Chile vs Panama Betting Tips & Predictions

Chile are on course to continue defending their Copa America title after their last gasp win against a Bolivia side they should have been beating comfortably. The favourites didn’t threaten enough in the first half considering the quality of their opposition, with the only real chance being an Alexis Sanchez effort that was cleared off the line. The half time team talk obviously did the trick though as Arturo Vidal rifled in the opener in the first minute of the second half. But Bolivia fought back and levelled after substitute Jhasmani Campos was scored a stunning free kick after being brought down. Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe produced some excellent saves to keep them level, but eight minutes into stoppage time an Alexis Sanchez shot struck the arm of a Bolivia defender, with Vidal stepping up to dispatch the resulting penalty.

This puts Chile in prime position to qualify from their Copa America group, but they are unlikely to finish top. Argentina have six points and a +6 goal difference, whilst Chile have three and an even goal difference, meaning that Argentina would need to lose against Bolivia and Chile would need a win and to make up six goals in goal difference to top their group.

Panama sit just below Copa America holders Chile on goal difference, but for them to qualify they need a win against a side with much better credentials than them.

Panama opened their campaign with a 2-1 win against Bolivia thanks to a late winner from Blas Perez, who will miss the Chile game through suspension. Things didn’t go so well against Copa America favourites Argentina though. It took just seven minutes for Nicolas Otamendi to put Argentina in the lead, and a flurry of early bookings and a first half sending off have left the Panama squad depleted through suspension for the final group game. It wasn’t until partway through the second half that things really got going though, with Lionel Messi coming off the bench and netting within seven minutes. He went on to complete his hat trick in the next 20 minutes before Sergio Aguero rounded the victory off with a late 5th.

This was generally a very poor display from a Panama side who barely registered a threat on the Argentina goal. Of course, they weren’t expected to get anything from the match, but the extent of the defeat will be disappointing, as will the four suspended players they will be without for a crucial final game of the groups.

Blas Perez will be the biggest miss for Panama. He netted twice against Bolivia as Panama got on the scoresheet for the only the second time in their last seven matches. They failed to score against Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Haiti, and Nicaragua during this period, and without their star striker it will be even more difficult for them to find the net.

Perez will likely be replaced by Luis Tejada, a 35 year old striker who is the top scorer in Panama’s squad, but I think he’ll struggle against the Chile defence. Chile will be intent on not losing this game and will try to maintain a tight ship at the back, and in all honesty they were unlucky to conceded against Bolivia. With Panama being so toothless going forward and without four key players in their squad I think odds of 1/1 for a Chile Clean Sheet are excellent value. I’m backing a 3-0 Chile Win at 8/1 as well.