Argentina vs. Chile 6/14/21 Copa America 2021 Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Argentina and Chile are clashing at Estadio Nilton Santos in round 1 of Group A in the Copa America 2021. Argentina is undefeated in their last 12 games, but they have only 1 win in their last 4 games. Chile is on a 3-game undefeated streak, but they haven’t won any of their last 2 games.

Argentina is doing well in the World Cup qualifications, at least in the attacking end, but their offense is inconsistent and sloppy. With 12 points, Argentina is in second place in the World Cup qualifications. In their last two games, Argentina has 2 draws alongside 3 scored and 3 conceded goals. Against Colombia in their latest game, Argentina was solid with 53% of ball possession, 8 shots on goal, 4 corner kicks, 1 big chance created, and 86% of the correct passes. After leading 0-2 before the 10^th minute, Argentina was doing well, until the end of the second half when they conceded 2 goals, and this game has ended in a 2-2 draw. Argentina is a talented team with a lot of great players, and they will do everything to win this tournament, but Argentina first needs to improve their defense, and then they can expect a good result.

Chile is also a good team, but they don’t have so much depth, and they lost Sanchez for the entire group stage of this tournament. Chile was playing against Bolivia at home in their last game, and they were the dominant team with an impressive 77% of ball possession, 9 shots on goal, 13 corner kicks, 4 big chances created, and a solid 89% of the correct passes. Chile has created a ton of good chances in this game, but it took them a long while to score a goal. In the 69^th minute, Chile has finally gotten ahead, but Bolivia tied the score in the 82^nd minute. The final result was 1-1. With these two draws in the World Qualifications, Chile has remained close to the qualifying spot, but we are still far away from the decision time. Without Sanchez being available, Chile doesn’t have a lot of offensive options at the moment, and that is a huge blow for Chile because they are struggling with scoring goals as is. I think Chile will advance to the next stage, but I’m not sure how much further they can get.

These two teams have played last week in the World Cup qualifications, and that game has ended in a 1-1 draw. Argentina is the better team here, and they are in the better form overall, and without Sanchez, I don’t think Chile will create a lot of chances. I will side with Argentina.