Uruguay to book their place in the semis
The last quarter-final of this year’s Copa America should be a cracker, two attacking teams with great histories in the competition will look to seize the opportunity of a place in the last four. Peru finished the group stage with four points to Uruguay’s seven so there is a clear favourite in this one. However, as quarter-final 1 has demonstrated, the smaller nations will show a lot of heart and will not be cast aside with ease.
Recent form
Uruguay have won without conceding in five of their last six. Getting a goal in the final 15 minutes on all of those occasions. Peru have only won one of their last six Copa America clashes against CONMEBOL nations who sit in Fifa’s top 20. The last two matches between these nations have been level at half time, suggesting we may be in for some cagey opening exchanges. Five of Uruguay’s last six victories have seen them win both halves and with Suarez and Cavani both on two goals for the tournament, they could fill their boots tonight, especially after Peru’s awful 5-0 loss to Brazil that Paraguay’s performance last night made look even worse.
Uruguay’s solidarity
The best centre-back pairing in the tournament are on show tonight and with Peru’s recent form in front of goal, Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez should make light work of Paolo Guerrero and Jefferson Farfan, however this is a knockout match, so it is hard to call. The loss of Matias Vecino has seen a battle between Lucas Torreira and Federico Valverde ensue for partnering Rodrigo Bentancur in central midfield, I would expect Valverde to start tonight given that he played in their last match when they beat Chile 1-0.
Peru’s weakness
Arguably the worst team left in the tournament and the only remaining nation who qualified finishing third-placed in their group. They put in the worst defensive display by any team against Brazil, it was a comedy of errors in the first half including a howler from goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Uruguay have won four of the last five head-to-head clashes and with the ageing attack Peru have they do not look likely of testing the Uruguayans.
Mainly due to Paraguay fighting like warriors against Brazil I am only backing Uruguay to qualify, Peru do have the ability to cause them problems and if Oscar Tabarez’s men are not on their game, even pull off an upset.
Uruguay – Peru Betting Tip
Uruguay to Qualify + Score Over 0.5 goals with BetVictor at odds of 3/5.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Edinson Cavani had a goal disallowed by VAR, as Peru won by clinging on to reach a penalty shoot-out without managing a shot on goal across the 120 minutes played. Luis Suarez missing the only spot kick in the shoot-out.