Copa America 2024 outright winner & top scorer predictions
The 48th edition of the Copa America will begin on June 20th, with the final scheduled for July 14th – the same date as Euro 2024’s conclusion.
The United States will host the tournament, with an expanded edition meaning 16 teams – made up of sides from both North and South America – will battle it out for glory over the coming weeks. Before it kicks off, Jamie Griffith from the Racing Post has given us 7/5, 9/4 and 20/1 outright tips for the tournament.
Copa America Outright Predictions
Brazil to win outright at 9/4 with bet365
Argentina are the reigning champions after beating their bitter rivals Brazil in Rio de Janeiro three years ago, just 18 months before their triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign.
That success saw La Albiceleste go level with Uruguay on 15 at the top of the all-time Copa America wins chart. Given their subsequent triumph in Qatar, it is no surprise to see Lionel Scaloni’s men head the outright market ahead of this tournament.
Lionel Messi may be approaching 37 years of age, but he is still one of the best players in the world and he is joined by elite talents such as Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister.
However, while the core of Argentina’s 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup winning sides remain, replicating Spain’s feat from 2008-2012 of sandwiching global glory between consecutive continental successes may prove beyond Scaloni’s side – with their rivals set to enact revenge.
Barring Martinez and Mac Allister, very few of Argentina’s players are coming off the back of successful seasons, something that could certainly not be said of Brazil’s key men.
Vinicius Junior enjoyed a stellar season with Real Madrid and capped that off with a goal in the Champions League final, highlighting his proficiency for starring on the biggest stage. While Neymar will miss the tournament through injury, Vinicius has proven capable of leading this star-studded Brazilian side.
His Real Madrid teammate Rodrygo also enjoyed a prolific season, while there is plenty of creativity in midfield from Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta.
Further back, Brazil have the best defence at the tournament, on paper at least, with Marquinhos and Gabriel protecting arguably the world’s best goalkeeper Alisson – something which could prove pivotal given the last Copa America was the lowest scoring to date, with just 2.04 goals per game.
Endrick to finish as top scorer at 20/1 with bet365
But perhaps most crucial is the fact that the Selecao may have finally filled their Ronaldo-shaped void up front thanks to the emergence of Real Madrid-bound wonderkid Endrick.
The 17-year-old superstar has netted three goals in his first five Brazil caps, striking against both England and Spain, and his scoring prowess could be the key in the States.
Martinez and Alvarez have regularly struggled to convert chances for Argentina, while the same story has been true for Brazil over the years with a myriad of strikers from Fred to Richarlison never really looking the part up top.
Endrick could be the difference maker for the Selecao, potentially leading them to a first title since 2019 and landing the Golden Boot in the process.
Ecuador – Quarter-final exit at 7/5 with bet365
Outside of the traditional powerhouses, Ecuador are set to continue their rise with an impressive generation of talent emerging.
Led by former West Ham forward Enner Valencia, who is supported by exciting youngsters such as Kendry Paez and midfield general Moises Caicedo, the Tricolors should have enough to get out of the group, although the quarter-finals could be the end of their journey.
Second place would likely see them meet Argentina in the quarters, while top spot would set up a probable clash with Chile. Ecuador would be underdogs in both of those clashes and a quarter-final exit for the Tricolors seems a worthy investment.
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