2021 Copa America: Can anyone stop Brazil? Who will win the Golden Boot?
- Seb Sternik
- 2 July 2021
Following two weeks of action, the oldest international soccer tournament in the world is about to enter its quarter-final stage.
The two favourites - Brazil and Argentina - have both looked strong after topping their respected groups with ease.
But before you dismiss the other six contenders in the outright market, don't forget that the two South American giants have only won one of the last four Copa America tournaments between them.
Quarter-Final draw
Outright market
Three wins from four games. Ten goals scored and just two conceded. It's no surprise that Brazil are priced as short as 8/11 to defend their Copa America title.
Brazil before their game with Venezuela
But a controversial 2-1 win over Colombia and a mere 1-1 draw against Ecuador has cast a slim shadow of doubt regarding their title winning credentials.
Can Argentina end 28-year wait for the Copa America title?
Argentina, for instance, are currently second favourites at 2/1 to win their first Copa America crown since 1993.
Lionel Messi, who has recently turned 34-years-old, is running out of time to claim his first major international honour with the national team.
Uruguay manager, Oscar Tabarez
The third favourites, according to the bookmakers, are Uruguay.
At 10/1, Oscar Tabarez's side would appear like a golden betting opportunity. But beware.
The team may have finished second in their group but they're not firing on all cylinders. Uruguay picked up two wins from their four group games however, their low amount of created chances is concerning.
Colombia are 18/1 to win the tournament
Despite finishing third in their group, Colombia certainly impressed in their latest outing; a 2-1 defeat to Brazil which was rather controversial considering the ball hit the referee in the build-up to Brazil's first goal.
Colombia are themselves priced at 20/1 to claim what would be only their second Copa America title.
Should they have a full team to their disposal, Reinaldo Rueda's side cannot be easily underestimated.
Chile's Arturo Vidal
One final mention has to go to Chile. Away from the off-field controversies about haircuts - yes that happened - the 2016 Copa America winners are priced at 33/1 to lift the trophy again.
Even though the Copa America has been contested for the last 105 years, Brazil have only ever lost two games when playing on home turf - last such defeat took place in 1975 against Peru.
Planet Sport tips
Tip: Argentina 2/1
Rank outsiders: Chile 33/1
Top Goalscorers
Race for Golden Boot wide open
As things stand, it's Lionel Messi who narrowly leads the way in the race to become the tournament's top scorer.
Lionel Messi in action against Chile
The current free agent is the bookmaker's favourite at the price of 7/4 to win the golden boot - not a bad offer for one of the world's greatest goal scorers.
Neymar Jr celebrates scoring a goal in Brazil's 2021 Copa America opener with Venezuela
Not far behind, at 4/1, is Brazil's Neymar Jr. The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored against Venezuela and Peru - two games dominated by the hosts.
Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez
Uruguay's striking due of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez are also two names to watch out for.
The pair have been priced at 15/2 and 25/1 respectively. Those odds seem about right considering Uruguay's recent troubles in-front of goal. On top of that, they have a tricky quarter-final tie with Colombia.
Chile's Eduardo Vargas vies with Bolivia's Jairo Quinteros
Should the former Napoli, QPR and Valencia man bag three more Copa America goals, he will tie the joint-leaders, Norberto Mendez (Argentina) and Zizinho (Brazil).
Planet Sport tips
Tip: Lionel Messi 7/4
Rank Outsider: Eduardo Vargas 15/1
