This match tonight should surprise a lot of casual fans with how close it will be. Far more pressure on Chile than there is on Ecuador. This is by no means a must win for Ecuador, but the expectation for Chile to make a statement could be overwhelming.
What concerns me about Ecuador is that they have a brand new head coach (Quinteros) playing with an injury laden offence. Finding the back of the net will be tough for them all tournament. Miller Bolanos has been a treat to watch in Libertadores as well as in the domestic league. Cost my Atletico Nacional another year into the last 8. Hopefully he gets a chance to play along side Valencia.
Ecuador defence is very good and has a strong leader in Walter Ayovi. In-fact, he alone has 70 some more caps than the four forwards in the Ecuador 23 man squad. Ecuador will definitely play to their strength for the majority of the match, which is not going to be easy for Chile to break. However, I am not sure they can survive 90 minutes of pressure from Chile. That is a very long time to hold off a team that is so crafty and well knit, especially if they go with 3 up like we saw at the World Cup.
This match tonight should surprise a lot of casual fans with how close it will be. Far more pressure on Chile than there is on Ecuador. This is by no means a must win for Ecuador, but the expectation for Chile to make a statement could be overwhelming.
What concerns me about Ecuador is that they have a brand new head coach (Quinteros) playing with an injury laden offence. Finding the back of the net will be tough for them all tournament. Miller Bolanos has been a treat to watch in Libertadores as well as in the domestic league. Cost my Atletico Nacional another year into the last 8. Hopefully he gets a chance to play along side Valencia.
Ecuador defence is very good and has a strong leader in Walter Ayovi. In-fact, he alone has 70 some more caps than the four forwards in the Ecuador 23 man squad. Ecuador will definitely play to their strength for the majority of the match, which is not going to be easy for Chile to break. However, I am not sure they can survive 90 minutes of pressure from Chile. That is a very long time to hold off a team that is so crafty and well knit, especially if they go with 3 up like we saw at the World Cup.
Nice write-up Zamigo. I remember our chats during the world cup.
I am stunned that you havent mentioned the incredibly inform Jackson Martinez for Colombia who has scored more goals in Europe this past year than any other Colombian player and has the Portugese record. Am I missing something? Also what's the jazz with Falcao? He's secondary now, unless the ball is put on his toe, forget it. Only his marketing name exists for Colombia, which it seems you and most of Colombia are still locked onto. Like a Shakira of football. Look for Martinez, Bacca and Teo if the manager has any sense after he tests Falcao in group stage. If they leave Martinez out like they did against Brazil in World Cup I will be fuming!
Colombia's defence will always be better without Yepes, so we can only look forward to brighter days on that front. Look up the definition of slow-paced drama queen and you'll find Yepes there. He singlehandedly allowed that goal against Brazil from corner in world cup. Good riddance to him.
I think Argentina will win it. Messi must be still bereaved after the World Cup defeat and now they have Tevez back in. Between Brazil and Argentina perhaps. Hopefully Colombia can be in there too and even better, win it!
Nice write-up Zamigo. I remember our chats during the world cup.
I am stunned that you havent mentioned the incredibly inform Jackson Martinez for Colombia who has scored more goals in Europe this past year than any other Colombian player and has the Portugese record. Am I missing something? Also what's the jazz with Falcao? He's secondary now, unless the ball is put on his toe, forget it. Only his marketing name exists for Colombia, which it seems you and most of Colombia are still locked onto. Like a Shakira of football. Look for Martinez, Bacca and Teo if the manager has any sense after he tests Falcao in group stage. If they leave Martinez out like they did against Brazil in World Cup I will be fuming!
Colombia's defence will always be better without Yepes, so we can only look forward to brighter days on that front. Look up the definition of slow-paced drama queen and you'll find Yepes there. He singlehandedly allowed that goal against Brazil from corner in world cup. Good riddance to him.
I think Argentina will win it. Messi must be still bereaved after the World Cup defeat and now they have Tevez back in. Between Brazil and Argentina perhaps. Hopefully Colombia can be in there too and even better, win it!
Nice write-up Zamigo. I remember our chats during the world cup.
I am stunned that you havent mentioned the incredibly inform Jackson Martinez for Colombia who has scored more goals in Europe this past year than any other Colombian player and has the Portugese record. Am I missing something? Also what's the jazz with Falcao? He's secondary now, unless the ball is put on his toe, forget it. Only his marketing name exists for Colombia, which it seems you and most of Colombia are still locked onto. Like a Shakira of football. Look for Martinez, Bacca and Teo if the manager has any sense after he tests Falcao in group stage. If they leave Martinez out like they did against Brazil in World Cup I will be fuming!
