Copa America 2021 Group B Predictions

[StevieDay1983]

This is where you will find all the previews for the Copa America 2021 Group B matches. Take a look and then share any predictions you have for these games down below! 

[StevieDay1983]

Brazil vs Venezuela

The Copa America 2021 tournament is set to kick-off on Sunday night with a 10pm BST kick-off between newly-appointed hosts Brazil and competition outsiders Venezuela at the Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia. Odds weigh heavily in favour of the home side and you have to think it's going to be more a case of how many the Brazilians win by rather than if they do win or not.

Brazil have been gifted an opportunity here after a tournament that was planned to take place in Colombia and Argentina was re-located due to political unrest and a spike in coronavirus cases. The Selecao have gone 20 matches unbeaten on home turf in the Copa America so there is a lot of expectation both from fans and pundits that this could be the nation's chance to retain the trophy they won 2 years ago. This remains a Brazil side that is packed with talent. Neymar will lead the country into this tournament with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Casemiro, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, and Alisson showing that this has the potential to be one of the best defensive Brazilian sides in generations. It's 7 games won in a row now for Tite's men with 6 clean sheets kept during that run.

Venezuela will come into this tournament knowing that the new two group process will give them a decent chance to reach the Quarter-Finals for the fifth time in six editions of the Copa America. Head coach Jose Peseiro took over from the legendary Rafael Dudamel in February, 2020. It's not been the best of starts for the new man in charge having only won 1 of his first 6 matches in charge. However, shoots of promise have been coming through with that solitary win being an impressive 2-1 victory at home to Chile in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers with a resilient 0-0 draw in the same competition coming in their last match. Unfortunately, it has been reported that 12 members of the Venezuelan set-up have tested positive for covid-19 including captain Tomas Rincon. How much will that hamper their chances? A lot of pressure will rest on the talented Manchester City player Yangel Herrera.

I think it's pretty clear that the odds were stacked against Venezuela even before the covid-19 outbreak but that's going to seriously weaken their squad quality. Brazil will want to start this home tournament in a positive way and I can see this Brazilian team being very sound defensively. I can see a solid clean sheet win coming here and I expect them to get into a comfortable position as early as possible.

Brazil to Win to Nil @ 1.40 with Boylesports

Brazil -2 @ 1.90 with SportNation

[StevieDay1983]

Colombia vs Ecuador

The second game in the Copa America 2021 will see Colombia play Ecuador in a 1am BST start on Monday morning at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba. A shift in mentality will almost have certainly taken place for the Colombians here having been stripped of their right to host the tournament and they'll face an Ecuadorian side that will now feel maybe they can take advantage of that disruption.

Colombia are enduring a turbulent time at the moment. Not only has the political unrest in the country seen them have to surrender their hosting privileges for this tournament but their results under head coach Reinaldo Rueda have lacked consistency. La Tricolor have had a mixed start to their 2022 World Cup qualification campaign with the team currently sat in inter-confederation play-off spot after winning 2, drawing 2, and losing 2 of their first 6 qualification games. There will be no doubt that the 6-1 loss away to Ecuador in the World Cup qualifiers back in November will still be firmly etched in the memory of the players and coaching staff. Their last outing saw them come from 2-0 down to snatch a 2-2 draw against a solid Argentina side. This squad boasts a lot of talent even without the injured James Rodriguez including Duvan Zapata, Luis Muriel, Juan Cuadrado, and Yerry Mina.

Ecuador will be quietly confident heading into this game after their annihilation of Colombia in their most recent meeting. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro has won 4 of his 7 games in charge of La Tri since taking over back in August, 2020. However, it has been back-to-back defeats against Brazil and Peru in their last two games in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Those losses have left the team in 3rd place in the qualification group but they'll certainly be wondering what could have been if they had taken something from both games. This is a relatively inexperienced Ecuador squad with 17 of the squad having played less than 10 games for the national side. The defence is particularly inexperienced with only Roberto Arboleda and Xavier Arreaga having earned more than 10 international caps.

It'll be interesting to see how much Rodriguez's absence hits Colombia. Their preparations for this game have been far from ideal but this is a squad still littered with talent. Could they win their first Copa America since 2001? I'm not sure. I think this is a huge potential banana skin for them though. Ecuador have shown they can take big scalps under Alfaro but they still lack consistency. I feel Colombia will be out for revenge for that 5-goal stuffing last year and we'll see them gain retribution.

