(Getty)
The best players in the Western Hemisphere are in the United States for the next month, as Copa America Centenario is finally upon us. The oldest Continental tournament in the world is being held in the States for the first time, but the home-field advantage may not be enough against South America’s best. USA have respectable odds, but the favorite is the team currently ranked number one in the world.
Argentina haven’t raised a trophy in international competition since 1993, a shock considering their current roster. In addition to Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste have an abundance of attacking talent, including Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi. They are 14-time winners and 13-time runners-up of this competition, and have played in the final at three of the last four Copa Americas. According to OddsShark and Bovada, Argentina is the favorite at +185 to end the drought.
USA sneaks into the top six favorites to win with the home-field advantage, surrounded by South America’s elite. The host nation has reached the semifinal of Copa America in six of the last 10 tournaments, with four of those reaching the final and three raising the trophy. That includes reigning champion Chile, who defeated Argentina in a shootout to win their first-ever Copa. USA is valued at +600, Chile is just below them at +700, with Brazil hold the second-lowest odds at +450.
The next three aren’t favorites, but all are worthy contenders for this year’s title. Uruguay will have to survive group play without Luis Suarez, but could see Barcelona striker return from a hamstring injury just in time for the knockout rounds. They are valued at +900, ahead of 2014 World Cup standouts Colombia. James Rodriguez is back with his teammates, and although Las Cafeteros struggled at last year’s Copa, there’s no shame in going out to Argentina. Colombia can steal USA’s shine by winning the opening match, and they’re a decent bet to win it all at +1000.
Then there’s Mexico. Valued at +1100, El Tri is possibly bringing its best squad ever to Copa America. Mexico enter the tournament on a 19-game unbeaten streak, finishing up their friendly schedule with a 1-0 win over Chile. That goal came courtesy of Javier Hernandez, who will contend with the likes of Messi and James Rodriguez for the top scorer in the tournament.
Prediction:
USA won’t win. Maybe if they were the host nation in 2019, and some of their core youth players had more experience, but even then it’s a stretch. Unless there are some major upsets along the way, Klinsmann’s team have little chance against the likes of Argentina, Brazil, or even this current Mexico squad. Chile is a strong side, but they’ve been inconsistent under the relatively new Pizzi. There won’t be any cinderella at Copa America this year, as Argentina defeat Mexico in the final at Metlife Stadium.
Here are the full updated odds to win Copa America:
Argentina +185
Brazil +450
USA +600
Chile +700
Uruguay +900
Colombia +1000
Mexico +1100
Ecuador +3300
Costa Rica +5000
Paraguay +5000
Peru +5000
Bolivia +10000
Venezuela +10000
Jamaica +12500
Panama +15000
Haiti +50000