Two of the world’s premier football countries clash in the final quarterfinal football match of the Copa America tournament.
Uruguay, fresh off its elimination of the United States Men’s National Team, now has a date with a dangerous Brazilian national team.
Bet365 Sportsbook oddsmakers have the Brazilians as favorites to advance to the semifinals by the thinnest of margins Saturday night, coming in at -125 odds.
Uruguay comes in at +100 odds to advance, thanks to the absence of Brazil’s best player.
Striker Vinicius Júnior’s absence Saturday night due to yellow card accumulation puts Brazil in a tough position as it strives to advance against a formidable opponent in a highly competitive match.
Remember, Brazil is already down Neymar, so their offense may really struggle.
Brazil will need to overcome a lot in this match, and it’s at least a little surprising that they’re still installed as favorites while missing two of their best players.
Uruguay has put nine shots in the back of the net so far in the Copa America tournament, only allowing one.
They play a hard-nosed defensive style that clearly frustrated Team USA and could do the same to a short-handed Brazilian team.
Brazil already had questions coming in about their offensive ineptitude sans-Neymar, posting two draws and only showing strong offensive prowess against Paraguay.
You’re looking at potentially very challenging offensive stretches from Brazil, especially if they get behind early.
Uruguay scoring first is the key, but their defense-first mentality, combined with Brazil missing their best strikers, is enough to give me pause.
Uruguay springs the upset on Saturday night.
PICK: Uruguay advances (+100, Bet365)