Copa America 2015: Odds, Predictions for Chile vs. Argentina Final. Copa America 2015: Stream, Odds, Predictions for Chile vs. Argentina FinalRicardo Mazalan/Associated Comments. After some abrasive group-stage fixtures and gritty quarter-final clashes, the semi-finals saw this Copa America come alive. And if things continue to get better and better, the final between Chile and Argentina should be a treat for football supporters around the world. La Roja produced a nervy display in their semi-final to get past an obdurate Peru side 2-1 and after searching for a spark throughout the entire tournament, the Albiceleste delivered in emphatic fashion last time out against Paraguay, romping to a stunning 6-1 victory. It’s set up to be a fascinating final and an unmissable occasion. Here’s all the information you need on where to catch the match via a stream, a closer look at how the bookmakers are seeing things and a rundown of how the fixture is likely to play out before a vibrant Santiago backdrop. Chile vs. Argentina: Copa America Final Odds. Alexis Sanchez to Score First—13/2 Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press, The semi-final against Peru was the kind of encounter in which someone needed to get a grip of the game for Chile. Thankfully for La Roja, Eduardo Vargas did exactly that, hammering in two wonderful goals to haul his team over the line; usually it’s Alexis Sanchez assuming this talismanic mantle.
The Arsenal man has been a little short of his vibrant best in the knockout stages after an excellent group phase, with Uruguay and Peru doing well to limit the supply line into the effervescent forward. But as noted here by ESPN’s Miguel Delaney, Sanchez was still composed in key moments: The final is going to be the biggest game in the lives of a lot of these La Roja players and it’s vital the former Barcelona star exerts a controlling and settling influence again. Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press/Associated Press Sanchez has been targeted by opponents in the knockout stages. Tata Martino’s team will attack and subsequently, they will afford Sanchez more of the ball than he’s been used to so far. In addition, while the Albiceleste centre-back pairing of Ezequiel Garay and Nicolas Otamendi have coped well with physical forwards like Nelson Valdez, Edinson Cavani and Jackson Martinez so far, the intricacy of Alexis will pose an entirely different problem. As Chilean football expert The Lone Star notes, Sanchez will have to get a move on if he’s not to be overhauled by Vargas in the all-time scoring stakes too: He’s clearly a little short of sharpness after a gruelling season for club and country, but this is arguably the biggest game of Alexis’ career so far. Expect a dominant display from the forward, who’ll get his side off to a brilliant start. Jorge Sampaoli has turned this Chile team from a side that everyone loved to watch into a team that, while still aesthetic, knows how to win big games. And with what’ll be a raucous crowd behind them in Santiago, they’ll have enough to get past Argentina and win their first Copa America.
They’ll have to overcome a pretty poor head-to-head record, as we can see here courtesy of OptaFranz: But even though the Albiceleste hit Paraguay for six last time out, looking at the competition as a whole, La Roja have been the standout team. They’ve played with cohesion and confidence in all their games; now Chile seem to have the mentality to make that final step. Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press Argentina are formidable opposition for Chile. Sampaoli certainly thinks his team are ready for the challenge, per Alex Fisher of Goal.com: We have achieved something great as a group of players, achieving the dream of playing the final of a tournament that is being played here in Chile. For the people and for us this was a dream we wanted to fulfil and it happened. Now we must be well prepared for what is coming, which we know will be an even tougher match than today. If Argentina turn it on like they did against Paraguay, they’ll be difficult to contain, especially with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria all potentially running riot. But Los Guaranies sat back and allowed Argentina to dictate; can you really see this tireless Chile team doing that? La Roja will press forward with purpose and precision to knock Argentina out of their stride, posing big problems for an Albiceleste midfield which has lacked balance throughout this competition. It’ll be tight, tenacious and, for those fans with allegiances, difficult to watch at times. But it’s Chile’s time to etch their name into the storied annals of South American football. Prediction: Chile 2-1 Argentina.
Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2511603-copa-america-2015-live-stream-odds-predictions-for-chile-vs-argentina-final
Mama Sports News
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Copa America Quarterfinals: Bolivia vs Peru Time, TV Channel, Odds
Copa America Quarterfinals: Bolivia vs. Peru Time, TV Channel, Odds. Two underdogs clash in the Copa America quarterfinals on Thursday as Bolivia and Peru will meet for a rare spot in the final four. While Peru has had moderate success in the tournament, including reaching the semifinals in 2011, Bolivia is looking for its first semifinal spot since 1997.