Colombia to Win @ 1.97 with SBK

BTTS @ 2.05 with SportNation

[goaloong]

Brazil

Brazil defeated Venezuela 3-0 in the last game. They have recently won eight consecutive victories, and their defense is also perfect. They have conceded only one goal in the past eight games. Neymar has perfect data of 3 goal and 3 assist in 3 consecutive games, and he is in very good condition.

Peru

Peru defeated Ecuador 2-1 in the World Cup qualifiers last time, ending a 4-game losing streak, and morale has greatly improved. But in fact, they were very lucky to win. The whole game only got 32% of the ball and less than half of the opponent's offensive data.

Betting Verdict:

There is a huge gap between the strength of the two teams, and Brazil won the game without any suspense. The 1X2 first odds is 1.40-5.00-7.00, obvious support the home team. Brazil should win this game easily.

Pick: 1

[goaloong]

Colombia

Colombia defeated Ecuador 1-0 last game, 2 wins and 1 draw in the last 3 games, scored 6 goals during the period and only conceded 2 goals, the only draw was against Argentina, the team is in good shape. In this group, Colombia's strength is only lower than Brazil, and their goal is to get the second place in the group.

Venezuela

Venezuela lost to Brazil 0-3 in the first game, and 13 of the team tested positive for the virus, which dealt a major blow to strength and morale. Venezuela has only 1 draw and 2 losses in the last 3 matches, only scoring 1 goal and conceding 6 goals.

Betting Verdict:

The strength gap between the two teams is huge, and Colombia's lineup is more complete. The 1X2 first odds is 1.44-3.75-10.00, obvious support the home team. Colombia should win this game easily.

Pick: 1

[StevieDay1983]

Colombia vs Venezuela

The next game up in Group B of Copa America 2021 is the clash between Colombia and Venezuela in a 10pm BST kick-off on Thursday night from the Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico in Goiania. These two sides experienced contrasting fortunes in their opening games and it's a chance to get a win on the board at this early stage of this opening group phase.

Colombia started their Copa America in the best way possible with the 1-0 win over Ecuador with a solitary goal from Edwin Cardona being the difference between the two sides. A clean sheet will undoubtedly please head coach Reinaldo Rueda and the focus can now turn on trying to finish the group phase as highly as possible. It's now 3 games unbeaten for Los Cafeteros who have now turned their inconsistent 2022 World Cup qualification form around with two clean sheets in three matches. Victory here would move them to the top of Group B with an out-of-form Peru coming up in their next game.

Venezuela knew it would be a near impossible mission to get out of this group and the 3-0 loss to host nation Brazil in their opening game was a brutal reminder that this might not be a very enjoyable tournament for La Vinotinto. Head coach Jose Peseiro will want to see improvements across the pitch in another tough game for his team. There is no doubt that all Venezuelan eyes are on that crucial clashes with fellow group outsiders Peru and Ecuador so if they can get anything from this game then it'll be a bonus. Unfortunately, that was the second game in a row where Venezuela have failed to score and it's now just 1 win from their last 7 matches including no win from the last 3 games.

It's hard to justify any kind of bet backing Venezuela here. Colombia looked far from their best against Ecuador but it was a potential banana skin overcome. You have to feel that Colombia will play with more freedom in this game and that could be troublesome for Venezuela. It's going to be all hands to the pump for the underdogs who will simply be trying to defend all game in the hope that they can scrounge a point. I don't think it will happen and I can see a convincing Colombian win with a clean sheet.

Colombia to Win to Nil @ 2.05 with SportNation

Colombia HT/FT @ 2.15 with RedZone

[StevieDay1983]

Brazil vs Peru

The second game in Group B of the Copa America 2021 in the next round of matches comes at 1am BST on Friday morning as hosts Brazil continue their campaign against a Peru team has yet to bow into the tournament yet. It's a game that the home team will hope to add to their opening game win as they play at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil could not have wished for a more prolific start to their tournament after the 3-0 victory over Venezuela. It was a win that wasn't unexpected and goals from Marquinhos, Neymar, and Gabriel Barbosa showed just how potent Tite's team can be when given the opportunities. The clean sheet will have come as no surprise with this Brazilian team becoming just as renowned for their solid team framework as they are for their attractive attacking play. There is no doubt that Selecao will feel this game presents an ideal opportunity to make it 2 wins from their first 2 games of the tournament.

