Copa America Betting Preview: Odds, predictions, recommended wagers
The 44th Copa America begins Thursday in Chile. The staff at theScore put on their prognosticator hats and offered up their picks with an eye on finding value on the betting board.
Continental Champion odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Argentina | 2/1 |
| Brazil | 10/3 |
| Chile | 7/2 |
| Colombia | 9/2 |
| Uruguay | 14/1 |
| Ecuador | 25/1 |
| Mexico | 25/1 |
| Paraguay | 40/1 |
| Peru | 66/1 |
| Venezuela | 80/1 |
| Bolivia | 125/1 |
| Jamaica | 500 |
In a competition that often sees the host nation emerge victorious, Chile are entering the Copa America with a realistic shot of capturing their first ever title. Six of the tournament's seven champions have won at least one edition in their own streets, and most of those national teams did so without the depth Chile possess. Chile to win Copa America at 7/2
Uruguay's versatility and phenomenal history at the Copa America means it would be foolish to write off the reigning champions. Even without Luis Suarez, who is suspended after biting Giorgio Chiellini at last year's World Cup, Oscar Tabarez's side hold a well-rounded squad capable of defeating any opponent and have the ability to claim a record 16th title. Uruguay to win Copa America at 14/1
Group A odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Chile | 6/11 |
| Mexico | 5/1 |
| Ecuador | 13/2 |
| Bolivia | 25/1 |
Home soil, an abundance of talent, and an excellent manager provide Chile with all the necessary ingredients to breeze through a relatively weak Group A. Jorge Sampaoli's squad were arguably the most impressive South American side at last year's World Cup despite their heartbreaking exit, and they'll be keen to prove they deserved more with a positive showing at the Copa America. Chile to win Group A at 6/11 or pass
Group B odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Argentina | 3/10 |
| Uruguay | 4/1 |
| Paraguay | 14/1 |
| Jamaica | 100/1 |
Eternal rivals Argentina and Uruguay are set to battle it out for the top spot in Group B, four years after Tabarez's men dumped Argentina out of the Copa America in an enthralling quarterfinal. In their most recent meeting, Uruguay also got the better of their adversary, grabbing a 3-2 win on the final matchday of South America's qualifying marathon for the 2014 World Cup. Somehow, Uruguay just know how to get it done against Argentina. Uruguay to win Group B at 4/1
Group C odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 8/13 |
| Colombia | 2/1 |
| Peru | 20/1 |
| Venezuela | 25/1 |
After being eliminated by Brazil in the quarterfinals of last year's World Cup, a result that reduced James Rodriguez to tears, Colombia will have a chance to exact revenge at the Copa America. Although Brazil are in the midst of a resurgence under Dunga, who has guided his side to nine consecutive wins since taking over as manager, there's more than enough offensive firepower in Jose Pekerman's squad for Colombia to top Group C. Colombia to win Group C at 2/1
(Odds courtesy: William Hill)