Uruguay is the third favorite to win the 2024 Copa America. It’s because legendary coach Marcelo Bielsa is bringing Uruguay’s best players with him to the United States.
But are these guys really that good? We’ll get a glimpse of their talent in their first game of the tournament – Uruguay vs. Panama – in which they’re expected to get the job done easily.
Before Betting on Uruguay vs. Panama
It’s been a while since Uruguay won an international tournament. In fact, the 2011 Copa America is the last time they won a major title. Only one player from the title-winning squad is still on the squad – Luis Suarez.
He’s this team’s oldest and most experienced player. In fact, he’s the only player on the roster who was born in the 1980s. Most others are much younger than him. Will their lack of experience have an impact on their performance at the 2024 Copa America?
Not necessarily, mainly because they’re coached by one of the greatest minds in soccer, Marcelo Bielsa. The 68-year-old is widely considered one of the best tacticians in the world. Even Pep Guardiola cites him as his coaching idol.
Bielsa is famous for taking every game seriously, so you can be certain that he’s going to prepare an elaborate strategy for the game with Panama. But even if that wasn’t the case, Uruguay would still be seen as a huge favorite against this team.
The reason is that Panama just doesn’t have too much talent in the team. Their captain and arguably best player is Anibal Godoy, who’s playing for Nashville SC in the MLS.
Uruguay vs. Panama Offshore Odds & Pick
According to Transfermarkt, the total value of the Uruguay squad for the 2024 Copa America is roughly half a billion dollars. Panama’s squad value is 20 times less. This fact itself shows why Uruguay is the betting favorite with the odds of -340. That’s why anything but a convincing win for Bielsa’s men would be a huge surprise.
Pick: Uruguay & Over 2.5 Goals
