Copa America Bracket 2016: Latest Title Odds, Saturday Group Fixture Predictions
The final round of Copa America Centenario 2016 group-stage fixtures gets under way on Saturday, as Group A comes to a close.
The much-fancied Colombia have already qualified for the knockout stage following two impressive victories, but tournament hosts USA need to take a point from their clash with Paraguay to be sure of a place in the last eight.
Both the Americans and Colombians were among the pre-tournament favourites, and the way they’ve performed so far has only shortened their odds on glory. Here’s who the bookmakers believe have the best chance of lifting the Copa America trophy:
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| Team | Odds |
| Argentina | 11-10 |
| Mexico | 11-2 |
| Brazil | 6-1 |
| Colombia | 6-1 |
| Chile | 8-1 |
| USA | 16-1 |
| Ecuador | 20-1 |
| Time | Fixture | Prediction |
| 7 p.m. ET | Colombia vs. Costa Rica | 3-0 |
| 9 p.m. ET | USA vs. Paraguay | 2-1 |
Argentina are always there or thereabouts in the Copa America. They’ve been in 27 finals—more than any other nation—and have reigned supreme 14 times.
This year is set to be no different, and odds close to evens reflect just how solid Gerardo Martino’s side are.
Argentina thumped minnows Panama 5-0 on Friday, with Lionel Messi coming off the bench to score an emphatic hat-trick. Former USA star Stuart Holden reflected on how big a threat Messi and Co. are in the Copa America:
They’ll take on one of Mexico or Venezuela in the last eight, and it’s safe to say that both sides will be desperate to avoid the tournament favourites.
Colombia also look like a team to be feared in the knockout stage, as they’ve been irresistible from Day 1.
Although they’ve already negotiated a way out of the group stage, the Colombians will be looking to continue to pick up momentum with a victory over Costa Rica on Saturday.
And based on previous performances, that shouldn’t be an issue.
Jose Pekerman’s men swept aside the USA in the Copa America curtain-raiser 2-0 before getting the better of Peru, 2-1. James Rodriguez stole the show in both games, and he’s been instrumental behind the nation’s success, as Copa America revealed:
Colombia will turn to their star man once again when they take on Costa Rica, and another dynamic display could see their title odds of 6-1 come tumbling down.
The USA currently stand at 16-1 to win the tournament, yet they need a result against Paraguay to come through Group A with Colombia.
A draw will be enough to send Jurgen Klinsmann’s men through, but Paraguay are no pushovers and will be going all out to spoil the USA’s party.
The pressure is very much on, then, although Klinsmann believes his side are in the driving seat and can progress—per Omnisport (via beIN Sports):
"I think we are in the driver's seat to get out of this very difficult group. I think this is the most difficult group."
The Copa America has been full of excitement and drama so far, and there are still plenty of scores to settle as the final group-stage games play out.
Argentina are the runaway favourites to lift the trophy, but as previous Copas America have taught us, anything is possible.