Colombia's defence will always be better without Yepes, so we can only look forward to brighter days on that front. Look up the definition of slow-paced drama queen and you'll find Yepes there. He singlehandedly allowed that goal against Brazil from corner in world cup. Good riddance to him.
I think Argentina will win it. Messi must be still bereaved after the World Cup defeat and now they have Tevez back in. Between Brazil and Argentina perhaps. Hopefully Colombia can be in there too and even better, win it!
Good luck to you this tourney!
Nice to see you around Learners...agree Jackson Martinez was on fire this year, I just didn't go through every player, there is no shortage of offense in the lineup. I do disagree about Falcao, he is a different player for Colombia and I think they will feed his strengths. England was a terrible fit for him in my opinion, and while you are right about the marketing name, he feeds off it too and plays with lots of confidence.The problem isn't necessarily that Yepes is gone, but who will replace him. Not sold on anybody else in the back either.
Hard to argue about Argentina although I hope not. Almost always going to go for the underdog if I have no dog in the fight...
Nice write-up Zamigo. I remember our chats during the world cup.
I am stunned that you havent mentioned the incredibly inform Jackson Martinez for Colombia who has scored more goals in Europe this past year than any other Colombian player and has the Portugese record. Am I missing something? Also what's the jazz with Falcao? He's secondary now, unless the ball is put on his toe, forget it. Only his marketing name exists for Colombia, which it seems you and most of Colombia are still locked onto. Like a Shakira of football. Look for Martinez, Bacca and Teo if the manager has any sense after he tests Falcao in group stage. If they leave Martinez out like they did against Brazil in World Cup I will be fuming!
Colombia's defence will always be better without Yepes, so we can only look forward to brighter days on that front. Look up the definition of slow-paced drama queen and you'll find Yepes there. He singlehandedly allowed that goal against Brazil from corner in world cup. Good riddance to him.
I think Argentina will win it. Messi must be still bereaved after the World Cup defeat and now they have Tevez back in. Between Brazil and Argentina perhaps. Hopefully Colombia can be in there too and even better, win it!
Good luck to you this tourney!
Nice to see you around Learners...agree Jackson Martinez was on fire this year, I just didn't go through every player, there is no shortage of offense in the lineup. I do disagree about Falcao, he is a different player for Colombia and I think they will feed his strengths. England was a terrible fit for him in my opinion, and while you are right about the marketing name, he feeds off it too and plays with lots of confidence.The problem isn't necessarily that Yepes is gone, but who will replace him. Not sold on anybody else in the back either.
Hard to argue about Argentina although I hope not. Almost always going to go for the underdog if I have no dog in the fight...
z, are you colombian but live in nicaragua? jw. anyways I was so bummed that enner shot hit the crossbar. West ham fan really hoping he has a good copa. cheers
z, are you colombian but live in nicaragua? jw. anyways I was so bummed that enner shot hit the crossbar. West ham fan really hoping he has a good copa. cheers
Nice write-up Zamigo. I remember our chats during the world cup.
I am stunned that you havent mentioned the incredibly inform Jackson Martinez for Colombia who has scored more goals in Europe this past year than any other Colombian player and has the Portugese record. Am I missing something? Also what's the jazz with Falcao? He's secondary now, unless the ball is put on his toe, forget it. Only his marketing name exists for Colombia, which it seems you and most of Colombia are still locked onto. Like a Shakira of football. Look for Martinez, Bacca and Teo if the manager has any sense after he tests Falcao in group stage. If they leave Martinez out like they did against Brazil in World Cup I will be fuming!
Colombia's defence will always be better without Yepes, so we can only look forward to brighter days on that front. Look up the definition of slow-paced drama queen and you'll find Yepes there. He singlehandedly allowed that goal against Brazil from corner in world cup. Good riddance to him.
I think Argentina will win it. Messi must be still bereaved after the World Cup defeat and now they have Tevez back in. Between Brazil and Argentina perhaps. Hopefully Colombia can be in there too and even better, win it!
Good luck to you this tourney!
I am convinced that Pekerman can rescue any player, regardless of slump after what he did with Falcao. For the first time since he got injured there is actual positive buzz about him here in Colombia. During their friendlies he became the top all time scorer for Colombia and in my mind is entering this tournament in great form and very little pressure on him to perform from anyone outside the country, which is perfect for him.
Agree with both of you on Martinez. I can't recall how many times last summer I was yelling at the TV while he was left on the bench. Carl Worswick, a friend of mine who works in the media with the team swears there is no issues between him and Pekerman...I have my doubts. Unlike last year, there is steady competition upfront in the team with Rodriguez, Bacca, Teo and Falcao all playing well. Goals shouldn't be an issue, but I would love to see Jackson get some time.
