The Copa América closes the group phase with a duel between two teams that no longer have anything at stake to advance to the next stage, Costa Rica and Paraguay.
The Ticos surprised everyone in the first game against Brazil but were then crushed by Colombia and their hopes were dashed.
The Albiroja continued with their poor performance and in the United States, they have had only defeats, so they will try to say goodbye with some joy for their fans.
When and Where?
Tuesday, July 2, 9:00 pm ET at the Q2 Stadium
Moneyline odds:
Costa Rica 4.09
Paraguay 2.02
Draw Offs :
3.41
Where can I watch it?
TUDN, Univision, and DGO
Why Bet on Costa Rica?
After a great start, Costa Rica thrilled their fans, but in the second game everything went downhill, and although they have a minimal chance of advancing to the quarterfinals, it is almost impossible.
In their first game, they tied 0-0 with Brazil, showing a very good defense. But in their second match, they were thrashed 3-0 by Colombia and showed all their weaknesses, especially in attack, where they have not been able to score and have only had seven shots in the tournament, none of which have been on target.
The Ticos have one point and a goal difference of -3, while Brazil has four points and +3, meaning that to qualify for the quarterfinals they have to win, hope that the Verdeamarelha loses to Colombia and that there are a good number of goals.
Coach Gustavo Alfaro will have a hard task with this team for the qualifiers, as it lacks hierarchy: most players play in Costa Rica and only a few are in Europe in lower leagues.
As if that were not enough, the team’s goal hope, Spartak Moscow striker Manfred Ugalde, is suspended.
Why Bet on Paraguay?
Paraguay has been showing a very bad level for some years now and coach Daniel Garnero, who arrived at the end of last year, has not been able to change the course. In the first game they lost 2-1 to Colombia and in the second they were beaten by Brazil (4-1), who even missed a penalty.
Since Garnero’s arrival, the team has lost five times, drawn twice, and won two others, one against Bolivia (1-0) in the qualifiers and another in a friendly against Panama (1-0). Despite having good players such as Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, and Ramón Sosa, among others, the team’s performance has been very poor.
The team has had several goal opportunities and arrives with a lot of volume to the opponent’s goal, but they do not have a good definition and in defense, they have been very permeable.
Without any points, they are already eliminated and the only thing they are playing for is to give joy to their fans. However, coach Garnero can use this game as a test to use other players. A victory is possible against an inferior opponent and would boost the team’s morale for the World Cup qualifiers, where they are seventh with 5 points out of 18.
The only player who will not be able to play is midfielder Andrés Cubas, who was sent off against Brazil.
Final Betting Analysis: Costa Rica vs. Paraguay
In neither of the two matches of these teams in the Copa América, there have been more than 10 corners, so the option of less than 10.5 with an odds of 1.8 is very good . Likewise, while Paraguay lost, they had 11 shots in their first game and 15 in their second, so thinking they can score in both halves is not unreasonable. That pays 3.2.
The last time they faced each other was in the previous Copa America in the United States, in 2016, also in the group stage and they drew goalless. On that occasion, they were both eliminated.
They had previously played in the Copa América 2004 and Paraguay won (1-0). They faced each other nine times and everything is balanced: three wins per side and three draws.
The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have Paraguay as the favorite. Their Moneyline shows 2.02, Costa Rica has 4.09, and the draw is 3.41.
It will be an even duel between two teams with many shortcomings. However Paraguay showed better things and has better players, so it will take a victory in the closing of the group. We’ll go for a 2-1.
Go for a win for Paraguay. If you bet $100 at 2.02, you will gain $100 for a total payout of $200.
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