Peru have not played a game yet but they come into this tournament lacking form in a big way. The 2018 World Cup seems a lifetime ago for a side that are now looking to be in decline. La Blanquirroja sit bottom of the 2022 World Cup qualification process with just 1 win from their first 6 matches. It leaves Ricardo Gareca's team 4 points off the qualification places. In their defence, they've not yet played Venezuela or Bolivia and did pick up points against both Ecuador and Paraguay so it's still too early to say how this campaign will go. In the meantime, the Copa America presents a chance for some of the youngsters to be blooded with the likes of Renzo Garces, Jhilmar Lora, Raziel Garcia, Alex Valera, and Santiago Ormeno coming into this tournament uncapped.

I'm not sure how this Copa America will go for Peru. You feel like Gareca could be using it as a chance to experiment with some tactics and team selection given the fact he's left some experienced heads out of the squad such as Paolo Guerrero, Pedro Aquino, and Carlos Zambrano. Brazil should be too much for them on their own turf though. I can see an eventful game ending in a win for the home team. I do doubt if Peru have enough fire power to breach the Brazilian defence though.

Brazil to Win to Nil @ 1.73 with Betway

Brazil HT/FT @ 1.80 with SportNation

[StevieDay1983]

Venezuela vs Ecuador

It's an epic clash in Group B of the Copa America 2021 on Sunday night at 10pm BST when Venezuela and Ecuador go head-to-head at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro. Both teams are still without a win in this tournament so far and defeat here would put their qualification chances for the Quarter-Final in doubt but then a victory would do their last 8 hopes the world of good.

Venezuela were tipped by many to be the team to finish bottom of this group after their lacklustre 3-0 loss to hosts Brazil in their first game. However, their valiant display in the 0-0 draw to Colombia in their second group game has raised questions about whether they should really be written off so early. Head coach Jose Peseiro's team may well be without a win in four matches and have only scored in 2 of their last 8 matches but it's now two draws from their last 3 matches with those draws coming against quality opposition in Uruguay and Colombia. It was nothing short of a resilient defensive display against Colombia but they did ride their luck at times.

Ecuador will feel disappointed that they couldn't take a point from their only game of the tournament so far which saw them lose 1-0 to Colombia. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro's team have a chance to get back to winning ways here but it's 3 defeats in a row now for La Tri. Before those games they did win 4 in a row so if the squad can harness that positive mentality then there's no reason they can't come away with 3 points in this one. Ecuador are going to need to get Enner Valencia on the ball more in the opposition final third if they want to break the deadlock otherwise there's every chance Venezuela could steal another point.

International football is a tough game these days. There are no easy games. Ecuador will definitely believe this is a game they should be winning though. Venezuela are by far the weakest side in this group and they have suffered from absentees due to covid-19 as well. Their spirit and resilience shown in the draw with Colombia was credible but can they do that two games in a row? I don't think so. They gave so much in that last game that I think Ecuador, who looked very competent against Colombia despite losing, will pick them apart here.

Ecuador to Win @ 1.80 with Betway

Anytime Scorer: Enner Valencia @ 2.90 with Betway

[StevieDay1983]

Colombia vs Peru

The second game in Group B at the Copa America 2021 in this round of matches is the 1am BST kick-off on Monday morning between Colombia and Peru at the Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico in Goiania. These teams are probably experiencing contrasting emotions right now with the Colombians eyeing up the Quarter-Finals already and the Peruvians worrying if they might be the team to miss out.

Colombia haven't lit up the world yet in their group so far but it's been two matches, 4 points, and two clean sheets. Head coach Reinaldo Rueda will be satisfied. The 1-0 win over Ecuador in their opening game was business-like and even though the 0-0 draw with Venezuela was disappointing there is no denying that the minnows battled for that point. Los Cafeteros will see this as a chance to further strengthen their position in the group with a win against an out of form Peru and remain in the hunt to finish top of the group and enjoy a favourable seeding in the Quarter-Finals.

