The 2014 World Cup will forever be remembered by Brazil fans for one match. The Selecao were left totally humiliated by Germany in their semi final match in front of their own fans but managed to get some sort of redemption when they won the Olympics of which they were hosts two years later.
As welcome as that win was, Brazilian football fans are still desperate for their team to win on the major international stage following disappointments in the 2018 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 renewals of the Copa America.
Chile are the two time defending champions of the Copa America, can they complete the hat-trick in Brazil?
Copa America Outright Winner Market
Brazil 11/10 (bet365)
Argentina 15/4 (Unibet)
Uruguay 15/2 (William Hill)
Colombia 9/1 (888Sport)
Chile 14/1 (Paddy Power)
Peru 25/1 (888Sport)
Paraguay 33/1 (Coral)
Venezuela 40/1 (William Hill)
(Please note all odds correct at time of article publishing)
Brazil are trading as the favourites for the 2019 Copa America across the board. On first viewing the 11/10 that bet365 are quoting about the host’s chances looks a little short given the Neymar news but the PSG forward’s absence could actually prove to be a blessing in disguise. Neymar has endured a torrid season full of stories of feuds with teammates, injuries and serious off-field allegations so the Brazil squad can be forgiven for feeling a little relieved that he is not involved.
Tite has no shortage of players ready to step up to star for the Selecao. Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino are both capable of leading the line whilst the likes of Willian, Philippe Coutinho and Richarlison can provide the required flair. This is not a team built in the image that we all expect of Brazil though. They are incredibly secure in defence, combative in midfield and have a two of the best goalkeepers in the world in Ederson and Allison. They’ll face stiff competition but the hosts do look the worthy favourites for the 2019 Copa America.
Argentina should be Brazil’s main contenders for the title. They are second favourites with the bookmakers, have made it to four of the last five Copa America finals and welcomed Lionel Messi back into the fold. However, their lack of success in senior major international tournaments since 1993 and the fact they are led by a rookie manager in Lionel Scaloni plays against them.
Chile will interest many punters at 14/1 given that they are the two time defending champions but it’s Uruguay who represent the best value of the competition at 15/4 with Unibet. Whereas Argentina have a relatively young and inexperienced squad, Uruguay have a host of top class players with bags of experience in international, continental and domestic football. Like Brazil, Uruguay are very difficult to beat with defenders straight out of the top drawer and a tough and organised midfield. That provides a great platform for the strike partnership of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani to do their work. If Uruguay can get off to a strong start against Ecuador and Japan, they should be able to top Group C by beating Chile and giving themselves the best possible run to the final which they can reach at 23/10 with Paddy Power.
Top Goalscorer Market
Lionel Messi 3/1 (Paddy Power)
Gabriel Jesus 13/2 (bet365)
Luis Suarez 8/1 (Coral)
Edinson Cavani 8/1 (bet365)
Sergio Aguero 9/1 (Ladbrokes)
Roberto Firmino 14/1 (Coral)
Radamel Falcao 16/1 (William Hill)
Richarlison 16/1 (Coral)
Argentina fans who were hopeful Lionel Messi’s return to the fold would finally see him get his hands on an international trophy were disappointed when the Barcelona captain played down his nation’s chances in the 2019 Copa America. Argentina’s chances will doubtless be boosted the better Messi plays and he is fully deserving of his place right at the top of the Top Goalscorer market.
This is a market in which it could pay to take a bit of an extra risk though and in that regard a bet on Richarlison is tempting at 16/1 with Coral. He enjoyed much of his first season for Everton, scoring goals and contributing key passes from all across the front three. Richarlison has serious competition for places but Neymar’s injury and Coutinho’s extended poor form gives him a chance to impress in the early stages. Grab that opportunity with an early goal or two, he can solidify his place in the starting line up and make a big step forwards in his career by top scoring at the Copa America.
Betting Recommendations
Brazil to win the Copa America at 11/10 with bet365
Uruguay to reach the final at 23/10 with Paddy Power
Richarlison to be top goalscorer at 16/1 with Coral