Peru was on course to snagging a point from Brazil in the tournament opener, but yielded a goal in the final minute to lose 2-1. Since then, Peru posted back-to-back clean sheets in beating Venezuela and drawing with Columbia to advance to the quarterfinals. Bolivia reached the quarterfinals by defeating Ecuador 3-2 and drawing 0-0 with Mexico before being thrashed 5-0 by host Chile.
Peru is led by 36-year-old forward Claudio Pizzaro, who scored the lone goal in the 1-0 win over Venezuela. Pizzaro is confident his team can make a deep run and surprise a few teams along the way. The teams have drown the last four meetings. Here’s what you need to know about the match: The Basics Who: Bolivia vs. Peru What: Copa America quarterfinals, When: Thursday, June 25, Where: Estadio Municipal Bicentenario Germán Becker, Time: 8:30 p.m. local time, 7:30 p.m. Eastern, Time, Channel:
BEIN Sports (USA) Premier Sports (UK), (International viewers, click here for your local provider), Odds: Bolivia +250, Peru +110, Draw +200. Stats You Need to Know. Bolivia beat Ecuador 3-2 in the group stage to advance to the quarterfinals. (Getty), Bolivia beat Ecuador 3-2 in the group stage to advance to the quarterfinals. (Getty) Scouting Bolivia, Record: 1-1-1 (4 points, 2nd Group A) Coach: Mauricio Soria, 1st season, Goals For: 3, Goals Allowed: 7 Scouting Peru, Record: 1-1-1 (4 points, 2nd Group C, Coach: Ricardo Gareca, 1st season, Goals For: 2. Goals Allowed: 2.
Article Source: http://heavy.com/sports/2015/06/bolivia-vs-peru-time-tv-channel-odds-copa-america-stats/
Peru was on course to snagging a point from Brazil in the tournament opener, but yielded a goal in the final minute to lose 2-1. Since then, Peru posted back-to-back clean sheets in beating Venezuela and drawing with Columbia to advance to the quarterfinals. Bolivia reached the quarterfinals by defeating Ecuador 3-2 and drawing 0-0 with Mexico before being thrashed 5-0 by host Chile.
Peru is led by 36-year-old forward Claudio Pizzaro, who scored the lone goal in the 1-0 win over Venezuela. Pizzaro is confident his team can make a deep run and surprise a few teams along the way. The teams have drown the last four meetings. Here’s what you need to know about the match: The Basics Who: Bolivia vs. Peru What: Copa America quarterfinals, When: Thursday, June 25, Where: Estadio Municipal Bicentenario Germán Becker, Time: 8:30 p.m. local time, 7:30 p.m. Eastern, Time, Channel:
BEIN Sports (USA) Premier Sports (UK), (International viewers, click here for your local provider), Odds: Bolivia +250, Peru +110, Draw +200. Stats You Need to Know. Bolivia beat Ecuador 3-2 in the group stage to advance to the quarterfinals. (Getty), Bolivia beat Ecuador 3-2 in the group stage to advance to the quarterfinals. (Getty) Scouting Bolivia, Record: 1-1-1 (4 points, 2nd Group A) Coach: Mauricio Soria, 1st season, Goals For: 3, Goals Allowed: 7 Scouting Peru, Record: 1-1-1 (4 points, 2nd Group C, Coach: Ricardo Gareca, 1st season, Goals For: 2. Goals Allowed: 2.
Article Source: http://heavy.com/sports/2015/06/bolivia-vs-peru-time-tv-channel-odds-copa-america-stats/
Copa America Quarterfinals: Brazil vs Paraguay Time, TV Channel, Odds
Copa America Quarterfinals: Brazil vs. Paraguay Time, TV Channel, Odds. If Brazil is to claim its fifth Copa America title in the last seven tournaments dating back to 1997, it’s going to have to be without the services of top player Neymar. Neymar was involved in a post-match incident after his team lost 1-0 to Colombia in the second group game, and was suspended for four matches — the rest of the tournament. Neymar decided to leave the squad after his suspension, as training with the squad without being able to play was “killing him.”
