Brazil Hosts Peru In Copa America Final

Brazil is back in the Copa America Finals and to hear the international ‘futbol’ media talk about it all is now right in the world. Well, not really. If anything, the Copa America has demonstrated how completely the world soccer balance of power has shifted to Europe. The entire field that comprised the Copa America competition was characterized by erratic performances and a generally mediocre level of play. It was a tournament that it seemed no one wanted to win as the top tier talented but underachieving teams bumbled through the group stages and knockout rounds struggling against each other and even versus the overmatched also-rans of the tournament.

In between they whined about each other, their managers, the fans, media, officiating and particularly the video replay system aka the ‘Video Assisted Review’ that seemed to be employed arbitrarily thus missing the point of having such a system. The way it’s *supposed* to work is the way it is used in the NHL. The way it’s not supposed to work is the way it was used at the Copa America where it appeared that referees decided on a whim when to use it and when to ignore it. Overall, the tournament was extremely disappointing. It almost defies logic that so many teams full of talented players could play such bad soccer. Even a mid level European team would have completely bludgeoned this field.

Thankfully, we’ve reached the finals. It was inevitable that Brazil would find their way in no matter what though their opponent here–Peru–is something of a surprise. To their credit, Brazil has yet to concede a goal during the Copa America. It’s not clear how they’ve been able to do this since their defense hasn’t looked especially impressive throughout the competition. The media wanted to draw and quarter Brazil head coach Tite following a 0-0 group stage tie with Venezuela but has since anointed him as a soccer coaching prodigy characterized by his ‘cool confidence’.

Peru posted a solid victory in the semifinals, routing defending champion Chile 3-0. In the buildup to the Copa America and throughout the tournament the media insisted that Chile was over the hill and against Peru they finally looked the part. It’s hard to get too excited about Chile’s chances, however, since they lost to Brazil 5-0 in the final game of group play. The soccer betting odds have Brazil installed as an overwhelming favorite but it’s hard to make a value case for Peru here. Brazil is the play.

BET BRAZIL -1 1/2 -106 OVER PERU
BET BRAZIL TO KEEP CLEAN SHEET -165

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