THERE have been plenty of surprises at this year’s tournament but Venezuela performing well hasn’t been one of them.
Japan held Uruguay and Qatar drew with Paraguay but last week I pointed out how much the Venezuelans had improved and tipped them not to lose to Peru.
Sure they were lucky to claim a point as they ended with 10 men after VAR ruled out two opposition goals for offside.
But they followed up by holding Brazil to a 0-0 draw although VAR again came to their rescue as 12th man.
So it’s gone to the wire in Group A and if Venezuela beat pointless Bolivia and Brazil see off Peru it will be those two who qualify.
It’s clear the Venezuelans have lacked a goal threat but they’ve lost only two in 11 and should take care off a Bolivian side who have conceded three in both losses and who we know suffer nosebleeds when they travel down from La Paz.
Venezuela are 8-15 at Betfred to pick up the points but best bet could be for them to win to nil at 7-5 with Ladbrokes and BetVictor.
For a first scorer consider Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon at 7-2 with bet365.
Hosts Brazil were booed off after being held by the Venezuelans and need a good show against Peru to get the fans back on side.
They remain favourites to win the tournament but it’s clear they’re just not the same side without Neymar.
That’s despite boasting a star-studded squad including players such as Phillipe Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison and Roberto Firmino.
Neymar’s capable of a touch of genius to break down a stubborn defence and that’s what Brazil are missing.
Even against Bolivia it was 0-0 at half-time and needed a Coutinho wonder goal to break the deadlock.
Brazil are 4-11 at BetVictor to win and it looks a little short on the evidence of what’s gone before with Peru yet to concede.
A 0-0 draw at half-time at 9-4 with bet365 could pay off as could draw/Brazil half-time/full-time at 31-10 Marathonbet.
Man City star Jesus is 16-5 favourite at Paddy Power to score first but I’d prefer to go with Barcelona’s Coutinho who doubled up against Bolivia. He is 11-2 at bet365.
Peru are a massive 10-1 at William Hill to cause a shock and top Group A while the draw pays 4-1 with McBookie.
If Brazil are struggling it’s even worse for Argentina and they have their star man with them in Brazil.
They were gubbed 2-0 by Colombia in their opener and it took a Lionel Messi penalty to salvage a draw against Paraguay.
Still Argentina will make the last eight if they beat guests Qatar and if they don’t the roof will cave in on boss Lionel Scaloni.
Qatar are no mugs though and definitely a football nation on the up. They came back from 2-0 down to draw with Paraguay in their opener then lost 1-0 to a late Colombia strike.
Argentina are extremely short at 2-7 with bet365 and while they are so inconsistent the Qataris could suffer at the hands of Messi if he’s in the mood.
Back him to score first at 11-5 with Betway while he is 13-20 to net at any time. Every chance of a penalty here and that pays 13-5 at Paddy Power.
Recommended Bets
- Venezuela to win to nil (8pm)
- Brazil v Peru HT draw 0-0 (8pm)
- Messi to score first (8pm, Sunday)
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