Copa America Group A: Ecuador battle Bolivia before Chile meet Mexico

Published:

Copa America action returns to Group A, and the prestigious tournament has already provided a series of shocks since hosts Chile raised the curtain with a routine 2-0 victory over Ecuador.

Uruguay currently top Group B after Argentina fumbled to a draw with Paraguay, while Brazil had a close shave against plucky Peru and Venezuela surprisingly sank Colombia.

Now Chile take on Mexico as Jorge Sampaoli aims to extend the hosts’ lead in their pool, in what may be the most intriguing duel of the group, while Ecuador could encounter trouble against Bolivia, who already held El Tri to a stalemate.

Ecuador v Bolivia
The Amarillos paid the price for their conservative approach against Chile previously, and will be expected to make amends in this crucial clash, as they currently sit bottom of Group A.

Opponents Bolivia have already shown they can dig their heels in, having successfully shut out big-guns Mexico, and are 15/4 to keep a clean sheet once again. With neither team having managed a goal yet, odds of 11/4 for a draw also look excellent.

Ecuador are odds-on favourites with Coral at 4/7 for victory though, considering their superior firepower, most of which ply their trade in the Premier League.

West Ham United hitman Enner Valencia did look threatening against La Roja and features in a fantastic matchday special, where he is priced at 5/2 to score and and Ecuador to win (maximum stake £20). Meanwhile, Swansea City flank threat Jefferson Montero can also make magic happen and is 7/2 to net against the minnows anytime.

Chile v Mexico
In this highly anticipated clash between titans Chile and Mexico, the spoils look set to go to the former, who are odds-on favourites at 1/2 to continue their perfect start.

It may have been Juventus powerhouse Arturo Vidal (9/2 to notch first again) and Napoli-owned forward Eduardo Vargas (7/2 to have the final say) who struck for Sampaoli’s swashbuckling side in the opener, but it was Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez that once again proved an inspiration for his nation.

The Gunners goal hero is certainly worth backing then, at a terrific 2/1 to score and Chile to win, in another of Coral’s superb match specials (also with a max stake of £20), as La Roja’s main threat.

History does fall on Mexico’s side, however, as the Aztecs (a generous 6/1 for victory) hold the head-to-head record with 13 wins over Chile, compared to their rivals’ 10 triumphs.

Much has been made of Miguel Herrera’s men being depleted, and they did miss the poaching talents of Javier Hernandez and co last time out. Atletico Madrid attacker Raul Jimenez is on hand, however, and is 9/4 to be on target anytime, while fellow forward threat Eduardo Herrera is 11/4 in the same market.

Coral betting tip: That tasty 2/1 wincast involving Chile and sensational Sanchez is an outstanding way to turn £20 into £60!

Latest Articles