On Thursday, the United States became the first team to advance to the semi-final round of the 2016 Copa America Centenario. And this Friday, South American hopefuls Peru and Colombia will vie for another slot in the next stage of the tournament at MetLife Stadium after emerging on top of their respective groups.
Who will advance to the semis to take on either Mexico or Chile next week? Let’s find out below. And speaking of those two teams, check out our preview for their showdown set for Saturday here.
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Peru vs. Colombia Preview
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
When: Friday, June 17, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Peru (+435) vs. Colombia (-185) tie (+265); total: 2.0 – view all 2016 Copa America Lines
Betting on Peru (+435)
Like it or not, Peru is through to the knockout stage of the 2016 Copa America. This past Sunday, Los Incas defeated Brazil, 1-0, behind a late, controversial game-winning goal that was tipped into the net by the arm of forward Raul Ruidiaz.
As a matter of fact, Peru’s four goals scored in group play are the fewest amongst all group winners in the tournament.
Then again, this is the eighth-consecutive time that the team has made it to the knockout phase of the Copa. Just last year, the Peruvians advanced all the way to the semi-final round but lost to eventual champs, Chile. Peru can hang with Colombia, as showed in their goalless draw in last year’s group stage. And with last year’s tournament co-top scorer Paolo Guerrero still going strong, the Peruvians have that weapon to steal a goal – and the game.
Betting on Colombia (-185)
Colombia’s final group-stage match ended in a 3-2 loss to Costa Rica on Saturday that saw wing-back Frank Fabra score a goal for his country and flubbed with an own-goal later on.
However, Los Cafeteros took that defeat in stride knowing that they would still advance to the elimination stage of the Copa despite a loss. As such, they finished second in Group A behind the United States, which actually works as a blessing in disguise.
As the second-place qualifier from the group, Colombia gets to face surprise Group B winner Peru, a team which the Cafeteros have lost to just once in their last 13 meetings (six wins and six draws). Their latest win came just last year in a World Cup qualifying match at home.
Furthermore, the team only played 10 of its regular starters on Saturday, meaning the Colombians’ top stars are well-rested and ready to torch Peru this Friday.
Look for James Rodriguez, who scored a goal in each of Colombia’s first two group-stage matches, to bring the heat once more. Star goalie David Espina should also be able to hold the fort down, as he has only allowed one goal in the tournament thus far.
Writer’s Prediction
Colombia (-185) brews up another sound victory, 2-0.
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