Mexico vs Jamaica prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: Copa América betting tips on match 2024-06-22 01:00.
[p]The first round of fixtures at the 2024 Copa América brings us arguably one of the most intriguing matchups of the group stage as Mexico and Jamaica do battle in Group B. Mexico head into this opening clash as the favourites with the bookmakers, thanks to both their current FIFA ranking of #14 – a whopping 41 places higher than their opponents – and their fantastic recent record in this fixture, losing just one of the last 11 H2H matches since 2013 (W6, D4).[/p]
[p]The last of those victories came in a 3-0 success last July, though Mexico will need to turn around their overall form if they want to produce a similar result and performance here in Houston. That’s because their preparations for this summer’s tournament have been marred by a series of defeats, losing three of their last four internationals overall (W1) as their leaky backline, which has conceded nine goals during that stint, continues to struggle.[/p]
[p]Jamaica enjoyed the perfect preparation for this summer’s competition in the US by winning both of their pre-tournament warm-up friendlies. They defeated the Dominican Republic 1-0 before getting the better of Dominica in an enthralling 3-2 thriller and, under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, they continue to improve as a footballing nation.[/p]
[p]Losing just two of their last 13 internationals overall since July 2023 (W8, D3), it’s been in defence where Jamaica have looked their most impressive, keeping four clean sheets across their last six outings, which will likely form the foundations of their potential progression out of Group B. With four of the last five H2H matches witnessing both sides score though, they could instead be reliant on their frontline in this opener if they’re to claim a first-ever Copa América group stage win (L6). [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Fresh off the back of netting 26 goals across 41 appearances for Feyenoord last season, Santiago Giménez will be Mexico’s main threat here, even if he’s failed to get on the scoresheet across his last nine internationals. Jamaica could look to Shamar Nicholson as their main inspiration, as he’s scored eight goals across his last seven internationals! [/p]
[p]Hot stat: The last five goals that Jamaica have conceded have all come beyond the 80th minute. [/p]