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Group B of the Copa America will start with the meeting between Uruguay and Jamaica in Chile, a meeting highlighted by Cavani’s ignorance of calling Jamaica an African team – though he later apologized, which gives him bonus points.
Uruguay will have to do without Luis Suarez in this tournament, which obviously takes away a huge amount of their power – especially with Diego Forlan retired from the national team. However, the reigning champions had a good preparation for the competition, winning their two friendlies against Morocco (1-0) and Guatemala (5-1). They also finished last year on a roll with a 2-1 win over Chile, so it’s safe to say that Uruguay is looking pretty good right now.
Jamaica is one of the two Central American teams to be invited in the Copa America, joining Mexico after Japan and China declined the invitation. A great opportunity for the Carribbean side, but unfortunately for them, despite some good form and naturalizing a few players, they remain the worst team in the tournament. Jamaica won the last 5 matches (one via penalties), but the only real opponent was Venezuela and Jamaica was lucky to win that one 2-1 at home. No longer than 1 year ago Jamaica was losing 8-0 to France, drawing with Martinique or losing clearly with Canada – though not always the best players were available.
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The Reggae Boyz managed to “sign” a number of players from the English leagues in the last few years due to their family history, most notably Wes Morgan from Leicester and Adrian Mariappa from Crystal Palace. Jamaica has a decent professional squad, a decent defense and good speed on counterattacks, but watching them play you have to feel they don`t belong at this level. There`s a lot of naivety in the team and the more experienced players from the English leagues are yet to find the needed chemistry with their less experienced teammates.
Lineups:
Uruguay: Muslera – M Pereira, Godin, Gimenez, A Pereira – Rodriguez, Lodeiro, Arevelo, Sanchez – Cavani, Stuani (Rolan)
Jamaica: Miller – Taylor, Morgan, Mariappa, Lawrence – Watson, Barnes, Austin, McAnuff – Mattocks – Barnes
Even without Luis Suarez, Uruguay should own this game. There are a lot of options to replace the Barcelona man alongside Cavani, though obviously not at the same level (Stuani, Rolan, Abel Hernandez). The difference in quality is simply huge here and the fantastic players that Uruguay has in midfield and offense should be able to capitalize on Jamaica’s naivety, to take advantage of the defensive mistakes that the Raggae Boys will surely (be forced to) make.
Expect a determined performance from Jamaica and it will probably be enough to keep the score respectable, but Uruguay will likely win it with goals to spare. My tip is Uruguay to win and cover the 1,5 goal handicap. As a sidebet I can see Cavani scoring, he always relishes the chance to be the main option up front. Prediction: Uruguay – Jamaica 3-0.
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Pick: Uruguay -1,5
Odds: 1.95 @ Bet365
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 8.55
Event date: 13 June