Peru are currently experiencing a period of decline. The high of reaching the 2018 World Cup and finishing runners up at the 2019 Copa America seems a lifetime ago. The 4-0 loss to host nation Brazil in their opening game of the tournament has left them rock bottom of the group. Add to that the fact that coming into this tournament they were bottom of their 2022 World Cup qualification group with just 4 points from their first 6 games and already 4 points adrift of the play-off spot means that head coach Ricardo Gareca is really under pressure to get something from this game.

It's a dark time to be a fan of the Peru national team. Recent results have been nothing short of shambolic but their quality of opponent hasn't exactly been easy. Still, the facts remain that they are bottom of both this group and their World Cup qualification group. That must be mentally damaging. Colombia won't feel pressure coming into this. I fear that they could inflict even more damage on this fragile Peruvian side.

Colombia to Win @ 1.70 with SBK

Anytime Scorer: Duvan Zapata @ 2.65 with SportNation

[StevieDay1983]

Ecuador vs Peru

The actions gets serious in the Copa America 2021 as the group games enter their fourth round with Group B the focus here. It's Ecuador versus Peru in a 10pm BST kick-off on Wednesday night from the Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico in Goiania. Both of these teams are in big danger of finishing bottom and missing out on the Quarter-Finals if they lose here.

Ecuador are yet to win a game at this year's competition after the anticipated 1-0 loss to Colombia was followed by a demoralising 2-2 draw with Venezuela. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro will be wondering how his team haven't picked up more points from their opening two games but with just two matches left, and the final game against host nation Brazil, you have to feel it's now or never for La Tri. Will that last minute equaliser from Venezuela in that last game be the goal that the Ecuadorians come to rue. If they do then that encouraging display against Colombia that fell just short will seem like a lifetime ago.

Peru had started the campaign as one of the out-of-form with the country bottom of the 2022 World Cup qualification table and it wasn't the best of starts with the 4-0 loss to host nation Brazil in their opening game. However, Ricardo Gareca's side bounced back with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Colombia in their second match. It did take the fortune of an own goal by Colombia defender Yerry Mina to be the difference between the two sides but sometimes it can be a little bit of luck like that which can get a team back to winning ways.

This is undoubtedly a crucial game for both teams but you have to feel the pressure is more on Ecuador with them sitting bottom of the group and facing a crunch clash with group leaders Brazil in their final game. Peru have the chance to seal their progress to the last 8 with a clash against Venezuela if they lose this game where a draw would do them well. From what I've seen so far there's not a lot separating these two teams. I am swaying between a win for Peru and a draw. I'll back a Peru draw no bet for this one.

Peru Draw No Bet @ 2.30 with Unibet

BTTS @ 2.08 with SBK

[StevieDay1983]

Brazil vs Colombia

The standout game of the Group B matches in the Copa America 2021 is coming our way on Thursday morning at 1am BST when host nation Brazil look to confirm their place in the Quarter-Finals as they play Colombia at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro. There's little doubt that both of these teams should qualify for the last 8 but will a loss here be a psychological blow for either team?

Brazil have been nothing short of immaculate so far. Tite's side are appearing to get things right at both ends of the pitch with the 3-0 win over Venezuela followed up by a 4-0 domination of Peru. You could argue this side haven't been properly tested yet but it's frightening for their rivals how well Neymar and co are performing at the moment. It's now 9 wins on the trot with six clean sheets in a row for Selecao. Brazil have also scored at least twice in all but one of those last six matches. You get the feeling it's going to take something emphatic to stop this talented Brazilian side.

Colombia will feel this is a game where they can make a big statement to their rivals for the Copa America trophy. Reinaldo Rueda's men have had a mixed to this tournament so far with a fortunate 1-0 win over Ecuador being followed by a deflating 0-0 draw against Venezuela before a disappointing 2-1 loss to Peru. It seems that Los Cafeteros are going in the wrong direction with their form in this competition as their results are getting worse. Yerry Mina's own goal to gift Peru that victory in their last game summed up how things are going for the team right now. Only two goals scored by Colombia in their three games so far is a cause for concern.

I'm not sure I can see anything other than the Brazilian steam train powering on. Colombia look like they are getting worse as the tournament is progressing but even at the start they didn't really look like a well-oiled machine. The absence of James Rodriguez through injury is clearly hitting them hard. I am going to have to back another Brazil clean sheet victory here.

