Copa 2024 Semifinal: Uruguay vs. Colombia, Prediction, Best Bet

Uruguay and Colombia are facing off in the Copa America semifinals in a battle of the two best teams in the tournament. Uruguay topped their group, winning all their games, but they played a much less expansive game in the quarterfinals. Against Brazil, Marcelo Bielsa’s squad played a physical game. It was a foul-heavy tactical setup designed to muck up the game. It prevented Brasil from ever getting off the ground. It will be interesting to see if Bielsa will again turn to the dark arts against a team that may be better equipped to deal with it. 

Speaking of, Colombia made short work of their quarterfinal opponents. They beat Panama 5-0 and cruised to the semifinal. Los Cafeteros have made the semifinals in three of the last four Copa Americas. Colombia also has a 27-match unbeaten streak. In their previous 12 matches, they have 11 victories. James Rodriguez has turned back the clock and has Colombians feeling like it’s 2014 again. He leads the Copa America in assists and scored his first goal against Panama. His crosses and passes have made Colombia a constant threat. 

History favors La Celeste. They have won this competition 15 times, which ties them with the most alongside Argentina. They have not been at this stage in the Copa America since 2011, when they won that 15th trophy. Uruguay is tied for the second most goals in the competition, with nine, which all came in the group stage. They have only conceded once. Darwin Nunez has two goals in the competition and has a good goal record for his country, scoring 13 total goals in 27 matches. 

Colombia has only won this competition once in its history, in 2001. The last time they played Uruguay in the knockout stages of this competition was three years ago when they beat them on penalties. Los Cafeteros are not the stoutest team defensively, but they have the most firepower remaining in the tournament. Forwards Jhon Cordoba and Luis Diaz each have two goals in the competition, and Rodriguez has scored three times in five meetings against Uruguay.

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Copa America Colombia vs. Uruguay Best Bet

Rodriguez has been on fire. He is so central to everything that Colombia does well. Be it a free kick or just exploiting the space the opposition gives him. His crosses and pinpoint passing have unlocked the best from his teammates. Add to that his ability to convert from the spot as he did against Panama, and a good scoring record against Uruguay. It is a no brainer to back him to put a stamp on this match.

Best Bet: James Rodriguez to Score or Assist (+170)

Copa America Colombia vs. Uruguay Best Prop Bet

Despite Uruguay only conceding one goal thus far, it is also fair to say that they have not faced a team as attacking as Colombia. Colombia has scored 11 goals in the tournament, which has been a headache for opponents. Uruguay will also be short-handed defensively. Ronald Araujo will be out with an injury he picked up against Brazil. Nahitan Nandez will also miss the match as he picked up a red card. The last time these teams played, they drew 2-2. With Uruguay also scoring nine this tournament, goals should abound in this game.

Best Prop: Over 3.5 Goals (+420)

Copa America Colombia vs. Uruguay Best Anytime Goal Bet

Luis Diaz is one of Colombia’s leading goal scorers. He scored six times in nine matches for his national team at the Copa America. Lining up on the left up front for Colombia, he will benefit from not facing off against Araujo. Diaz will do his best to cause chaos and will surely benefit from the service he will receive from James Rodriguez. 

Anytime Goal Scorer: Luis Diaz (+330)

Copa America Colombia vs. Uruguay Prediction

It is an extremely close match. It’s tough to call it one way or another, which is why neither team is a true favorite. Bielsa’s style of play can be fun and effective, but it can be played down in the trenches. However, I cannot look past Colombia. Their unbeaten stretch has been incredible and made a believer out of me. They are the most in-form team in the tournament and have the best player in the competition. Uruguay is a great team, but it won’t be enough to get them over the line. Los Cafeteros will book a date in Florida.

Uruguay 1 – Colombia  2

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