The void has been filled by Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino, who looks poised to join one of the top-spending clubs in Europe in the near future. Firmino, 23, scored in the 2-1 win over Venezuela in the group finale and has four goals in nine caps with the senior team. Paraguay had a nightmare World Cup qualifying, finishing bottom of CONMEBOL after qualifying for the previous four tournaments, but has rebounded under new manager Ramon Diaz in this tournament. Paraguay defeated Jamaica and drew with Argentina and Uruguay to reach the quarters. Paraguay has won this tournament twice (1953, 1979)
Paraguay has a decent recent history against the South American powerhouse, including ousting the Brazilians on penalties in the Copa America quarterfinals in 2011 on its way to the final. Paraguay enters this match as heavy underdogs but this match may play out closer than most think. Here’s what you need to know about the match: The Basics, Who, Brazil vs. Paraguay, What: Copa America quarterfinals, When: Saturday, June 27, Where: Estadio Municipal Alcaldesa Ester Roa Rebolledo, Time: 6:30 p.m. local time, 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Channel: BEIN Sports (USA) Premier Sports (UK), (International viewers, click here for your local provider)
Odds: Brazil -150, Paraguay +425, Draw +240, Stats You Need to Know Paraguay's forward Lucas Barrios (L). (Getty), Paraguay’s forward Lucas Barrios scored late to earn a 2-2 draw vs. Argentina in the group stage. (Getty) Scouting Brazil, Record: 2-1 (6 points, 1st Group C), Coach: Dunga, 1st season, Goals For: 4. Goals Allowed: 3, Scouting Paraguay, Record: 1-0-2 (5 points, 2nd Group B), Coach: Ramon Diaz, 1st season, Goals For: 4, Goals Allowed: 3.
Article Source: http://heavy.com/sports/2015/06/copa-america-quarterfinals-brazil-vs-paraguay-time-tv-channel-odds-preview-betting/
The void has been filled by Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino, who looks poised to join one of the top-spending clubs in Europe in the near future. Firmino, 23, scored in the 2-1 win over Venezuela in the group finale and has four goals in nine caps with the senior team. Paraguay had a nightmare World Cup qualifying, finishing bottom of CONMEBOL after qualifying for the previous four tournaments, but has rebounded under new manager Ramon Diaz in this tournament. Paraguay defeated Jamaica and drew with Argentina and Uruguay to reach the quarters. Paraguay has won this tournament twice (1953, 1979)
Paraguay has a decent recent history against the South American powerhouse, including ousting the Brazilians on penalties in the Copa America quarterfinals in 2011 on its way to the final. Paraguay enters this match as heavy underdogs but this match may play out closer than most think. Here’s what you need to know about the match: The Basics, Who, Brazil vs. Paraguay, What: Copa America quarterfinals, When: Saturday, June 27, Where: Estadio Municipal Alcaldesa Ester Roa Rebolledo, Time: 6:30 p.m. local time, 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Channel: BEIN Sports (USA) Premier Sports (UK), (International viewers, click here for your local provider)
Odds: Brazil -150, Paraguay +425, Draw +240, Stats You Need to Know Paraguay's forward Lucas Barrios (L). (Getty), Paraguay’s forward Lucas Barrios scored late to earn a 2-2 draw vs. Argentina in the group stage. (Getty) Scouting Brazil, Record: 2-1 (6 points, 1st Group C), Coach: Dunga, 1st season, Goals For: 4. Goals Allowed: 3, Scouting Paraguay, Record: 1-0-2 (5 points, 2nd Group B), Coach: Ramon Diaz, 1st season, Goals For: 4, Goals Allowed: 3.