Brazil to Win to Nil @ 2.15 with SportNation

Brazil -1 @ 2.55 with RedZone

[StevieDay1983]

Brazil vs Ecuador

The Group B action draws to a close on Sunday night as host nation Brazil play an Ecuador side that have yet to seal their place in the last 8 of the Copa America in a 10pm BST kick-off from the Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico in Goiania. Will we see a win for the home team to see them consolidate top spot or can the underdogs equal or better Venezuela's result to secure their Quarter-Final berth?

Brazil have made light work of this tournament so far. The Selecao sit top of the group table with 3 wins from 3 matches thus far with 9 goals scored and just 1 goal conceded. The 2-1 win over Colombia in their last group game came in controversial circumstances with Real Madrid central midfielder Casemiro scoring the decisive winning goal in the 10th minute of injury-time. The hosts have already secured top spot heading into the Quarter-Finals but will want to end their group phase on a high with a win here. You wouldn't be surprised to see Tite rotate some players though. The head coach has tinkered with his line-up and formations already this tournament and I can see that trend happening again here.

Ecuador know their job still isn't finished yet. La Tri sit in 4th place in their group and they are only outside the bottom spot due to boasting a superior goal difference. It's looking very likely that Gustavo Alfaro's men will progress to the last 8 with them needing to lose and Venezuela to get at least a draw against Peru or with both teams losing and there being a two goal swing in Venezuela's favour. Of course, even Peru aren't safe yet so there's a chance both Ecuador and Venezuela could progress at the expense of Peru. So nothing is done and dusted yet. One thing Ecuador have been this tournament is dogged. The narrow 1-0 loss against Colombia was followed by two draws against Venezuela and Peru.

If Ecuador are looking for hope in the head-to-head meetings with Brazil then they might want to look elsewhere because Brazil have won 5 and drawn 1 of the last 6 meetings. In fact, it's been 10 years since Ecuador even last scored against Brazil. It's hard to see Ecuador getting anything here even against a scratch Brazil team. I think a clean sheet win for the home team is where the value can be found.

Brazil HT/FT @ 2.10 with Sporting Index

Brazil to Win to Nil @ 2.00 with Matchbook

[StevieDay1983]

Venezuela vs Peru

The second group game in Group B taking place on Sunday night is the 10pm BST kick-off between Venezuela and Peru at the Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia. It's a complicated situation with a number of outcomes possible. Victory for either team will guarantee their place in the Quarter-Finals but a defeat could leave them waiting on the result from the other game in this group before they learn their fate.

Venezuela have done well to reach this last group game and still be in with a chance of qualifying for the last 8. Head coach Jose Peseiro has seen his team go toe-to-toe with the best and come away with credit. La Vinotinto began the tournament with an encouraging 1 point from two games against Brazil and Colombia before another draw against Ecuador which was achieved thanks to an injury-time equaliser. The team currently sits bottom of the group so know they will be eliminated if they fail to get at least a point here and don't benefit from a two goal swing if Ecuador lose to Brazil as well. Even if they get a point it might not be enough if Ecuador equal or better that result against Brazil. The summary of their situation is that they need to take care of their own business to stand any realistic chance of progressing.

Peru are a bit enigmatic right now. Ricardo Gareca's side came into the tournament as the out-of-form team but appear to be building confidence and momentum as the tournament progresses. Los Incas began their tournament with a demoralising 4-0 loss to hosts Brazil but hit back with a surprising 2-1 win over Colombia. The 2-2 draw with Ecuador has now put them in a strong position to reach the next phase. Even if they lose this game then they'd need Ecuador to beat Brazil to be eliminated. I'm sure Gareca will field a strong team and go for the win because even a draw could see them move to 2nd in the group and earn a more favourable draw in the next round.

I would really love to see Venezuela reach the Quarter-Finals but I sadly think they've left themselves with too much to do. This team has only scored in one of their group games so far and they face a Peru team that are starting to believe in themselves again. I'm going to have to back a Peru win and we'll unfortunately be saying farewell to a spirited Venezuela team.

Peru to Win @ 2.48 with SBK

Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 2.64 with SBK