Monthly Archives: July 2011

USA on the edge of glory

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The USA are bidding to win a third World Cup on Sunday when they take on Japan in the Women’s World Cup final in Frankfurt (Japan 12/5 draw 11/5 USA 20/21 after 90 minutes).

The US Women’s football team is historically strong and first won the competition in 1991 when they beat Norway 2-1 in the final in China before lifting the trophy as hosts with a win on penalties, this time against China in 1999.

They had to be content with third place finishes in 2003 and 2007 though before this year’s tournament in Germany.

The current side, coached by former Sweden international Pia Sundhage, qualified second in Group C behind Sweden before knocking out Brazil and England’s conquerors France to reach the showpiece event, safe in the knowledge they have never lost a World Cup final (5/1 to win 1-0).

USA forward Abby Wambach believes the entire squad deserves credit for reaching the final, saying “there are no substitutes” in this team.

Wambach scored the second goal in her sides’ 3-1 over France in the semi-final on Wednesday but the game was hugely influenced by the impact of two substitutes, Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, the latter of whom scored the decisive third goal in Monchengladbach.

“There are no first-teamers and substitutes in this team,” said 31-year-old Wambach.

“There are no differences. Look at Alex Morgan, who came off the bench and scored her first World Cup goal. Mark my words. That’s the first of many Alex is going to score in the World Cup.

“Megan has a lot of quality and technique and a tremendous amount of confidence in herself. That’s her big asset. She didn’t get down about being made a substitute because she knew she had a lot to contribute in that role.”

Japan are seen very much as an up-and-coming-team in the Women’s game. They finished fourth in the 2008 Olympics, rose into the top five earlier this year and now look to go higher after a fairy tale run to their first World Cup final (Japan 10/1 to win 2-1).

They also qualified for the knock-out stages in second, this time behind England in Group B. But then dramatically beat Sweden, before most notably overcame footballing powerhouse Germany, who were not only hosts and holders but unbeaten in 16 World Cup matches stretching back to 1999.

Japan midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi hopes their appearance in Sunday’s final can bring some much needed publicity to the women’s game back home, where it struggles to compete with men’s football and baseball for media attention.

“Normally we don’t have a lot of media coverage for women’s football in Japan, but when we have good results such as here in Germany or at the Olympics; people get to know about women’s football. It is an important opportunity to promote the team and the game.

“The results at this tournament have given us a lot of confidence. We have momentum and always try to challenge teams, and now we want to try and beat the US.”

Verdict: USA win
Value bet : Draw/USA women HT/FT 18/5

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Copa quarters shake-up

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The quarter-finalists are now all in place in the Copa America and finally, after a slow start, the tournament should come alive with some eagerly-awaited games to come this weekend. But who is going to go all the way in 2011?

Argentina

After a disappointing start to the tournament, when the hosts were jeered by their own fans in dull draws against Bolivia and Colombia, Argentina came to life in their final group game, albeit against a weak Costa Rica outfit.

Nevertheless the 3-0 victory, inspired by Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero, has given the locals hope that they can fulfil their pre-tournament favourites’ tag and go on to lift the trophy.

They come up against a talented Uruguay outfit in the last eight (Argentina 8/15, Uruguay 5/1, the draw 13/5 – match prices) so progress is by no means guaranteed but any side with Messi, Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria, Gabriel Milito and Gonzalo Higuain in it should be feared and, as long as they now click into gear, the competition is still theirs to lose.

Uruguay

The quarter-final showdown against the hosts is Uruguay’s ‘punishment’ for also beginning the competition slowly, as draws against Peru and Chile were eventually followed up with a slender 1-0 victory over Mexico – who themselves struggled badly in Group B to finish bottom of the pile with no points.

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has failed to show the sort of form that, at times, lit up the Premier League in the second half of last season and he has managed just one goal so far, in the opening draw with Peru.

Equally, Diego Forlan – who was voted the best player at last summer’s World Cup – has been strangely subdued and has yet to find the back of the net.

