Peru started the tournament somewhat well, with a draw against Uruguay, while Mexico lost their first match against Chile.
A match that will most likely determine which team will qualify for the quarter-finals. It goes without saying that the victory is a must for both Peru and Mexico, but only one can get it. A second loss for Mexico would mean almost a certain drop out of the group, while a loss for Peru, still leaves them with chances for qualification.
Peru
Peru has won Copa America twice, once in 1939 and once in 1975. In the past 3 editions of the tournament however, even when they where a host in 2004, the team only managed to get out of the groups to the quarter-finals stage, where they met Argentina twice, losing 0:4, 0:1 and Colombia losing 0:3. This means that Peru hasn’t scored yet a goal in the knockout stage in the last 3 Copa America events. In 1997, Peru managed to qualify for the semi-finals after winning over Argentina with 2:1, only to face Brazil and get blown away with 0:7. Their most recent friendly games show an unbeaten team record for over 10 games, five victories and five draws including the one against Uruguay. Peru will be without key players Claudio Pizarro and Jefferson Farfan due to injuries.
Mexico
Mexico hasn’t won Copa America edition but has been able to reach the second spot twice, once in 1993 and once in 2001. About two weeks ago, Mexico played a brilliant final for the Gold Cup against United States, winning 4:2, after losing with 0:2. Just a day before Copa America, Mexico sent home 8 players for breaking teams rules. Many sources leave it to that, “breaking the rules” but for those curious, here’s what happened. There were allegations are that they have invited prostitutes in the team’s hotel. Players reported cash and personal belongings missing, and when the police reviewed the tapes they saw 6 women escorted into the hotel. The eight players are as follow: Israel Jimenez, Nestor Vidrio, Jonathan Dos Santos, Marco Fabian, Jorge Hernandez, Javier Cortes, David Cabrera and Nestor Calderon. All of those players were also fined $4,200, can I get a “ha ha ha”?
Prediction
Most recent meeting between both teams in 2008, ended 4:0 in favor of Mexico. The one before that, way back in 2003 ended 3:1 in favor of Peru. Peru has an unique opportunity to go against weakened Mexico. You certainly can’t expect much from Mexico after already playing one tournament in the previous month, as well as players being suspended.
The draw seems like a good option here, knowing that both teams will be extra careful no to lose the match, rather than win it. Odds are at 3.20 in bet365.
My prediction however is that Peru will be able to get theirs as they have been able to qualify to the next stage in the past 12 years. A victory for Peru.
The game will be live streamed for free, for the players from the following sportsbooks: bet365 | Unibet | PaddyPower.
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Peru to win @ 2.40 | Visit Bet365 Now |
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