Rob Eddy’s selections for the second Copa America semi-final include a win for Colombia in a low-scoring game.
A place in the Copa America final is up for grabs when Uruguay clash with Colombia at the Bank of America Stadium in the tournament’s second semi-final on Wednesday night (1am BST).
These sides have been among the standout teams at this year’s Copa America but played out contrasting quarter-final ties.
After an attritional 0-0 draw with Brazil, Uruguay edged through 4-2 on penalties, whereas Colombia’s win was never really in doubt as they smashed Panama 5-0 in Arizona.
The stage is now set for a gripping semi-final with the winners set to face either Argentina or Canada in Sunday night’s final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Selections
Colombia to win @ 15/8Â
Under 1.5 goals @ 11/8
Jhon Cordoba anytime goalscorer @ 13/5
Colombia able to preserve unbeaten streak
There is nothing separating these semi-final opponents in the betting but upon closer inspection, Colombia look a solid pick to defeat Uruguay in this Copa America clash.
Uruguay deserve credit for holding Brazil to a goalless draw before winning on penalties but it was not the most convincing performance as they had just one shot on target and racked up 26 fouls.
Colombia also held Brazil to a draw in the group stage of this tournament before exploding to life in a 5-0 win over Panama last time out.
That comprehensive win extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 27 matches and there is no doubting they are one of the most consistent national teams in the world at the moment.
And Colombia can also draw confidence from the fact Uruguay will be lighter at the back with Nahitan Nandez suspended after his red card against Brazil and Ronald Araujo sidelined through injury.
Uruguay’s game is focused on a tight defence and that double absence is a major blow, so take Colombia to win this in 90 minutes.
Goals could be at a premium in North Carolina
Although Colombia look the smart play to win the match, it could be by a narrow margin and another way to approach the match could be under 1.5 goals.
Even with Araujo and Nandez missing, Uruguay can be expected to keep things tight and compact with Darwin Nunez looking to cause problems on the counter-attack.
Their last two matches against Brazil and the USA featured just one goal and even that came from defender Mathias Olivera.
Colombia put five past Panama in their last game but they will face far more resistance from Uruguay and this could be a tight one.
Cordoba a worthy bet to get on the scoresheet
Those after an anytime goalscorer pick in this contest should look no further than Jhon Cordoba for Colombia.
Colombia look the more likely side to win this match and Cordoba has been a lively goal threat, scoring twice in four matches so far.
He is averaging a goal every 127 minutes in the tournament and he was the player to break the deadlock against Panama.
Cordoba also scored in a 3-0 win over Bolivia ahead of the Copa America and could hit the target as Colombia look to book their place in the final.