However, they possess some real talent in the squad, not least in the aforementioned duo, and also with the likes of Alvaro Gonzalez, Sebastián Eguren and experienced defender Maxi Periera so, like Argentina, they can be a real force if they play to their potential.

Sadly for Uruguay it looks as though their tournament is about to come to an end, though, as the hosts will probably have a little too much for them in the big clash between the two on Saturday.

Chile

Chile topped their group, ahead of Uruguay, and are showing in Argentina that their impressive performance in South Africa 12 months ago was no fluke (Chile 4/7, Venezuela 9/2, the draw 9/2 – match prices).

In Alexis Sanchez they have one of the most coveted forwards in world football with all the top sides throughout Europe, including Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea, clamouring for his signature.

And his performances so far prove he does have the talent to match the hype.

Sanchez has bagged one goal but has caught the eye for Chile, with much of their best attacking play going through the Udinese star, and he will be vital for them if they are to progress further.

A last-eight clash against Venezuela awaits for Claudio Borghi’s side, so a place in the semis is there for the taking in San Juan on Sunday.

Brazil

In a spooky coincidence, Brazil began the tournament in similar fashion to the way great rivals Argentina started.

The second favourites struggled early on and were stung with criticism from back home with two lethargic draws in their first two games – the second only secured thanks to a last-minute equaliser by Fred against Paraguay.

But the five-times world champions managed to get past Ecuador 4-2 in their final group game to ensure progress into the last eight and now face Paraguay for a place in the semi-finals (Brazil 4/7, Paraguay 9/2, draw 5/2 – match prices).

Despite failing to sparkle so far, the mere fact they are Brazil means they have a chance of winning the tournament and, of course, they have plenty of talent in their side with Dani Alves, Neymar – who scored twice against Paraguay – Lucio, Ramires and Alexandre Pato to name just five.

However, Brazil do appear to lack the star-studded line-up of tournaments gone by this year and winning the Copa America looks like being a tall order for Mano Menezes’ side such is the quality of other sides.

Expect them to make it into the last four but, beyond that, it looks like being a struggle.

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Top 5 Championship Game Changers

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With the new Championship season less than a month away a lot of clubs have already made some key signings in the fight for survival or promotion. We take a look at the top five players who could prove to be difference makers when the campaign gets underway.

1. Kevin Phillips (Blackpool)

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway pulled off a couple of shrewd buys before the start of last season, and Phillips could prove to be a player in a similar mould.

He might be 37 now but still knows the way to goal and has his fair share of experience when it comes to getting teams promoted.

Phillips played a key role in getting Sunderland and West Brom promoted and despite having not featured much for Birmingham, his strike rate still stands at just less than a goal every other game.

With Luke Varney gone and DJ Campbell set to leave Bloomfield Road, Phillips could find himself the star of the show again, as long as he can stay fit.

Blackpool are 6/1 to be promoted this season but those odds could shorten if Phillips can hit the goal trail.

2. Kevin Nolan (West Ham)

Nolan might have been around for what seems like forever but he is only 29 and, based on what he did for Newcastle last season, still looks to have a lot of life left in him.

Having turned down the chance to stay at St James’ Park the former Bolton ace opted to link up with old Trotters boss Sam Allardyce in east London.

While the Hammers are in big financial trouble they are still likely to be a force to be reckoned with under Alladryce, with totesport making them 4/1 to win the Championship.

Nolan should play a big part in their inevitable promotion push and don’t be surprised to hear Newcastle fans bemoaning his departure if their season goes wrong.

3. Will Hoskins/Craig Mackail-Smith (Brighton)

Brighton’s main strikers for next season might not have much experience between them at Championship level but they are proven goalscorers, Hoskins having already found the net in pre-season.

The 25-year-old scored 20 goals in 44 appearance for Bristol Rovers last season, while Mackail-Smith scored 35 goals in 57 games for Peterborough.

Brighton’s signing of Mackail-Smith represents a coup for the Seagulls and while they are unlikely to push for promotion, expect these two to score enough to make secure they finish mid-table.