Like Zamigo said, this defence is trouble. They haven't had a good test since Brazil last year after playing the couple handful of confidence building friendlies. Not sure I trust Zúñiga as the leader just yet. This unit is a lot different from the one who led CONMEBOL in qualifying two years ago. Luckily it shouldn't matter for them in the group stages. Venezuela can't score to save their lives and Peru shouldn't be an issue.
Nice write-up Zamigo. I remember our chats during the world cup.
I am stunned that you havent mentioned the incredibly inform Jackson Martinez for Colombia who has scored more goals in Europe this past year than any other Colombian player and has the Portugese record. Am I missing something? Also what's the jazz with Falcao? He's secondary now, unless the ball is put on his toe, forget it. Only his marketing name exists for Colombia, which it seems you and most of Colombia are still locked onto. Like a Shakira of football. Look for Martinez, Bacca and Teo if the manager has any sense after he tests Falcao in group stage. If they leave Martinez out like they did against Brazil in World Cup I will be fuming!
Colombia's defence will always be better without Yepes, so we can only look forward to brighter days on that front. Look up the definition of slow-paced drama queen and you'll find Yepes there. He singlehandedly allowed that goal against Brazil from corner in world cup. Good riddance to him.
I think Argentina will win it. Messi must be still bereaved after the World Cup defeat and now they have Tevez back in. Between Brazil and Argentina perhaps. Hopefully Colombia can be in there too and even better, win it!
Good luck to you this tourney!
I am convinced that Pekerman can rescue any player, regardless of slump after what he did with Falcao. For the first time since he got injured there is actual positive buzz about him here in Colombia. During their friendlies he became the top all time scorer for Colombia and in my mind is entering this tournament in great form and very little pressure on him to perform from anyone outside the country, which is perfect for him.
Agree with both of you on Martinez. I can't recall how many times last summer I was yelling at the TV while he was left on the bench. Carl Worswick, a friend of mine who works in the media with the team swears there is no issues between him and Pekerman...I have my doubts. Unlike last year, there is steady competition upfront in the team with Rodriguez, Bacca, Teo and Falcao all playing well. Goals shouldn't be an issue, but I would love to see Jackson get some time.
Like Zamigo said, this defence is trouble. They haven't had a good test since Brazil last year after playing the couple handful of confidence building friendlies. Not sure I trust Zúñiga as the leader just yet. This unit is a lot different from the one who led CONMEBOL in qualifying two years ago. Luckily it shouldn't matter for them in the group stages. Venezuela can't score to save their lives and Peru shouldn't be an issue.
During their friendlies he became the top all time scorer for Colombia and in my mind is entering this tournament in great form and very little pressure on him to perform from anyone outside the country, which is perfect for him.
Agree with both of you on Martinez.
Colombia has always been iffie at the back.
To state that Falcao is in great form is exceptionally niave of you. He played some matches against some of the weakest teams in the world.
I've never been a great fan of him and when Colombia was going to World Cup without him I was rejoicing and if this soccer thread remembers correctly, I said Colombia will do better without him. And they did.
Colombia should make semi's, anything less would be disappointing. Problem with Colombian selectors is they are so pro Falcao and less pro Martinez despite his exceptional form.
Now call that a race, marketing, conservative thing like not putting Martinez on against Brazil in WC. That's how it operates round these parts.
During their friendlies he became the top all time scorer for Colombia and in my mind is entering this tournament in great form and very little pressure on him to perform from anyone outside the country, which is perfect for him.
Agree with both of you on Martinez.
Colombia has always been iffie at the back.
To state that Falcao is in great form is exceptionally niave of you. He played some matches against some of the weakest teams in the world.
I've never been a great fan of him and when Colombia was going to World Cup without him I was rejoicing and if this soccer thread remembers correctly, I said Colombia will do better without him. And they did.
Colombia should make semi's, anything less would be disappointing. Problem with Colombian selectors is they are so pro Falcao and less pro Martinez despite his exceptional form.
Now call that a race, marketing, conservative thing like not putting Martinez on against Brazil in WC. That's how it operates round these parts.
Nice to see you around Learners...agree Jackson Martinez was on fire this year, I just didn't go through every player, there is no shortage of offense in the lineup. I do disagree about Falcao, he is a different player for Colombia and I think they will feed his strengths. England was a terrible fit for him in my opinion, and while you are right about the marketing name, he feeds off it too and plays with lots of confidence.The problem isn't necessarily that Yepes is gone, but who will replace him. Not sold on anybody else in the back either.
