Peru the play in evenly matched QF
As a semi final berth beckons, Peru face off with Paraguay in the opening knockout match of this year’s Copa America. Both of these nations did themselves immense justice at the last edition of the tournament in 2019. Paraguay took the eventual champions Brazil to penalties with a 0-0 draw at the quarter final stage, while Peru made it all the way to the final, surprising many by ousting Uruguay and Chile on route. It was an interesting group stage format with no countries competing from outside of South America this time around, we cannot read as much into the group form as there certainly was less to play for with just one team failing to progress.
Background
The wonderfully gifted Andre Carrillo has stepped up to the mantle once again for his country in the tournament. One could argue that the 30-year-old Al Hilal attacker has not fulfilled his potential at club level but there is no doubting his ability on the international stage, Carrillo scored the equaliser against Ecuador and winner versus Venezuela in his last two outings and will be raring to go. Paraguay’s equivalent talisman is Newcastle United ace Miguel Almiron. The 27-year-old has acclimatised to great effect making the difficult transition from MLS to the Premier League, playing a more significant role for the Magpies year on year.
Paraguay are built from a solid base and while they may not have as much flair in advanced positions as the Peruvians, the team spirit is there for all to see. Their never say die attitude cannot be underestimated, and for that rigidity they come into this match as narrow favourites. Arguably the two most unfancied nations left in the tournament meeting in the quarter finals is good for the competition and gives them a spotlight to express themselves. The winner will go in as underdogs versus Brazil or Chile in the semi finals, the occasion may get to some but Peru have the stand up individuals to step up to the plate.
In such an evenly matched encounter, I feel a good stance is to get more than result onside and using the Asian Handicap I have found a favourable angle to adhere to exactly that. Peru look value outsiders against low scoring Paraguay.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Match of the tournament? A real ding dong battle, 3-3 and then Peru take it 4-3 on pens in sudden death.