4. Matt Mills (Leicester)

The big centre-half had a storming season for Reading last year and was one of the main reasons they came within 90 minutes of promotion.

While Sven Goran Eriksson is likely to sign bigger names than Mills before the transfer window shuts, he looks like the kind of player who will become a fans’ favourite, as he did at the Madejski.

The Foxes are 13/8 to be promoted and the way they are spending cash it looks to be just a matter of time before they return to the Premier League.

5. Jack Cork (Southampton)

The Saints may have been a bit quieter than most were expecting on the transfer front but in Cork they have at least made one good signing.

The 22-year-old has spent plenty of time out on loan in the Championship and has shown that bit of quality needed in the middle of the park.

If Nigel Adkins can recruit a few more quality players than there is no reason why the Saints can’t do a Norwich and secure back-to-back promotions, especially with Rickie Lambert up front.

Southampton are 11/2 to be promoted.

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Fulham continue Europa Crusade

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The long road towards the Europa League proper continues this week and on Thursday there are seven teams from Britain and Ireland involved in the second qualifying round.
The majority can only dream of the reaching the tournament proper, but here is our guide to the home nations’ best chances in the second qualifying round.

Crusaders v Fulham

The Cottagers secured their clash with Crusaders (9/1 to win the game) of Northern Ireland thanks to a 3-0 aggregate win over NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands.

If you look at the side put out by Martin Jol in the legs against Runavik you get an idea of how seriously Fulham (2/11 to win) are taking this Europa League qualifying. They put out a full-strength side in the first leg, with only a few young faces on the bench, and are likely to do the same against Crusaders – at least in the first match between the two sides in Northern Ireland on Thursday.

Crusaders finished second in the Irish league last season and Northern Irish international defender Colin Coates will be a massive loss for them, as he could have contended with the likes of England striker Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson.

Chris Morris is also missing for the part-timers as they look to cause a shock in their first game against top-flight English opposition since 1976.

Fulham should not be overly worried about facing Crusaders in Belfast as, even if things go awry on Thursday, they have won six straight Europa League games at Craven Cottage so would fancy themselves to finish the Irish side off next week (The Draw 5/1).

Crusaders are going to be rusty as this is their first game in the Europa League qualifying but are likely to be up for it against Fulham.

However, nothing other than a win for Jol’s men seems on the cards here.
Slask Wroclaw v Dundee United

Dundee United (14/5 to win) travel to Poland to face Slask Wroclaw, who finished runners-up in the Polish First Division last season. The Tangerines face a tough task in the first leg against a strong Slask Wroclaw (4/5 to win, 12/5 draw) outfit.

Manager Peter Houston has a depleted squad to take with him to Poland as giant centre-half Garry Kenneth is the latest name ruled out through injury. Danny Swanson and Scott Robertson are also unavailable, with the boss admitting the Tangerines are “down to the bare bones”.

Celtic keeper and former Dundee United goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska has warned his former employers to keep their eye on Slask Wroclaw’s dangerman Sebastian Mila.

He is the Polish side’s star player but Zaluska reckons they are not a one-man team and pose a number of threats to the Tangerines. Dundee United are taking just under 500 supporters to Poland and they could need all that support if they are to dream of making it to the play-off stage like they did last season.

Shakhter Karagandy v St Patrick’s Athletic

FC Shakhtyor Karaganda of Kazakhstan came through past Koper of Slovenia in the first qualifying round to face Ireland’s St Patricks Athletic – who overcame IBV. Both teams’ domestic league campaigns are underway and they are riding high in their respective competitions.

St Patrick’s are second in the Airtricity Premier League and have impressed in attack so far this season, while Shakhter Karagandy are a tough side and currently sit third in their Premier Division, with Kazakhstan native Sergei Khizhnichenko firing 11 goals already.

The Irish side are heading into the unknown but should have the ability to score over in Kazakhstan, which would put them in a great position heading into the second leg in Ireland.

