By Gerald Lutchman
BRAZIL start with a big win.
So, it began and as predicted Brazil dominated Venezuela while Columbia was very lucky to secure a victory. The quality of the football left a lot to be desired and hopefully today we can have better games.
Brazil vs Venezuela 13/06/21 3 -0 Estadio Nacional de Brazil
Brazil had the perfect start to the tournament with a convincing win over a hapless Venezuela. A very bright looking Brazilian team made light work of Venezuela from the very start. Venezuela were lucky not to have been at the receiving end of a bigger defeat. Goals by Marquinhos in the 23rd, Neymar with a 64th minute penalty and Gabriel in the 89th easily overcame the opposition.
A massive 62% ball possession and 18 shots at goal to 3 from Venezuela showed the dominance. Brazil was not tested as we can draw little from this game. They were expected to win by a large margin.
Neymar continued his super impressive scoring rate for brazil and he will be hard for any opposition to keep under control.
Columbia vs Ecuador 13/06/21 1-0 Arena Pantanal
This was the second came and I predicted a 1-1 draw but Columbia came out with 1-0 win. In a relatively tame affair with a lack of serious excitement the game petered out to a very modest win for Columbia.
Even though Ecuador played a better brand of football they could not score even with superior shots at goal in 8 to 5. Ecuador had the majority of the possession (59 %)but could not convert it to goals. As is the recent trend in South America, the teams cannot seem to score at international levels.
Cardona for Columbia sealed the game in the 42nd. It was a low key affair with both teams more interested in not losing rather than attacking. In the ned Columbia was lucky to get the win.
Monday’s games:
Argentina vs Chile 5pm Olympic Stadium
Prediction: 2 -1 Argentina
Argentina in 2015 and 2016 came out on the wrong end of both Copa finals to Chile. They have not been able to beat Chile for a while and it will be on their minds to have a strong start with a victory.
This argentine team is the best on paper for a long time and it will be left to be seen if Messi can finally inspire a win and a Copa title.
I predict a tough game but this Argentine team can overcome with a 2-1 victory.
Paraguay vs Bolivia 8pm Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico
Prediction 1 -0 Paraguay
This should be an interesting game. Both sides believe that they can win and will want a great start to the tournament. Paraguay has the edge and I think it can be a 1-0 victory for them.
Given the defensive nature of both team we should not expect too many opportunities for goals. Each team wants to start good but both will prefer a draw to an outright defeat. Points count and it is better to have one rather than zero.
