Opening the matches in group B, Ecuador will host Venezuela with the goal of winning to gain an advantage for the next round. According to predictions from betting guide experts, this will be a match where the underdog team Ecuador will secure a win, but the game will not be easy against Venezuela’s unknown factor.
First half odds for the match between Ecuador vs Venezuela
Facing a weaker team like Venezuela in the opening match, Ecuador will certainly be determined to win to secure a top spot in the group stage alongside Mexico. This is considered an achievable goal for Felix Sanchez’s team, as they are evaluated to be superior in terms of experience, personnel, and tactics. Ecuador’s recent form has been quite impressive, with 3 wins in their last 5 matches, including 2 consecutive wins just before the Copa America. Surely, La Tricolour will want to continue this impressive streak after the opening match of the continental tournament, as they have a great chance against Venezuela. Not only being rated lower, Venezuela is also experiencing some instability before the start of the tournament. The team has not tasted victory in their last 5 matches, with 2 losses and 3 draws. Venezuela’s main issue lies in their weak attack, with only 3 goals scored in 5 matches.
Perhaps the most realistic goal that HLV Fernando Batista’s team can set is to secure at least 1 point against Ecuador, by actively defending and potentially holding off Ecuador’s not-so-strong forward line including Enner Valencia and teammates. Especially in the opening match, the teams may not be fully synchronized and may carry some cautiousness. The match between Ecuador and Venezuela is likely to be closely contested. Venezuela will likely defensively retreat and play in a familiar style under Fernando Batista. Against such a defensive wall, Ecuador’s attack, with a relatively unimpressive ability to capitalize on opportunities, will struggle to score. Therefore, in addition to the under goal bet, fans can also consider betting on Ecuador’s corner kick handicap, as the team has a relatively good ability to earn corners through their characteristic wing play. It is expected that Venezuela’s deep defense will face quite a few set-piece situations from the yellow-shirted team. Prediction: Under first half goals, Ecuador corner kick handicap first half
Full match odds for the clash between Ecuador vs Venezuela
Compared to the first 45 minutes, the second half of the match is expected to maintain a similar pace and style of play, with Ecuador attacking from the flanks while Venezuelan players ensure a disciplined and stable defensive block. In this situation, there may need to be an extraordinary moment to help La Tricolour resolve the match.
The bookmakers are currently offering an over/under bet of 2/2.5 goals for the full match between Ecuador and Venezuela, however, do not rush to place your trust in the under bet just because of this relatively low number.The characteristics of South American football, especially in the first matches, always unfold quite slowly and with few goals, or in simpler terms, “lullabies”. The closely contested match between the two teams on June 23 is no exception. Ecuador is also highly rated, with a handicap of 0.5/1 goals against Venezuela for the entire match. However, the advice from experts to the audience is to avoid betting on the handicap in the first matches; this will be the time to observe the playing style and stability of the teams.
Some alternative betting options include the over/under yellow cards bet, given the tough playing style typical of South American football. In addition, the over/under corner kicks bet will continue to be active in the second half as Ecuador maintains pressure towards Venezuela’s goal.
Prediction: Under full-time goals, Over full-time yellow cards, Ecuador to win the full-time corner kicks.
Read more articles on Copa America 2024 betting tips from football betting experts:
– Betting tips for the match between Peru vs Chile on the morning of June 22: Will Peru create another surprise?
– Betting tips for the match between Mexico vs Jamaica at 08:00 on June 23: A favorable start to the campaign