Argentina will have Lionel Messi on their roster Thursday as they continue their defense of the Copa America Title in the quarterfinal. Many bookies and fans look forward to the Argentina vs Ecuador Copa America quarterfinal. Here are our betting picks and predictions for the match.
Argentina’s dominance in Group A, where they won all three matches, is a testament to their strength. After beating Brazil, they tied Uruguay for the lead in 2021 with fifteen tournament championships. Despite Messi’s injury setback, the team’s performance remains strong. Ecuador, on the other hand, finished second in Group B after going winless. The Argentines have a history of success, winning the title three years ago after a 3-0 quarterfinal victory over Ecuador.
Argentina vs Ecuador Copa America Betting Odds
- Argentina -220
- Ecuador +750
- Draw +300
- Over/Under 2.5
- Point Spread -1.5
Copa America Betting Prediction and Analysis for 07/04/2024
According to bookie pay per head experts, Argentina dominated Group A play at the 2024 Copa América, scoring five goals (all in the second half) against one of the other three teams. With eight consecutive victories across all competitions, six shutouts, and a 17-2 scoring advantage, the defending champions have not conceded a single goal this tournament. Also, Argentina has not allowed a single goal in its eight-game winning streak before its lone setback during its 20-2-1 record.
After losing their tournament opener 2-1 to Venezuela, the Ecuadorians won 3-1 against Jamaica and fought to a scoreless draw against Mexico. While playing in the group stage, the team went scoreless in the first half, advancing to the quarterfinals for the third year. Even if Argentina has failed to score in the first half, that tendency will likely persist.
Ecuador’s goal-scoring history is worth noting. In an international friendly before this tournament, winger Jeremy Sarmiento scored for Ecuador in a 2-1 win against Honduras. He also scored the only goal for the squad against Venezuela. In the 13th minute of Ecuador’s second group stage match against Honduras, defender Piero Hincapie had a cross that rebounded off Jamaican defender Kasey Palmer’s shin and into the net, giving Ecuador the lead. Two goals in halftime minutes came from midfielder Kendry Paez, and a goal from winger Alan Minda put the game away in the 91st minute.
Argentina vs Ecuador Copa America Betting Pick
- Date: July 4, 2024
- Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA
Bet on Argentina at -220
In the 2021 Copa America, Messi was tied for the lead with four goals but was scoreless in the opening two matches. This tournament’s offensive leader, striker Lautaro Martinez, who scored three goals during Argentina’s title run, is now in top place with four goals. While striker Julian Alvarez got the ball rolling for the Canadians in the first match of the group stage, the 26-year-old Martinez has been the team’s lone scorer, scoring twice against Peru and capping off a 2-0 win against Chile.
According to our resident sports handicapper, Ecuador last beat Argentina in October 2015. Since then, they’ve failed to score in three of their six meetings against the Albiceleste and have been outscored 15-3.
