Defending champions Chile are set to take on Colombia in the Copa America Centenario semi-finals, looking to join Argentina in the tournament’s final at the weekend. We preview the highly anticipated showdown and serve up betting tips.
Chile Favoured To Advance
Chile are a win away from reprising the 2015 Copa America final with Argentina, who are through to the tournament showpiece following a comprehensive 4-0 win over USA in yesterday’s semi-final. Standing in La Roja’s way is a tough Colombia side that can’t be underestimated.
Chile’s campaign got off to a slow start, losing to Argentina 2-1 in their group D opener. But their title defence campaign was resurrected behind a 2-1 win over Bolivia and a 4-2 win over Panama as they finished second in group D behind Argentina. Importantly, with each match Chile got better and that rounding out of form reached a pinnacle moment in the quarterfinals when they decimated a solid Mexico side 7-0. It was a stunning performance for the ages in Copa America.
On the heels of that massive win, Chile’s odds in outright winner markets improved to second-best bet after Argentina, albeit the Albiceleste are matched as runaway favourites at 1.36, a price available with Ladbrokes and Stan James to name a few, while Chile are backed out to 5.50 or thereabouts depending on your choice sportsbook. A huge discrepancy in market outlook, but one that could prove a moot point when all is said and done – consider, Chile defeated Argentina in the 2015 Copa America final on home soil. It also bears mentioning that Argentina’s quest for a major title is now into its 24th year.
Colombia’s campaign started brightly with a 2-0 win over hosts USA in group A, and they went into the second match with good form, edging Paraguay 2-1. Los Cafeteros, however, faltered in their third match when they lost to Costa Rica 3-2. In the quarterfinals, Colombia faced off against Peru and needed penalties to see off last year’s third-place finishers. The negative trend Colombia appears to be enjoying since match day 3 has seen their odds in outright winner markets slip, falling from second-best bet to third-best bet at 7.50, a price available with Coral and Paddy Power.
Given the overarching market outlook between these two nations in the competition proper, it’s no surprise Chile emerge as the favourites to win in 90 minutes, but overall it’s quite a tight betting market. Chile are priced at 2.50 with most green-listed bookmakers. Colombia, meanwhile, are backed out to 3.20 with Coral to win in 90 minutes and the draw is priced a smidgen higher at 3.25 with Bet Victor.
Not to discount Colombia, who could serve up the upset, but their mixed form does take the shine off of their odds. As such, we’re tipping this game towards the defending champions. After the way Chile shredded Mexico to pieces it’s hard to look past a Chile win and at 2.50 it’s a tempting bet. Another bet we’re considering is the Over 2.5 goals, which is available at 2.30 with William Hill.
Recommended Bets: Chile to win at 2.50 & Over 2.5 with 2.30
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