Colombia vs Paraguay prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: Copa América betting tips on match 2024-06-24 22:00.
[p]If form prior to the kick-off of the 2024 Copa América was a deciding factor, then Néstor Lorenzo’s Colombia would be one of the bookmakers’ favourites. It’s been more than two years since they’ve lost on the international circuit, racking up an impressive 23-game unbeaten streak in that time (W18, D5), of which the last eight have all ended in victory. [/p]
[p]The Tricolours will be looking to bring that form into Group D, with the hope of progressing to the knockout rounds, just as they’ve done in 12 of their last 13 Copa América campaigns. That includes their lone lifting of the crown when they hosted the prestigious tournament back in 2001, which is one of international football’s oldest prizes since it is 14 years older than the World Cup itself![/p]
[p]They’ll take on Paraguay at NRG Stadium in Texas, a side who do not have happy memories of playing in America. Paraguay have been sent packing from the group stages in only two of their last 12 Copa América’s, one of which was in 2016 when the United States last hosted the continental showpiece. [/p]
[p]A pair of quarter-final appearances since then is at least something to cling on to, but having missed out on the last three World Cups, manager Daniel Garnero has plenty of work to do if he is to transform the 1953 and 1979 champions into contenders once again. A 1-0 win over Panama prior to the tournament does at least mean the Guaraníes should open their campaign with some confidence, but a four-game winless and scoring streak prior (D2, L2) has many assuming they’re in for a fruitless endeavour. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Liverpool winger Luis Díaz could make his 50th appearance for Colombia, and has proven more dangerous as the game wears on with seven of his last nine international goals coming after half-time. He’ll likely come up against fellow Premier League player Miguel Almirón, who has been a good luck charm for his nation since he’s unbeaten in his six goalscoring appearances for Paraguay (W5, D1).[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Just four of the last 16 H2Hs have seen both teams score (COL: W11, D2, L3).[/p]