Article Source: http://heavy.com/sports/2015/06/copa-america-quarterfinals-brazil-vs-paraguay-time-tv-channel-odds-preview-betting/
Monday, June 22, 2015
Argentina Faces Colombia, Brazil Against Paraguay, Chile Takes on Uruguay as Copa America 2015 Quarter Final Fixture Appears
After the completion of the Group Stage matches of Copa America 2015, we now have the Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture in hand. With all the favourites progressing to the Copa America Quarter Finals, the tournament is going to get hard and lethal as expected earlier. Let’s have a quick eye on the Copa America 2015 quarter final schedule.Teams in Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture. Group A qualifiers of Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture, Chile – Form “Group A” the group topper, host nation Chile forwards to the Copa America 2015 quarter-final having 7 points in bag. Chile won 2 matches and had a draw against Mexico. Bolivia – The group runners Bolivia also joins the Copa America 2015: Quarter Final. They have 4 points with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss.Group B qualifiers of Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture
Argentina – From “Group B”, Argentina qualifies as the group topper with 7 points. They had 2 wins against Uruguay and Jamaica and had a draw against Paraguay. Paraguay – The team had a win against Jamaica and two draws against Uruguay and Argentina. With 5 points in hand Paraguay qualifies for Copa America 2015 quarter finals Group B runners –up. Uruguay – The third team of “Group B” qualifies as the 7th team to the quarter-final of Copa America 2015. They had 4 points with 1 loss, 1 win and 1 draw and, they outranked “Group A” third position holder Ecuador with a point lead. Group C qualifiers of Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture Brazil topped “Group C” with two wins and 1 loss having 6 points all over. The Samba continues to Copa America 2015 quarter final. Peru – Peru had same 4 points like Colombia and a same goal difference but scoring 1 goal more than Colombia ranked them runners-up of “Group C”. Colombia – The last team to qualify for Copa America 2015 Quarter Final, along with Uruguay is Colombia. They also have 4 points but a 1 goal less scored than Peru.
Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture. In the first match of Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture we have is fierce!!! We have Chile taking on Uruguay on 24th June. Both the teams are favourites, attacking and lethal!! The second match is Bolivia vs. Peru on 25th June in Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture. Another storming clash awaits us on 27th June, when Argentina will face Colombia in Copa America 2015 quarter final. The breath taking Copa America 2015 schedule gets the top level of blood-rush in this match! Brazil has their Copa America 2015 quarter final match lined up against Paraguay on 28th June.
Article Source: http://www.footballlens.com/copa-america-2015-quarter-final-fixture-schedule-2218/
Argentina – From “Group B”, Argentina qualifies as the group topper with 7 points. They had 2 wins against Uruguay and Jamaica and had a draw against Paraguay. Paraguay – The team had a win against Jamaica and two draws against Uruguay and Argentina. With 5 points in hand Paraguay qualifies for Copa America 2015 quarter finals Group B runners –up. Uruguay – The third team of “Group B” qualifies as the 7th team to the quarter-final of Copa America 2015. They had 4 points with 1 loss, 1 win and 1 draw and, they outranked “Group A” third position holder Ecuador with a point lead. Group C qualifiers of Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture Brazil topped “Group C” with two wins and 1 loss having 6 points all over. The Samba continues to Copa America 2015 quarter final. Peru – Peru had same 4 points like Colombia and a same goal difference but scoring 1 goal more than Colombia ranked them runners-up of “Group C”. Colombia – The last team to qualify for Copa America 2015 Quarter Final, along with Uruguay is Colombia. They also have 4 points but a 1 goal less scored than Peru.
Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture. In the first match of Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture we have is fierce!!! We have Chile taking on Uruguay on 24th June. Both the teams are favourites, attacking and lethal!! The second match is Bolivia vs. Peru on 25th June in Copa America 2015 quarter final fixture. Another storming clash awaits us on 27th June, when Argentina will face Colombia in Copa America 2015 quarter final. The breath taking Copa America 2015 schedule gets the top level of blood-rush in this match! Brazil has their Copa America 2015 quarter final match lined up against Paraguay on 28th June.
Article Source: http://www.footballlens.com/copa-america-2015-quarter-final-fixture-schedule-2218/
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Watch USA Vs Colombia FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup And Match Preview
Women’s soccer fans can watch live online as Team USA faces heavy underdogs Colombia in a grudge match with the loser eliminated from the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Experts give world 28th-ranked Colombia little chance against the U.S.A., who sit at No. 2 in the women’s world rankings — but don’t tell that to the feisty Colombians. “They belittle us. They think we’re a team they’re going to walk all over and it will be an easy game for them,” Colombia star midfielder Lady Andrade told USA Today. “We’re going to beat them since they like to talk so much.”
