it together.
In the past, Argentina have crumbled in similar such situations, leading to disappointment and frustration amongst the Albiceleste players and none more so than Lionel Messi whose quest for national glory has been repeatedly frustrated over his otherwise glittering career in football. (At the 2021 Copa America, Messi leads the tournament and Argentina with four goals.)
Argentina arrive in the semi-finals riding the momentum of a positive campaign that saw them finish top of group play with a 3-1-0 mark and 10 points. Argentina got off to a slow start with a surprising 1-1 draw with Chile, but as the tournament unfolded they’ve grown in confidence and form. Indeed, in their last two matches, they’ve outscored opponents 7 to 1. They beat Bolivia 4-1 in the final game of group play and carried the momentum into the quarterfinals as they dismissed Ecuador 3-0.
Colombia No Pushovers
Los Cafeteros are under no illusions going into this fixture. They’re well aware of the widespread perceptions about the tournament and where the balance of power on the continent lies. Going against Colombia further is the fact that they’re group account was less than convincing – going 1-1-2 for 5 points and a third-place finish.
Colombia opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador, but then settled on a scoreless draw with Venezuela on matchday 2. Peru defeated Colombia 2-1 on matchday 3 and then Brazil crushed Colombia 2-1 on the final day of group play as well. Colombia might have advanced into the knockout stages by the skin of its teeth, but they’ve capitalised on the opportunity and went on to upset Uruguay in the quarterfinals in the penalty shootout (4-2).
Soccer Predictions and Picks
Will Argentina come through for soccer bettors…and, even, Neymar… to deliver the blockbuster showdown between Brazil and Argentina in the final at the Maracana on Saturday? Or will Colombia punch above its weight class again and serve up the upset?
It’s quite the coin toss for soccer picks between two teams that have enjoyed contrasting fortunes in this tournament and yet they still reach the very same stage: Argentina should win but Colombia could win. So, with value on both sides of the coin, the balance nevertheless tips in favour of Argentina as they’ve appear to be rounding out into form at the perfect time.
Soccer Pick: Argentina -112 with Heritage Sports ( visit our Heritage Sports Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.