Prediction: Colombia vs Paraguay

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: bet365

The Copa America is in full swing, as we continue to see a fantastic showcase of South American football talent from every corner of the continent. We’ve already seen an entertaining series of events occur throughout the course of the tournament, and it really does feel like we’re only just getting started. Today we’re going to be looking at the upcoming encounter between Colombia and Paraguay, as we look ahead to the end of the group stage and the start of the knockouts.

Colombia

The Colombians have been on the verge of exploding into life on the international stage for almost a decade now, and it seems as if they’re ready to take that next step. They have been the most impressive team in the tournament up to this point, and while that may not be saying much, two wins from two speaks for itself. They’ll be full of confidence as we look ahead to the knockout stage, and there’s no reason for them to believe that they cannot beat every single team left in Copa America 2019.

Team News

Falcao could get another chance to impress ahead of Zapata here, as Santiago Arias bids for a place in the starting XI after starting the last two games on the bench.

Paraguay

It feels like Paraguay’s appearance in the World Cup quarter finals took place a million years ago, when in reality, it hasn’t even been a decade yet. They haven’t quite been able to get themselves back to that point, but even with that being the case, we’d argue they’re still a force to be reckoned with. Their speciality of drawing in the big tournaments and still being able to make it through to the latter stages is admirable, and it’ll be intriguing to see whether or not the same thing happens yet again here.

Team News

Cardozo and Santander will battle it out for the right to start up top, as they prepare to go with a 4-4-1-1 formation. Two of Alonso, Balbuena and Gomez will start as Paraguay’s centre backs.

Factors to Consider

• Colombia have won both of their games so far at Copa America 2019, defeating Argentina and Qatar.
• Paraguay have drawn both of their games so far at Copa America 2019, 2-2 against Qatar and 1-1 against Argentina.
• Colombia have already qualified for the knockout stages.
• Paraguay will qualify with a win, but if they draw or lose, Qatar/Argentina have the chance to leapfrog them.
• The game will be played at Arena Fonte Nova.

Conclusion

As much as fans will continue to big up and hype the rise of Colombia in this tournament, it feels like they’re going to take a back seat in this one. They’ve already qualified for the knockout stages, and they won’t want to risk any unnecessary injuries when they don’t need to do so. They’ll still put on a show regardless of who features, but on the other hand, Paraguay are fighting for their place in the tournament. As such, we’re expecting an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: bet365