Copa America: Argentina to get it right this time against Paraguay

Argentina v Paraguay
Wednesday, 00:30
Live on Betfair Live Video

"They wrote us off as dead," said Paraguay coach Ramón Díaz.

And he is right. This Paraguayan side was supposed to struggle with their best players ageing and a manager that was a downgrade of those who have taken them to recent tournaments.

But draws against Argentina and Uruguay as well as a win against whipping boys Jamaica was enough to nab them second in group B and they're looking at a second successive Copa America final.

In their way is the small matter of World Cup finalists Argentina, who despite results have still been the best side in the competition.

Their best performance probably came in the win over Uruguay, and they'll feel very fortunate to have edged past Colombia on penalties. But there is little doubt that if they play to their potential they will blow away anyone they come up against, even the hosts, Chile, who await them in the final.

The obvious way to look at this semi-final clash is to revisit their meeting in the group stage a fortnight ago. Argentina outplayed their neighbours and should have been four or five goals ahead, rather than the 2-0 they were. Then the Paraguayans nicked a goal back and then produced a late equaliser to stun the then-tournament favourites.

For the Albirroja to claw their way back was a freak result and on most other days it would have been a hammering for them. Argentina are managed by their former coach Gerardo Martinowho knows them inside out; and while he doesn't want to humiliate them he has said he wants to set right a result that never should have happened in the group stage.

This time they should come through with breathing room.

Recommended Bet

Back Argentina -1 on Asian Handicap @ 1.86