Peru v Venezuela – Copa America 19 June 2015

Peru will approach this match with concern after losing 2-1 to Brazil and playing so well. Moreover, they will have not expected Venezuela to upset Colombia with a 1-0 victory. For Peru, this should theoretically be their most winnable game of Group C.

Compared to Peru, the Venezuela squad is full of relative unknowns. For instance, few would be able to tell you that midfielder Juan Aranga has 125 caps, or that Salomón Rondón is the best-performing striker with 13 goals. The relative anonymity of this squad is what made their Colombia win so surprising.

Expectations

Peru did not do badly in holding just 41% of possession against a superior Brazil side. Another positive is that they created three shots on target compared to four for Brazil. They are capable of creating chances and have some good attacking options.

In attack, Paolo Guerrero is a former Bayern Munich striker and has scored 21 goals for his country. Currently with Schalke 04, Jefferson Farfán has contributed 17 while playing on the wings and occasionally up front. A 36-year-old Claudio Pizarro, also formerly of Bayern, has even made the trip to Chile.

Midfield could be an area of difficulty for Peru. Captain Carlos Lobatón is 35 years old and has accrued just 35 appearances in spite of his advancing age. Josepmir Ballón will have to do most of the running in central midfield of Peru’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

Venezuela succeeded in defeating Colombia because they were able to limit the chances given to their opponents. Faced with talents like James Rodríguez and Radamel Falcao, they only allowed two shots on target. A repeat display of that defensive solidarity could help them to earn a draw against Peru.

Match Tips

Tip one: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.53 with Betfair
Tip two: No for both teams to score @ 1.75 with Betfair

The general consensus is that this encounter will be short on goals, hence the relatively short odds of 1.53 for there to be under 2.5 goals. An alternative, though, is to back no for both teams to score at higher odds of 1.75 with Betfair.

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