And The Rest:

Llanelli face a massive challenge against the Georgian side of Dinamo Tbilisi, especially considering they are without Craig Moses, Martyn Giles, Chris Holloway, Chris Venables and Rhys Griffiths through suspension. (Llanelli 9/2 to win, Tblisi 1/2, draw 11/4).

The New Saints could have a secret weapon up their sleeves against the Danish team FC Midtjylland in the shape of their artificial pitch. Cliftonville, who they overcame in the first round, struggled to cope but Midtjylland, who finished fourth in the Danish Superliga, will pose a much tougher threat (New Saints 18/5, Midtjylland 8/13, draw 5/2).

Glentoran are going to be without some key players for their clash with Vorskla Poltava. They overcame FC Renova of Macedonia in the first round to book the game with the Ukranians but the loss of Colin Nixon, Jonny Taylor, Sean Ward, Richard Clarke and Elliot Morris will hamper their chances of victory (Glentoran 18/5, Poltava 8/13, draw 5/2).

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Womens World Cup nears climax

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The Womens World Cup has reached the semi-final stage with Sweden taking on Japan and favourites USA tackling Brazil. With pre-tournament favourites and hosts Germany out of the tournament, there is the opportunity for one country to write history and be crowned world champions at the weekend but, first of all, who will make it to the final?

Sweden v Japan

Sweden’s impressive 3-1 victory over Australia has raised expectations that they can become world champions (7/2 – Outright) for the first time in their history.

They were beaten finalists in 2003 – when they lost to hosts USA – but this present team appear to have the mental determination to go one better this time around.

Skipper Caroline Seger sums up the confidence currently to be found within the Swedish camp when she said in the build-up to the semi-final: “This is our time. Everything is going our way, we have more self-belief and we are playing extremely well together.”

That is certainly a reflection of a confident squad and one pulling in the same direction so, with that in mind, we can only see one winner on Wednesday, despite Japan’s famous 1-0 triumph over Germany in the last eight (Japan 9/2 – Outright).

They will not be taken lightly by the Swedish women but such is the mood and apparent momentum in the Sweden camp a narrow win (Sweden 5/4, Japan 9/5, the draw 21/10 – match prices) for Thomas Dennerby’s side looks on the cards.

Verdict: Sweden win
Value bet: Draw/Sweden – HT/FT – 21/5.

USA v France

USA are the real powerhouses of women’s football and, along with Germany, have dominated the game for the past few years (USA – 11/10 – Womens World Cup Outright).

The Americans have already won two World Cups, in 1991 and 1999, and have the fantastic record of making it at least into the semi-finals in every tournament, so without question they will be heavily fancied to see off France and book a final place (USA 9/10, France 13/5, the draw 11/5 – match prices).

They have had some criticism in Germany for adopting a physical and direct approach at times but no-one can say it hasn’t been effective with impressive group wins over Korea and Colombia before they slipped up against Sweden when losing 2-1 in their final group game.

In the end that result mattered little and USA then went on to beat Brazil on penalties in the quarter-finals to underline their mental toughness when the pressure is on.

It is likely to be a clash of styles in Monchengladbach with France (9/2 – Outright) so far making it into the last four thanks to some neat football and the goals of Gaetene Thiney and Marie-Laure Delie up front.

Coach Bruni Bini believes the fact France have already played in Monchengladbach and their slightly longer recovery period between their quarter-final win over England and the semi-final gives them the advantage going into the game.

However, do not be fooled by that talk as a very fit USA side will be ready for the game and are rightly viewed as favourites to progress. Their experience, form and mental strength are not in question and another final place beckons.

Verdict: USA win.
Value bet:  USA to win 4-0 – 33/1.

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Mexico to Copa load of Uruguay

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If you have been betting on this year’s Copa America you are probably wondering what is going on with the likes of Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina. Just one win has been recorded between the three powerhouses of South American football. Having drawn both their opening matches Uruguay are staring a first round exit in the face. Only a win over a youthful Mexico side will do. Can Diego Forlan and co finally come good when it counts?