U.S.A. fans will definitely remember that it was Andrade who brazenly sucker-punched Team U.S.A. striker Abby Wambach in the face, blackening her eye, when the two teams squared off in the 2012 Olympic tournament. A video of that ugly incident can be viewed at this link — and Wambach and her teammates certainly remember it well. To find out how to watch the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 USA vs. Colombia elimination match live online, see the information at the bottom of this article. Streaming video goes online at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, June 22, 5 p.m. Pacific, from Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Colombia has already pulled off one extraordinary upset — the greatest in Women’s World Cup history, as measured by the difference in ranking — when they blanked world No. 3-ranked France 2-0 in the group stage. Andrade scored the decisive goal in that match. But Team U.S.A. has declined to respond to Andrade’s prediction of another, even more historic giant-killing. “We want to let our actions speak on the field, and we don’t necessarily want to respond to that,” said U.S.A. forward Alex Morgan, when told of Andrade’s remarks.
Colombia, by advancing to the Round of 16, becomes the first South American team other than Brazil ever to make it to the knockout round of the Women’s World Cup — and perhaps more significantly, only the sixth side from a country whose economy does not rank in the world’s top 50. While Team U.S.A. consists of full-time, professional women’s soccer players, the Colombia women have no pro league and must fit in their soccer training in around their regular day jobs. Will Colombia pull off the most spectacular upset women’s soccer has ever seen? To find out, watch the U.S.A. vs. Colombia FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 match live online from Edmonton, by going to Fox Sports Go at this link, or paying for a subscription to Fox Soccer2Go, available at this link. The Spanish-language live online stream will be carried by NBC Sports Live Extra, which may be accessed at this
Article Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/2190760/usa-vs-colombia-live-online/
U.S.A. fans will definitely remember that it was Andrade who brazenly sucker-punched Team U.S.A. striker Abby Wambach in the face, blackening her eye, when the two teams squared off in the 2012 Olympic tournament. A video of that ugly incident can be viewed at this link — and Wambach and her teammates certainly remember it well. To find out how to watch the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 USA vs. Colombia elimination match live online, see the information at the bottom of this article. Streaming video goes online at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, June 22, 5 p.m. Pacific, from Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Colombia has already pulled off one extraordinary upset — the greatest in Women’s World Cup history, as measured by the difference in ranking — when they blanked world No. 3-ranked France 2-0 in the group stage. Andrade scored the decisive goal in that match. But Team U.S.A. has declined to respond to Andrade’s prediction of another, even more historic giant-killing. “We want to let our actions speak on the field, and we don’t necessarily want to respond to that,” said U.S.A. forward Alex Morgan, when told of Andrade’s remarks.
Colombia, by advancing to the Round of 16, becomes the first South American team other than Brazil ever to make it to the knockout round of the Women’s World Cup — and perhaps more significantly, only the sixth side from a country whose economy does not rank in the world’s top 50. While Team U.S.A. consists of full-time, professional women’s soccer players, the Colombia women have no pro league and must fit in their soccer training in around their regular day jobs. Will Colombia pull off the most spectacular upset women’s soccer has ever seen? To find out, watch the U.S.A. vs. Colombia FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 match live online from Edmonton, by going to Fox Sports Go at this link, or paying for a subscription to Fox Soccer2Go, available at this link. The Spanish-language live online stream will be carried by NBC Sports Live Extra, which may be accessed at this
Article Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/2190760/usa-vs-colombia-live-online/
Brazil vs Venezuela: Date, Time, 2015 Copa America Match Preview
Few would have expected a winner-takes-all matchup between Brazil and Venezuela in the final round of group games at this year's Copa America. Group C is an absolute stalemate, with all four teams currently locked on three points and enjoying a goal difference of zero. Peru's 1-0 win over Venezuela, who previously shocked Colombia by the same scoreline, ensures qualification for the knockout phase remains finely balanced. Brazil's 1-0 loss to Colombia is the tournament's most memorable game so far and could define the Selecao's progression—or lack thereof—against Noel Sanvicente's side. Here's all you need to know ahead of the encounter:
Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 5:30 p.m. ET, 10:30 p.m. BST
TV Info: beIN Sports (U.S.), Premier Sports (UK)
Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect, Premier Player
Brazil in Search of New Leaders as Disaster Looms. Neymar showed his mercurial brilliance during the opening 2-1 win against Peru, scoring the side's first before setting Douglas Costa up with an excellent assist, highlighted by Complex UK: However, he struggled to overcome his hardships from the 2015 World Cup against Colombia. Whether the broken vertebrae from Juan Zuniga's flying challenge in last year's win played on his mind or not, the Barcelona man failed to keep his emotions in check throughout the recent defeat. This culminated with his sending off for kicking the ball at Los Cafeteros defender Pablo Armero, before appearing to weakly headbutt goalscorer Jeison Murillo after the final whistle, reported by Martin Domin of the MailOnline. While Forbes' Bobby McMahon noted Neymar was "unfortunate" to receive a caution before the interval, he described the 23-year-old's sudden rise in frustration after the break:
He could have easily have been sent off for three offences all occurring within two minutes. He tugged on the shoulder of the referee in the aftermath of the yellow card; then there was an aggressive tackle from behind shortly after, followed by a petulant display when the call went against him. Brazil's willingness to look to Neymar for inspiration was perhaps best summarised by his irritation appearing "to spread to others with several bumps, nudges and sly kicks happening off the ball," per McMahon. He was unable to play his natural game in a combative encounter, and Brazil ran out of ideas. Other individuals must now step up for Dunga's side. Neymar's ban means Roberto Firmino is likely to retain his place in attack, although he could move into a slightly deeper role to accommodate striker Diego Tardelli.
