Argentina and Chile to run riot, Mexico meet Venezuela, Uruguay face Jamaica in Copa America
Published:
Lee Gormley | June 11, 2016
The 2016 Copa America opening phase in the United States reaches a conclusion in Group C, with front runners Mexico and Venezuela colliding in a skirmish for top of their standings, while pointless duo Uruguay and Jamaica battle it out after already exiting.
Meanwhile in Group D, leaders Argentina tackle rock-bottom Bolivia, with their closest challengers and defending champions Chile contesting Panama, who are level with their opponents on points but behind on goal difference in third position.
Mexico v Venezuela
- Copa America, Group C
- Tuesday, June 14th
- Kick-off: 01:00 BST
- NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- Live on Premier Sports
Group C front runners collide in Texas
Both Mexico and Venezuela have already secured their place in the knockout stage of this year’s Copa America after rallying to six points each in Group C, but they will go in search of a victory in this meeting to cement top spot.
Juan Carlos Osorio’s El Tricolor sit atop the group with a superior goal difference and enter this latest clash with plenty of confidence, having never lost to Venezuela in 10 competitive encounters, prevailing on each occasion.
A third successive group win for the Mexicans without conceding a goal is 8/5 with Coral, while Rafael Dudamel’s La Vinotinto are 19/4 for three points after knocking out one of the favourites Uruguay last time out.
Bayer Leverkusen marksman Javier Hernandez netted in the previous win over Jamaica and the former Manchester United frontman is 3/1 to open proceedings, while fellow forwards Oribe Peralta and Raul Jimenez are 5/4 and 8/5 to strike anytime.
For the Venezuelans, West Bromwich Albion attacker Salomon Rondon is 23/10 to find the target, with Eredivisie hitman Christian Santos 14/5 to get on the scoresheet.
Uruguay v Jamaica
- Copa America, Group C
- Tuesday, June 14th
- Kick-off: 03:00 BST
- Levi’s Stadium, California
- Live on Premier Sports
Uruguay and Jamaica meet in dead rubber match
Having already been knocked out of the tournament, both Uruguay and Jamaica will be playing for nothing more than pride in order to avoid finishing bottom of Group C, and the latter nation have only ever won this fixture once before.
An injured Luis Suarez watched on in anger as his country were sent packing at this early stage last time around, but La Celeste are 21/10 to go out with their first win and both teams scoring in California.
The Reggae Boyz are 19/4 to hand their opponents a third successive defeat though, while a sharing of the spoils can be had at 3/1 in this dead rubber match-up.
It may be too late to help his side progress, but Barcelona menace Suarez could be set for a return to action and he is 13/5 to open the scoring, with PSG attacker Edinson Cavani 3/1 to strike the game’s last goal.
Jamaican frontman Clayton Donaldson is 12/5 to find the net anytime, while Giles Barnes and Allan Ottey are 14/5 and 10/3 respectively to notch a goal of their own.
Chile v Panama
- Copa America, Group D
- Wednesday, June 15th
- Kick-off: 01:00 BST
- Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- Live on Premier Sports
Champions Chile clash with Panama
Reigning champions Chile go into their final Group D fixture against Panama knowing at least a point would see them through to the knockout stage, as they currently sit behind leaders Argentina in their standings.
Juan Antonio Pizzi’s La Roja rallied to a historic success last summer and they will require only a point from their final game to edge closer to retaining their crown, with the holders entering at 5/4 to triumph to nil.
Although, Panama did manage to overcome Bolivia previously and Hernan Dario Gomez’s Los Canaleros are 13/2 for another impressive victory this time around, while a draw is 7/2 to occur in Philadelphia.
Bayern Munich midfield maestro Arturo Vidal netted twice in the earlier win over Bolivia and will look to continue that form into this latest outing, while Arsenal attacker Alexis Sanchez has been threatening, making Chile 13/10 to bag three or more goals.
Panama will need Vancouver Whitecaps frontman Blas Perez to be on form again, following his brace in the win over Bolivia, as well as fellow forward Gabriel Torres, if they are to spring a surprise and edge past Chile into the next round.
Argentina v Bolivia
- Copa America, Group D
- Wednesday, June 15th
- Kick-off: 03:00 BST
- CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
- Live on Premier Sports
Messi and co battle Bolivia
Argentina hold a dominant head-to-head record over their final Group D opponents Bolivia, having won 25 of their 36 previous meetings, and they go into this next outing needing only a point to secure top position.
Gerardo Martino’s La Albiceleste have been flawless so far with two consecutive victories and they are 7/4 to fire in four or more goals here, while Bolivia are 20/1 to grab their first victory of the campaign and a draw is 13/2 to occur.
Lionel Messi came off the bench to hit a hat-trick in his previous appearance and the skipper will seek to add to that impressive form, with Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria also set to star once again.
The Bolivians are without a win so far and have conceded four times in their opening two games, with Argentina potentially ready to run riot again in Washington as they set their sights on clinching the 2016 Copa America crown.
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