Betfacts / Editor / 03 July 2007 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

Mexico v Chile, Wednesday 23.35

Mexico have already secured their quarter-final place with two wins from two, while Chile, with three points so far, also hold hopes of progressing. The top two teams from each of the three groups are joined by the best two third placed teams, so Chile will be keeping a close eye on Group B's final match, played later between Brazil, who also have three points, and Ecuador, who are virtually already eliminated.

Hugo Sánchez's outfit have been impressive so far. They upset Brazil 2-0 in their opener before overcoming Ecuador 2-1, although they only need to think back to the last tournament in 2004 for a reminder to guard against complacency.

A convincing unbeaten group campaign included a win over Argentina, but they slipped to a 4-0 quarter final defeat to eventual winners Brazil. That was just the second time in six Copa América appearances that Mexico did not reach the last four.

They are the only team beyond Argentina and Brazil to be given serious consideration by punters, trading at 8.36 to go one better than their runner-up performances in 1993 and 2001. They can be backed at 3.65 to reach the final.

Chile were on the receiving end of a Brazilian backlash after Mexico's unexpected victory. A Robinho hat-trick consigned Nelson Acosta's men to a 3-0 defeat on Sunday, leaving them as 4.2 outsiders to finish in the top two.

Punters might want to look closely at the draw. A share of the spoils would guarantee Mexico top spot and Chile a quarter-final place as one of the best two third placed teams (both Colombia and United States are pointless after two games apiece). Only one match of the 12 played so far has ended all square and the draw in this one is available at 3.2.

The last meeting between the two, in a friendly in February 2004, ended 1-1, although Mexico have won the last three Copa América clashes, in 1999 and 2001. They trade at 2.78 to complete a hat-trick of Group B wins, with Chile available at 2.98.

Chile have not enjoyed their recent Copa América campaigns. Since finishing as runners-up in 1987 they have fallen in the first round five times, reaching two semi-finals and one quarter-final. Ranked 53rd in the world, they trade at 12 to reach the final and at 85 to lift the trophy for the first time.

Boss Nelson Acosta has injury concerns over Rodrigo Meléndez and Miguel Riffo, who were forced off against Brazil, while Mexico, with a last eight berth secure, might choose to shuffle their pack. Omar Bravo, a scorer against Ecuador as a substitute, could earn a starting place.

Brazil v Ecuador, Thursday 1.50

The final Group B should see Brazil secure their place in the quarter-finals. Like Chile they can guarantee progress with a point, and should Mexico slip-up earlier, can snatch top spot on goal difference with a win. Ecuador, pointless so far, need a win and results elsewhere to go their way.

Dunga might have taken an inexperienced squad, with only six players surviving from last year's World Cup, but they remain well-fancied, even in the absence of the rested Kaká and Ronaldinho. They have won three of the last four tournaments and trade at 3.6 to win their eighth overall.

Ecuador have not traditionally fared well in the Copa América, winning 14 of their 105 matches played before the start of this tournament. They lost all three matches in Peru last time around, conceding 10 goals and Brazil can be backed at 1.33 to inflict another full set of group stage defeats.

Luis Suárez's men have enjoyed recent success over Brazil, winning qualifying clashes on their way to reaching the 2002 and 2006 World Cup finals. Brazil won their last meeting, in a friendly last October. They have not met in the Copa América since Brazil won a group meeting 1-0 in 1995. An Ecuador win trades at 12.5 with 5.6 the draw.

Ecuador led twice before succumbing to two late goals in their opening 3-2 defeat against Chile and leaked a further two goals against Mexico. They have kept one clean sheet in their last seven matches and will be tested by a Brazilian attack that found its range against Chile.
Robinho took advantage of his chance to shine in the absence of Kaká and Ronaldinho by hitting a hat-trick in that clash. They were his first international goals since the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign and those who expect the Real Madrid man to outscore the in-form Argentinian forward line (now without the injured Hernán Crespo) can back him at 2.86 to be the tournament's top goalscorer.

Brazil have continued the trend of taking a weakened squad to the Copa América, although most teams are, for once, giving it priority. The tournament usually takes place in the middle of a World Cup campaign, but with the road to South Africa starting in October, the coaches have been able to freely select first-choice players. Only Concacaf invitees United States have taken an experimental team, having recently beaten Mexico in their federation's Gold Cup.

Argentina seem particularly intent claiming the trophy, having not won it since 1993. Brazil beat their greatest rivals on penalties in the 2004 final and could be on course for a quarter-final meeting with them, should Dunga's men claim top spot in Group B and Argentina fail to beat current Group C leaders Paraguay. Brazil trade at 1.6 to reach the final.

Brazil have been hit by the news that striker Fred is out of the tournament after breaking a bone in his foot in training, while new Manchester United signing Anderson might return to the bench after disappointing in his full debut against Chile. Goalkeeper Doni should retain his place despite coming under fire after the Mexico defeat.