Firmino is a natural hard worker but can often have his well-rounded abilities overlooked when he is stationed deep in the opposition's half. He could provide greater influence by picking the ball up closer to the halfway line. He will need to quickly shake off the disappointment of missing an open goal against Colombia, highlighted by football writer Kyle Bonn: Philippe Coutinho injected probing creativity when he replaced Fred in the last fixture and needs to be given a starting spot if he returns to full fitness. Removing Willian may upset the side's balance, but Costa has already proven to be a match-winner in this tournament and may provide greater spark on the flank.
Dunga hasn't been able to replace the patrolling influence of holding midfielder Luiz Gustavo, underlined by Fernandinho and Elias' struggle to maintain Colombia's pacey transitions through the centre. Casemiro will be hoping to stamp his authority on the big stage with a starting spot. So far, Venezuela have proven to be a highly driven team who possess considerable attacking threat through Salomon Rondon. However, Fernando Amorebieta's red card during the defeat to Peru may provide Brazil greater onus to attack through the middle. Quick, inter-linking play should be at the forefront of Dunga's tactics to break down a physical defence. Failing to qualify for the next round would be a disaster for Brazil—perhaps even worse than being eliminated from their own World Cup via a 7-1 defeat to Germany. All the pressure is on Dunga's men, as Venezuela hope to rumble on with the self-belief and confidence they've shown so far.
Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2500791-brazil-vs-venezuela-date-time-live-stream-and-2015-copa-america-preview
Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 5:30 p.m. ET, 10:30 p.m. BST
TV Info: beIN Sports (U.S.), Premier Sports (UK)
Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect, Premier Player
Brazil in Search of New Leaders as Disaster Looms. Neymar showed his mercurial brilliance during the opening 2-1 win against Peru, scoring the side's first before setting Douglas Costa up with an excellent assist, highlighted by Complex UK: However, he struggled to overcome his hardships from the 2015 World Cup against Colombia. Whether the broken vertebrae from Juan Zuniga's flying challenge in last year's win played on his mind or not, the Barcelona man failed to keep his emotions in check throughout the recent defeat. This culminated with his sending off for kicking the ball at Los Cafeteros defender Pablo Armero, before appearing to weakly headbutt goalscorer Jeison Murillo after the final whistle, reported by Martin Domin of the MailOnline. While Forbes' Bobby McMahon noted Neymar was "unfortunate" to receive a caution before the interval, he described the 23-year-old's sudden rise in frustration after the break:
He could have easily have been sent off for three offences all occurring within two minutes. He tugged on the shoulder of the referee in the aftermath of the yellow card; then there was an aggressive tackle from behind shortly after, followed by a petulant display when the call went against him. Brazil's willingness to look to Neymar for inspiration was perhaps best summarised by his irritation appearing "to spread to others with several bumps, nudges and sly kicks happening off the ball," per McMahon. He was unable to play his natural game in a combative encounter, and Brazil ran out of ideas. Other individuals must now step up for Dunga's side. Neymar's ban means Roberto Firmino is likely to retain his place in attack, although he could move into a slightly deeper role to accommodate striker Diego Tardelli.
