PARAGUAY v VENEZUELA
Football : Copa America 2011 : Semi-Final
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011 - Kickoff 9:45PM GMT

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PARAGUAY

Pretty stunning but this one should have been a one-sided match to look forward to with Brazil on their way to the finals. Argentina crashed out on penalties and instead of capitalising, Brazil went one better (or worse actually) and took a scoreless match into penalties and lost convincingly.

Amazingly, Paraguay are here, a game away from the finals. They have a great chance of getting there too, as their opponents have never gotten this far in the competition before. Paraguay have drawn all their games at the tournament so far and against Brazil were dominated throughout, not even managing a shot on goal the whole match. But, like the other underdogs who have found success, they weathered the storm and grabbed their chances when they came.

Paraguay have played some great football so far, despite the Brazil game. They held on defensively and Brazil cracked and were a mess by the time the game went to penalties. Paraguay will be aware of the threat of Venezuela as the underdog and combined with the difference in skill, I'd say Paraguay are rightly favourites.

VENEZUELA

Venezuela upset Chile to get to the semi-finals for the first time in their history. Chile have been playing brilliant football and their organisation and tactics have been spot on so far. That was until the quarter-finals, where they got hit by more than they were expecting.

Venezuela pounced early and led the game till the 70th minute, when Chile equalised. The heads didn't go down and to be honest Chile hardly looked like a team that had just gotten themselves back in it. The momentum was with Venezuela and they score with about 10 minutes to go and that was that.

Venezuela have come far enough, in my opinion. They sprung their surprise on Chile but Paraguay will be ready for them. Also, with Rincon sent off and hence suspended for this game, Venezuela will be missing a huge influence on the pitch and it will make a difference in the end.

BETTING VERDICT

I'm going with the favourites here. Paraguay to win in 90 minutes.

The Pick :

Paraguay

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Paraguay to win @ 2.00 (Bet365)