The Celeste were expected to challenge Argentina and Brazil in their quests for the Copa America after so impressively reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup last year. However, life has been far from simple for Uruguay and they have found themselves in a tougher group than many expected, with Peru and Chile having impressed. Draws against Chile and Peru has left Uruguay needing a win against Mexico to make it through, with the CONCACAF Gold Cup winners having lost their previous two matches.

As expected Uruguay are the 2/5 favourites, with Mexico a big 7/1 and the draw 14/5. The last time these two sides met was in the group stages of the World Cup, Luis Suarez getting the only goal of the game as both nations progressed to the latter stages. From that Mexican team that played in Rustenberg, South Africa, only Giovanni Dos Santos is expected to feature.

For those of you who haven’t followed the build-up to the tournament the Mexican FA suspended a number of their top players for ill discipline and have had to name a very youthful squad for the Copa America after their exploits in the Gold Cup. They are the whipping boys of the group and if Uruguay don’t get a result against them questions will be asked to where it has all gone wrong from 12 months ago.

The names that impressed at the World Cup are still there, Diego Lugano, Cristian Rodriquez, Forlan and Suarez. However, things don’t appear to be clicking at this time for Oscar Tabarez’s men and time is running out for them to get it right. History is on their side in this competition, they are the joint-most successful team in Copa America history and have reached the semi-finals or final in the last four tournaments.

They need a spark and based on his form for Liverpool before the end of the season Suarez might be the man to provide it. He is 4/1 first/last goalscorer and evens to score anytime, the same odds as Forlan. However, while Forlan endured a torrid season at Atletico Madrid and comes into the tournament in no real form, Suarez impressed in the Premier League and,  like Lionel Messi for Argentina against Costa Rica if he can shine then so can Uruguay.

Uruguay have never beaten Mexico in a Copa America match but that record should be broken on Wednesday night.

Don’t expect a high scoring game – under 2.5 goals at 4/5 could be a safe bet – but surely there can only be one winner if Uruguay awake from their slumber.

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Wenger confident stars will stay

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Bet on the Premier LeagueArsene Wenger put on a very public face on Monday to reiterate his desire to keep Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal – but the truth of the matter rests with the players (1/2 Arsenal – Premier League Top 4 Finish).

Spanish and European champions Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to return homegrown talent Fabregas to Camp Nou, perhaps acutely aware that midfield superstar Xavi is now the wrong side of 30, and Arsenal’s Premier League title rivals have been busy forming a queue to sign Nasri.

The Frenchman used his first press conference ahead of the new season to dismiss suggestions he and Nasri were certain to leave in what promises to be a fascinating close-season at the Emirates (7/1 Arsenal – Premier League outright).

“Our position is always the same – we want to keep Cesc and I will fight as hard as I can to keep him. Samir Nasri is exactly the same. We will do everything we can to keep him,” said Wenger. “I’m confident we can get both of them to stay.”

The situation is clear with Nasri in so much as he has just 12 months left on his contract and conjecture about any player’s future at such a juncture is inevitable.

It was telling and curious that Wenger intimated only Nasri knows whether he will put pen to paper.

Asked about his countryman, Wenger added: “Will he be at the club next season? I say yes. The second part (of the question) – will he sign a new contract? I hope yes, but I am not the only one to decide.”

A disparity in the clubs’ respective valuations of 24-year-old Fabregas has stopped  his move back to his place of birth and so the wait goes on, but it is fair to suggest something has to give if the World Cup winner has decided home is really where his heart is.

Wenger has also confirmed the signing of the Ivory Coast forward Gervinho from Lille and revealed Nicklas Bendtner and Manuel Almunia have not travelled to the Far East because they are in talks with other clubs about leaving Arsenal.

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Reds ready to challenge again?

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Liverpool kick off their summer pre-season games with a friendly against Chinese side Guangdong on Wednesday amid heightened expectation that the Reds are on the up under Kenny Dalglish – but just how well can they expect to do next season?

It’s tempting to say the sky’s the limit for Dalglish’s side and nothing is out of reach for them in the 2011/12 campaign as the manager rebuilds the Reds squad and attempts to turn them into top-four Premier League challengers once again (10/1 Premier League Outright).

