Predictions for Copa America Groups C and D including Colombia vs Costa Rica

Groups C and D could be relatively settled after Matchday 2 of the Copa America if the teams that won their first group stage matches continue to win on the second matchday. Our panelists provide their predictions for every match in these groups.

Panama vs. USA (Thursday in Atlanta)

Steen Kirby: A CONCACAF battle, Panama has historically been a tough opponent for the United States, but Team USA is coming off a comfortable win against lowly Bolivia and will look to secure passage to the knockout stages with a win and to 6 points to go in Group C Panama scored a late consolation goal against Uruguay, but were outclassed by their team of world stars in the light blue kits. Folarin Balogun (Monaco), who joined the US men’s national team last year, and team captain Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) scored two first-half goals against Bolivia. These are players that the United States will depend on if they want to achieve their goal of Mark hosting the Copa America 2024. Panama will be difficult to break, but if the United States does not win this match it would be a huge disappointment for the red, white and blue. Prediction: USA 2 Panama1

Uruguay vs. Bolivia (Thursday in New York City/New Jersey)

Steen: Bolivia will defend hard and they have a good goalkeeper, that’s the most positive thing you can say about them. Uruguay flew at times against Panama in Miami, they scored seven goals in their last two games, Toluca’s Maxi Araujo and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez was on the scoresheet in the last game. Marcelo Bielsa’s aggressive pressure is causing problems for many teams, and Bolivia will be no different. Look for Uruguay to secure their place in the knockout stages and win comfortably at Metlife Stadium in the Big Apple. Prediction: Uruguay 4 Bolivia 0

Colombia vs. Costa Rica (Friday in Phoenix)

Steen: Costa Rica are coming off one of the biggest results in their history, they held Brazil to a scoreless draw and securing points against another South American giant, Colombia, would give them a chance to reach the knockout stages in a difficult group in which they find themselves the only CONCACAF team. 19-year-old Jeyland Mitchell (LD Alajuelense in Costa Rica) and 31-year-old Francisco Calvo (FC Juarez in Mexico) were among the defensive players who were outstanding for the Ticos, Patrick Sequeira from the Spanish lower division Ibiza was the standout in goal.

Look for Costa Rica to play with the low block again this match. Colombia scored twice against Paraguay to secure 3 points, but they struggled in the second half. James Rodriguez remains an attacking threat with his passing and ability to position himself in attack for Colombia, but he is not a player who participates in defense. Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma, from Crystal Palace in the Premier League, were the two goalscorers for Colombia. Defender Jhon Lucumi (Bologna) was taken off early due to injury and could play a key role in this match, while Rafael Borre (Internacional in Brazil) and Luis Diaz (Liverpool) were kept relatively in check. This Colombian team has a lot of talent and they keep winning, but the pressure is increasing. Still, you’d expect them to break through the Costa Rican defense better than Brazil, and Costa Rica hasn’t found the right mix of players to lead. the attack as they currently look to renew their side. The Colombian fans also ensure a home advantage in every match that Colombia plays, creating a sea of ​​yellow in the stands of the Copa America. Prediction: Colombia 2 Costa Rica 0

Paraguay vs. Brazil (Friday in Las Vegas)

Steen: While injured Brazilian legend Neymar Jr. watched in frustration, Brazil were humiliated in Southern California, where they were held scoreless against Costa Rica, limited in shots on target despite controlled possession. This Brazilian team, despite the depth of their domestic league and the country’s contributions to the rosters of almost every major league in Europe, Asia and South America, lacks chemistry, has no clearly identified striker to start, and it has also not. It looks like the right team has been brought to the Copa America. Criticism of Brazil will increase if the country fails to get three points against Paraguay, which is respectable and improving but not elite in the CONMEBOL region.

Brazil may be in a similar situation to England, a team that has been heavily criticized by fans, media and pundits at Euro 2024. This team is expensive and will defend well, but Vini Jr. from Real Madrid is a passenger and 17 years old. The old Endrick will be looked to to score match-winning goals late in the game.

Paraguay has a spark, 20-year-old Julio Enciso from Brighton, while Miguel Almiron from Newcastle failed to shoot against Colombia, Ramon Sosa from Talleres in Argentina was a super sub for Paraguay. This is a side that is improving and they need to take something from this match to have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages in shocking fashion. With Brazil playing such poor football, a shock isn’t that shocking. Prediction: 1-1 To draw

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