Mexico ride momentum
Mexico are undefeated in Copa America and they enter the knockouts as one of the top betting favourites in outright winner markets to triumph, albeit at 7.50 or thereabouts – jointly favoured with Colombia at most green listed bookmakers as the second best bet in the competition, albeit backed out a good distance from pre-tournament favourites Argentina, who are trading at the best price of 1.73 currently available with bet365.
Whether Mexico can underscore these lofty expectations remains to be seen. It’s a treacherous path to the final with defending champions Chile standing in their way in the quarterfinals. Even if they do dismiss Alexis Sanchez and Co., the competition doesn’t get any easier. Ominous is a word that springs to mind. It would be one of the most impressive runs in this competition if El Tri do in fact pull it all off somehow.
Mexico burst out of the gates in the competition, dismissing Uruguay 3-1 in their opener. They then went on to defeat Jamaica 2-0 before settling on a 1-1 draw with Venezuela. The seven points they collected in group play were matched by Venezuela, but a better goal difference awarded El Tri top spot in group C.
The reward: a date with Chile, group D runners-up. Chile were contained in a tough group D that included Argentina. It was always going to be a tough ask for Chile to win that section, so there is no shame in coming second to the Albiceleste. It was the only fixture they lost in group play, a 2-1 loss in their opener. They bounced back with a 2-1 win over Bolivia and a 4-2 win over Panama in the last round of group D to advance into the knockouts. Yet, the shine seems to have come off Chile as they are now trading as the 8.50 bet with several green-listed bookmakers to triumph for a second straight year in this prized South American tournament.
That discourtesy towards the champions extends to match betting markets, where they are being slightly snubbed to win in 90 minutes. Mexico emerge as the favourites at 2.60 or thereabouts while Chile is backed out to 2.80, all while the draw is on offers of 3.20 or near to that price depending on your preferred bookie.
There’s a lot to recommend either side to the win, making this a rather frustrating match to predict with any certainty. Admittedly, we’re on the fence. Mexico have certainly impressed and they are a tempting bet at 2.60 but, at the same time, Chile do appear to be undervalued somewhat as the defending champions with their 2.80 price tag after rounding out into form in their last clash. Push comes to shove, we’re tipping the match in Chile’s favour at 2.80, but really the smartest move here looks to be to leave match betting markets well and truly alone. Both teams to score at 1.95 with William Hill looks to be just right.
Recommended Bets: Chile to win at 2.80 & Both Teams to Score at 1.95
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