Argentina vs. Chile
Argentina and Chile clash in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in group A's first game. In a highly competitive group containing the likes of Uruguay as well, both sides know the importance of getting off to a good start. For neutrals, what better way to kick things off than with a game between these two heavyweights?
Argentina
The La Albiceleste have been waiting to bring home the trophy since 1991, an insane amount of time given the ridiculous wealth in talent they have possessed for the last ten to fifteen years now. Furthermore, this may be Lionel Messi's last chance at winning the elusive Copa America meaning that he, and his teammates, will obviously do anything and everything in their power to bring it home.
The Argentine's travel to Brazil in great form, coming off the back of a thirteen game unbeaten run, which includes seven wins and six draws against strong opposition.
As touched upon in the first paragraph, Argentina have an absolutely ridiculous roster including, apart from Messi, Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Sergio Aguero, Papu Gomez, and Angel Correa to name a few. All in all, Argentina are definitely favourites to win the tournament, the question is, will they handle the pressure or fall short as in previous years?
Chile
Heavyweights Chile enter into the tournament in rather iffy form having only won two of their last seven games, whilst losing two, and drawing three. Chile's golden generation is nearing its end after having won two of the last three editions of the Copa America, while finishing fourth in the most recent one.
This will most likely be Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel, and Eduardo Vargas's last tournament and they will, much like Argentina, be looking to go out with a bang. In comparison to Argentina however, Chile's decline due to their ageing stars has been rather apparent as they are quite far off the levels shown a few years ago.
Chile may have drawn with Argentina only ten days ago in the WC qualifiers, but that was more due to Argentina's complacency rather than a brilliant Chile performance. With that said, the players mentioned are big game players and in tournaments, anything can happen.
Betting tip
Argentina knows it is possibly Messi's last Copa America and will feel the pressure, i do however believe that they will manage and end up qualifying from the group, which is why i will be backing Argentina to win at 1.66 with Betway.