Firmino is a natural hard worker but can often have his well-rounded abilities overlooked when he is stationed deep in the opposition's half. He could provide greater influence by picking the ball up closer to the halfway line. He will need to quickly shake off the disappointment of missing an open goal against Colombia, highlighted by football writer Kyle Bonn: Philippe Coutinho injected probing creativity when he replaced Fred in the last fixture and needs to be given a starting spot if he returns to full fitness. Removing Willian may upset the side's balance, but Costa has already proven to be a match-winner in this tournament and may provide greater spark on the flank.
Dunga hasn't been able to replace the patrolling influence of holding midfielder Luiz Gustavo, underlined by Fernandinho and Elias' struggle to maintain Colombia's pacey transitions through the centre. Casemiro will be hoping to stamp his authority on the big stage with a starting spot. So far, Venezuela have proven to be a highly driven team who possess considerable attacking threat through Salomon Rondon. However, Fernando Amorebieta's red card during the defeat to Peru may provide Brazil greater onus to attack through the middle. Quick, inter-linking play should be at the forefront of Dunga's tactics to break down a physical defence. Failing to qualify for the next round would be a disaster for Brazil—perhaps even worse than being eliminated from their own World Cup via a 7-1 defeat to Germany. All the pressure is on Dunga's men, as Venezuela hope to rumble on with the self-belief and confidence they've shown so far.
Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2500791-brazil-vs-venezuela-date-time-live-stream-and-2015-copa-america-preview
Friday, June 19, 2015
Copa America 2015 Predictions & Preview: Argentina, Lionel Messi vs Jamaica
Copa America 2015 Predictions & Preview: Argentina, Lionel Messi vs Jamaica. Argentina and Jamaica will play each other in a group stage game on Saturday evening. This game is extremely critical because it could very well determine the winner of the group. Let's break down the teams and pick a winner. Argentina (3) Argentina is the highest ranked team in this tournament. Only Germany and Belgium rank higher in the world today. Argentina has 14 Copa America championships all-time, second only to Uruguay's 15. Unfortunately for Argentina, they haven't won this tournament since 1993, when they defeated Mexico in the finals. Argentina got off to a bit of a disappointing start. They tied against Paraguay 2-2 despite a goal from Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. Argentina showed great resilience by defeating their rival, Uruguay, in Game 2. Argentina is tied with Paraguay with four points in Group B. Not only do both Paraguay and Argentina have four points and one win, but they also have a plus one goal differential. Argentina fans will be pulling for Uruguay to defeat Paraguay on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero will get the start in net with Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City leading the defense. Argentina has a strong middle field led by Javier Mascherano and Angel di María, while Messi, Sergio Agüero and Carlos Tevez direct the offense. Argentina will more than likely advance to the knockout stage regardless of what place they finish, but the position is very important. If Argentina can win Group B, that means they play the third place team from Group A or C. Jamaica (65) Just like Mexico, Jamaica (a CONCACAF team) accepted an invite to play at this year's Copa America. And similar to Mexico, Jamaica will be competing at the 2015 Gold Cup. This is Jamaica's first ever Copa America tournament, and it's a great experience to get prepared for the upcoming Gold Cup.
Jamaica lost their first two games, to Uruguay and Paraguay. Both games may have ended in defeat, but Jamaica was very impressive defensively only allowed two total goals. Offensively, not so much. Jamaica lost both games by a score of 1-0. Duwayne Kerr will be starting in goal for Jamaica with a young and talented defense in front of him led by Jermaine Taylor of the Houston Dynamo. Unfortunately, Jamaica just doesn't have the offense to win a tournament like this. Notable players such as Dane Richards, Jermaine Anderson and Demar Phillips will not be playing for Jamaica to rest for next month. Jamaica cannot win this group because they presently have zero points, but they can still qualify for the knockout stage. If Paraguay defeats Uruguay, and Jamaica wins this game, they will be tied with Uruguay for third place. It will come down to goal differential from there. Schedule, Where to Watch Argentina and Jamaica will play each other on Saturday, June 20 at 5:30 p.m. EST. The game will be played at the Estadio Sausalito stadium in Viña del Mar, Chile. It will be televised on beIN sports. You can watch a live game stream here. Prediction This should be an easy one for Argentina. They have the advantage in every category and the best player in the world. A loss here would be a monumental upset. Argentina needs to win this game.
Argentina wins 2-0.
Article Source: http://www.latinpost.com/articles/60804/20150619/copa-america-2015-predictions-preview-argentina-lionel-messi-vs-jamaica.htm
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)