Hard to argue about Argentina although I hope not. Almost always going to go for the underdog if I have no dog in the fight...
Best of luck to you for the tournament
Hey Zamigo,
Falcao is the Shakira of Colombian football. Looks good, has all the credentials and the eliminatorias last World Cup prior to injury was Golden. But he's not the same now and this Copa will show that. If Colombia relies on Falcao they will lose. Simple as that.
Martinez (the most underrated offensive player in world football), Bacca,Teo are the way ahead.
The back has always been a problem for Colombia, but they have Carlos Sanchez who is one of the best centre backmen I have seen in a long time who should keep things steady. Cross fingers.
Nice to see you around Learners...agree Jackson Martinez was on fire this year, I just didn't go through every player, there is no shortage of offense in the lineup. I do disagree about Falcao, he is a different player for Colombia and I think they will feed his strengths. England was a terrible fit for him in my opinion, and while you are right about the marketing name, he feeds off it too and plays with lots of confidence.The problem isn't necessarily that Yepes is gone, but who will replace him. Not sold on anybody else in the back either.
Hard to argue about Argentina although I hope not. Almost always going to go for the underdog if I have no dog in the fight...
Best of luck to you for the tournament
Hey Zamigo,
Falcao is the Shakira of Colombian football. Looks good, has all the credentials and the eliminatorias last World Cup prior to injury was Golden. But he's not the same now and this Copa will show that. If Colombia relies on Falcao they will lose. Simple as that.
Martinez (the most underrated offensive player in world football), Bacca,Teo are the way ahead.
The back has always been a problem for Colombia, but they have Carlos Sanchez who is one of the best centre backmen I have seen in a long time who should keep things steady. Cross fingers.
To state that Falcao is in great form is exceptionally niave of you. He played some matches against some of the weakest teams in the world.
I've never been a great fan of him and when Colombia was going to World Cup without him I was rejoicing and if this soccer thread remembers correctly, I said Colombia will do better without him. And they did.
Colombia should make semi's, anything less would be disappointing. Problem with Colombian selectors is they are so pro Falcao and less pro Martinez despite his exceptional form.
Now call that a race, marketing, conservative thing like not putting Martinez on against Brazil in WC. That's how it operates round these parts.
Never disagreed with you on Jackson for one second.
I do disagree with you on Falcao though. No point in arguing about it. We will see on Sunday.
To state that Falcao is in great form is exceptionally niave of you. He played some matches against some of the weakest teams in the world.
I've never been a great fan of him and when Colombia was going to World Cup without him I was rejoicing and if this soccer thread remembers correctly, I said Colombia will do better without him. And they did.
Colombia should make semi's, anything less would be disappointing. Problem with Colombian selectors is they are so pro Falcao and less pro Martinez despite his exceptional form.
Now call that a race, marketing, conservative thing like not putting Martinez on against Brazil in WC. That's how it operates round these parts.
Never disagreed with you on Jackson for one second.
I do disagree with you on Falcao though. No point in arguing about it. We will see on Sunday.
Zamigo, thanks for the write ups and info, looking forward to following along and watching some soccer. Definitely plenty of decent competitions going on this summer to fill the void of the "year after" WC.
Zamigo, thanks for the write ups and info, looking forward to following along and watching some soccer. Definitely plenty of decent competitions going on this summer to fill the void of the "year after" WC.
Mexico v. Boliva: 1st Half Bolivia +0.25 @ +105 (1.00 to win 1.05)
I don't think Bolivia will be the pushover that everyone is saying they will tonight, and even if Mexico pulls away I think it will take them a while and they will have to be patient. Bolivia will come out in a defensive formation and should be able to make things difficult for a Mexico side that is missing a lot of its creative players. I know there is still talent in the Mexico lineup and maybe they will start to click, but I think there is an opportunity here for Bolivia to at the very least hang on for a half, and at the best catch a counter attack goal early on. I will re-evaluate at half and maybe make a second half play.
Mexico v. Boliva: 1st Half Bolivia +0.25 @ +105 (1.00 to win 1.05)
I don't think Bolivia will be the pushover that everyone is saying they will tonight, and even if Mexico pulls away I think it will take them a while and they will have to be patient. Bolivia will come out in a defensive formation and should be able to make things difficult for a Mexico side that is missing a lot of its creative players. I know there is still talent in the Mexico lineup and maybe they will start to click, but I think there is an opportunity here for Bolivia to at the very least hang on for a half, and at the best catch a counter attack goal early on. I will re-evaluate at half and maybe make a second half play.
If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so. It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly. Covers does not provide any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in your relevant locality. Covers disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it. As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Covers.