He has already bolstered the ranks with Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam and there are expected to be more big-name arrivals before the action gets underway for real on August 13 against Sunderland. Stewart Downing remains a top target despite Aston Villa’s determination to keep him (Villa 18/1 – Top Four finish) and a deal could be struck for the England winger if a fee can be agreed.

The former Middlesbrough man would certainly add more quality from out wide – something Liverpool were desperately short of under former bosses Rafa Benitez and Roy Hodgson – and should provide the service the likes of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez will crave up front.

Dalglish has other targets in the transfer market – Newcastle’s Luis Enrique and Birmingham’s Scott Dann remain on his radar amongst others – but it is thought he will have to sell some first-team squad players before making more significant purchases.

David Ngog, Milan Jovanovic, Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, Alberto Aquilani, Emiliano Insua and even last season’s PFA fans’ player of the year, Raul Meireles, have been tipped to leave should the right offers come in and certainly, with Henderson and Adam now on board, Liverpool have too many midfielders.

One of Dalglish’s biggest dilemmas next season might be how best to mould a successful side out of his squad – especially if he can’t shift some of the dead wood in the next month or so. Several experienced players, like Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez, Meireles, Cole and Lucas no longer appear to be first-choice under the Scot and will have to work hard to enjoy regular action.

However, the critics will say the reason why Liverpool have struggled to make an impact in the top four over the past few years is because their first-team squad has simply not been good enough and, while the likes of Lucas, Maxi and Kuyt are solid Premier League players in their own right, they are hardly the sorts who would make the Reds into a title-winning outfit (Manchester United 13/8f – Outright).

So Dalglish, well aware of that fact and determined to add more players of the calibre of Suarez, Carroll and Adam to his ranks rather than rely on those simply not up to the required standard, does still have plenty of work to do to ensure the Reds are able to compete at the top end of the table again.

Captain and vice-captain Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have been keen to try and quell rising expectation levels among fans ahead of next season and have said the top four is the priority with anything else a bonus.

Without the distraction of Europe, as it stands with the players at his disposal now, fourth (5/4 – Top Four finish) might be just about the best Dalglish can hope for (and even that would be some achievement) but, with a couple more top-quality additions over the next few weeks and a streamlining of the first-team squad, the Reds might just be ready to emerge as dark horses and begin to dream about a title challenge in 2011/12.

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Cagey Pacific ‘Clasico’ climax

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The group stages of the Copa America will come to a climax this week and on Tuesday it will be the turn of the Group C teams to battle for a place in the quarter-finals.

The pre-tournament totesport market had Uruguay down as the team who would stroll into the last eight along with Chile, while Peru and a youthful Mexico side were tipped to drop out of the running.

But, like Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay have yet to win after two group games, while Peru’s win against Mexico has given them the upper hand in terms of qualification along with the Chileans as the two sides go head-to-head in a game where a draw could be enough to send both through.

Uruguay must win against Mexico, who could also still qualify, and hope results go in their favour to progress so it is set to be an evening of twists and turns.

Chile v Peru

The Pacific ‘Clasico’ in Mendoza sees two teams in good form go head-to-head in a match which will have the added spice factor of the two neighbouring countries not exactly being the best of friends in the political world.

Chile (8/11 To Win) have been well backed in the tournament with 30,000 fans coming across the border into Argentina to see a draw with Uruguay and a 2-1 win against Mexico in which they battled back from a goal down.

The likes of Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal are both in impressive form and coach Claudio Borghi will be hoping they can shine again against the Peruvians as they aim to go one better than four final defeats in the past.

The 1975 champions Peru (18/5 To Win 90 Minutes) also drew with Uruguay and defeated Mexico in their group games so there is little to divide the sides in terms of form ahead of this clash.

Hamburg striker Paolo Guerrero is the man in form for Peru with goals in both games to date as he has helped the Incas to overcome the unavailability of stars such as Claudio Pizarro and Jefferson Farfan.

A draw could be enough to send both teams through but neither side is going into the clash thinking that way as they go for the win to be certain of a quarter-final spot.

