It’s no surprise who the favorites for the 2016 Copa America Centenario are. The two South American superpowers – Argentina (+190) and Brazil (+450) – are widely expected to leave the United States as champions of the centennial tournament. But they are hardly the only contenders capable of claiming the crown.
Let’s take a look at three such countries people might be sleeping on to spring a surprise and win the title. And for more 2016 Copa America Centenario coverage, check out our complete tournament preview and long shot picks.
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2016 Copa America Centenario Sleeper Picks
Colombia
Colombia’s attacking trio of James Rodriguez, Carlos Bacca and Juan Cuadrado is arguably the most talented threesome in the entire tournament outside of Argentina’s.
Defense remains a concern, and the depth of attacking talent won’t be as impressive as it could’ve been. But with the world-class ability of James leading the charge, it would be very foolish to sleep on Los Cafeteros’ +1,000 odds to win a second-ever Copa title.
Mexico
Even with the absence of the talented Dos Santos brothers and striker Carlos Vela, Mexico’s Copa America Centenario squad remains very formidable. Star striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will be a contender for the tournament’s top scorer; veteran captain Rafa Marquez remains a rock at the back; and Hector Herrera is the leader of a very solid midfield.
The Mexicans, who will also have the benefit of “home” support from their US-based countrymen, will have a good shot to top Group D, with their biggest competitor Uruguay still sweating on the health of star striker Luis Suarez. Winning the group could see them avoid favorites Argentina until the final, and make their +1,000 odds to win the tournament a bit more palatable.
Ecuador
History says Ecuador’s +3,300 odds to win the Copa America most likely won’t pay off. La Tricolor are one of just two teams never to win the Copa. They haven’t even come close in recent years, crashing out of the group stage in the last six tournaments. Their chances of breaking that poor run this year also weren’t helped by the injury to top striker Felipe Caicedo.
However, they’ve been playing very well in recent outings, and are currently tied for first in COMNEBOL’s 2018 World Cup qualifying. They also lucked out by being in a group that includes a lackluster Brazil, Peru and whipping boys Haiti. Meanwhile, they have enough talent and experience with their English Premier League-based stars (Antonio and Enner Valencia, Jefferson Montero) to wreak havoc in the knockout rounds.
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