Prediction: Brazil vs Argentina

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888sport

The 2019 Copa America semifinals will kick-off this Tuesday with a thrilling encounter between Argentina and Brazil. One of the biggest rivalries in the world when it comes to national teams, these two former World Cup winners will meet at Mineirao looking to clinch a berth in the tournament’s final. The winner will meet against the winner of the other semifinal match between Peru and Chile. The referee will be Roddy Zambrano (Ecuador) and kick-off is scheduled at 01:30 AM, BST.

Brazil

On the surface, Brazil have looked good during the 2019 Copa America. La Selecao are undefeated in their first four tournament matches and have yet to concede a single goal thus far. They previously defeated Bolivia 3-0 and Peru 5-0, while securing goalless draws against both Venezuela and Paraguay. The quarterfinals match against Paraguay was a complicated one, as Brazil dominated the entire match but couldn’t penetrate Roberto Fernandez’s goal. Therefore, Tite’s men had to decide their fate on penalties where they topped La Albirroja to clinch a berth in the semifinals at home. La Selecao have been extremely solid on the defensive side of the ball, although they have lacked accuracy on the attacking. Thus far, Brazil have scored one or fewer goals in two matches, while netting eight times in the other two. Which side will appear in this outing against their biggest rivals?

Team News

Brazil are at full strength entering this match after Fernandinho, who missed the quarterfinals match against Paraguay, received clearance to play in this contest.

Casemiro will return to the squad after his one-match suspension. Filipe Luis, Arthur and Roberto Firmino are one yellow card away from missing the final, though.

Argentina

It’s fair to say that Argentina have been on the rise throughout the tournament. Lionel Scaloni’s men began their 2019 Copa America campaign with a sounding 2-0 defeat against Colombia in the opener, and later they struggled to secure a 1-1 draw against Paraguay thanks to a questionable penalty call against La Albiceleste converted by Lionel Messi. But Argentina had their backs against the wall in the match against Qatar, and secured a comfortable 2-0 win to secure their berth in the next round. During the quarterfinals, Argentina dominated against Venezuela and repeated the 2-0 score thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso. It remains to be seen how Scaloni will set up his side, but they’re not expected to make too many changes considering Argentina have finally founded their Best XI. Can they deliver a huge win on Brazilian soil, or will Argentina extend their title drought that has been alive since the 1993 Copa America?

Team News

Argentina are at full strength ahead of this match. They don’t have injured or suspended players.

However, Lautaro Martinez and Marcos Acuña would miss a potential final match if they receive another yellow card.

Key Factors to Consider

• Brazil leads the all-time series with a return of: W42, D24, L38. That includes winning four of the last five encounters (W3, D1, L1).
• Brazil have lifted the trophy in all five South American Championships or Copa America tournaments that they have hosted.
• Seven of Argentina’s last eight victories in all competitions have come by two or more goals.
• Brazil are undefeated in their last 14 post World Cup matches. Including penalties and extra time, they own a W12, D2 mark.
• La Albiceleste have gone undefeated in four of their last five matches overall (W3, D1, L1).
• Argentina have scored two or more goals in 10 of their last 11 wins.

Conclusion

This should be a very even match. Contests between Brazil and Argentina tend to be quite intense, especially considering what’s at stake here and the fact that Brazil will be at home.

I expect this match to be quite tight. Therefore, I believe it will end up with under 2.5 goals scored overall.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888sport