Games involving Peru don’t usually bring a lot of goals to the table – they have kept clean sheets in four of their last six games – so don’t expect a goal-fest.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 9/4
Value Bet: 0-0 Correct Score @ 6/1

Uruguay v Mexico

This is the more interesting clash as both sides know they must win the game in La Plata to have any chance of reaching the last eight.

Uruguay’s prospects have not been helped by the loss of striker Edinson Cavani due to the twisted knee ligaments he suffered in the 1-1 draw against Chile, while left-back Martin Caceres is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.

Abel Hernandez and Cristian Rodriguez are favourites to replace Cavani while Alvaro Pereira is likely to drop back from midfield to defence to replace Caceres, with Alvaro Gonzalez taking his place in midfield.

But with the likes of Diego Forlan and Liverpool hitman Luis Suarez set to be involved, you can’t help but think they will find another gear when it matters to get more goals.

Mexico have been in disarray since arriving for the tournament as invitees given that they had already won the CONCACAF Gold Cup so opted to look to their younger squad members to bring them success in Argentina.

With the loss of eight members of the regular national team and false drug allegations also hampering the Mexicans, it is no surprise they have narrowly lost their opening group games.

They must win (Mexico 11/2 To Win) and hope to secure a last-eight spot via a best third-placed finish, but coach Luis Fernando Tena’s men could well be jetting home after this game.

Prediction: Uruguay To Win 90 Minutes @ 1/2
Value Bet: Uruguay 3-1 Correct Score @ 11/1

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Crunch time for Messi and Co

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Regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s top-versus-bottom Group A clash between Colombia and Bolivia in Santa Fe, under-fire hosts Argentina must win against Costa Rica in Cordoba on Monday evening if they are going to reach the quarter-finals of the Copa America.

A draw will be enough to see Colombia through on Sunday and that would mean the Costa Ricans can follow them into the knock-out stages by holding the under-performing Argentines to their third successive draw of the group stage (5/1 Draw 90 Minutes).

With a game of huge meaning looming large, Argentina coach Sergio Batista appears set to press the panic button and wield the axe to his misfiring attacking line-up as he attempts to keep the nation on course for a first South American title since 1993.

Fernando Gago, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain all look set to be given a chance to save the hosts by receiving a place in the starting XI at the expense of Manchester City’s unsettled talisman Carlos Tevez, Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi, Ever Banega and Esteban Cambiasso.

World player of the year Lionel Messi will be given another chance to finally replicate his Barcelona form for his country after struggling to make an impact in the opening two matches.

However, with the backing of team-mate Javier Masherano, 22-year-old Messi is confident it will be third time lucky for Argentina and they will see off Costa Rica to book a last-eight spot.

He said: “I am feeling good and looking forward to it. I am confident that the team will qualify. We will progress.”

There is an element of déjà vu looking ahead to an Argentina game as it is always felt that the pre-tournament favourites will suddenly click into gear and their big guns will fire them to victory.

But that has not happened in the opening two games and Costa Rica won’t be rolling over to make it happen for them in an encounter they will be as desperate not to lose in order to go through to the quarter-finals.

Ricardo La Volpe’s Central American tournament invitees bounced back from an opening defeat to Colombia with a 2-0 success over Bolivia thanks to second-half goals from Josue Martinez and Joel Campbell.

Their cause was helped by the fact Bolivia played the second 45 minutes with nine men following two red cards, but they will have been handed a confidence boost from the win which they should take into the Argentina match (Costa Rica 11/1 To Win 90 Minutes).

The fact Costa Rica are sitting in second place going into the final group game is a surprise given that, like Mexico, they sent a youthful squad to the Copa America as part of their preparations for next summer’s Olympics, having already featured in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in America this summer which was seen as their priority.

But to dismiss them would be a mistake and that is something Argentina cannot afford to do when they go head-to-head on Monday.

Prediction: Argentina To Win 90 Minutes @ 2/11
Value Bet: Argentina 2-0 Correct Score @ 19/5

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