Mexico, Venezuela square off in H-Town
First-round games don’t get much bigger than this.
Mexico and Venezuela collide tonight to determine the Centenario’s Group C winner. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives El Tri odds of -145 to come out on top at NRG Stadium, whereas coach Noel Sanvicente’s squad enters as a +400 underdog. The over/under goal total is 2.5.
If Mexico indeed takes care of business, a knockout-stage clash with either Chile or Panama awaits. The Vinotinto won’t bow down to the more recognizable program, though, having already blanked Uruguay and Jamaica. In fact, Venezuela remains the only country in the tournament that hasn’t allowed a goal. Josef Martinez and Salomon Rodon represent dangerous offensive weapons, too.
Juan Carlos Osorio counters with ferocious forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who boasts 45 tallies in just 84 caps. Mexico’s also riding a nine-match winning streak under Osorio. We’re not saying that Venezuela can’t compete in such a pressurized setting, but the upstart group probably needs a minor miracle to avoid Lionel Messi and Argentina in the quarterfinals. Bank on El Tri to keep rolling.
MONDAY COPA AMERICA FREE PICK: MEXICO/VENEZUELA OVER 2.5 GOALS
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