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Carrie Stroup here with your Argentina vs. Paraguay betting odds for this Copa América matchup.
ARGENTINA vs. PARAGUAY
Semifinals
Sportsbook.ag Line: Argentina -263, Paraguay +800, Tie +350, Total: 2.5
Argentina and Paraguay will compete for a spot in the finals when they meet on Tuesday.
Argentina will look to atone for its disappointing result in Group B’s opening fixture against Paraguay, when the favorites wasted a 2-0 lead only to draw 2-2. Now in the semifinals, Argentina knows not to underestimate Paraguay, a country that has proven to be capable of competing with its bigger neighbors in the Copa América.
Lionel Messi converted a penalty in these two rivals’ first match, but has yet to score since, and will look to change that in the semifinals. Sergio Agüero, who was subbed off in the 73rd minute of Argentina’s shootout victory over Colombia in the semifinals, also scored against Paraguay earlier in the tournament and will be a threat to do so again. Both he and Messi are playing on yellow cards, and one more for either would mean suspension in the final if Argentina is to qualify, so the two will need to be cautious. Knowing this, Ángel Di María could provide the aggression, as could Carlos Tevez or Gonzalo Higuaín, at least one of whom is likely to come on as a substitute.
Paraguay, fresh off of an upset shootout victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals, will be full of confidence ahead of its second consecutive appearance in the Copa América semifinals. Its defense was able to keep a talented Brazilian frontline relatively quiet, but a second-string Brazilian attack pales in comparison to Messi, Agüero, and Di María. Argentina manager Gerardo Martino and his players will approach this game with a must-win mentality, and after seeing Paraguay erase a 2-0 leader earlier in the tournament, will keep the pressure on throughout the game.
For this reason, expect over 2.5 goals to be scored, with Argentina quite possibly reaching three goals on its own. And while Paraguay has impressed throughout this edition of the Copa América, its run will likely come to an end at the semifinal stage against a superior opponent by a score of 3-0.
- Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
