Uruguay v Panama

Uruguay vs Panama Preview

Behind the usual favourites Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay look to be the ‘best of the rest' and indeed dark horses to lift this year's Copa America trophy as Marcelo Bielsa's side bring some impressive results into this Group C opening game against Panama, not least as they recently recorded a 4-0 romp over Mexico in their final warm-up game before this tournament, while Panama head into this upcoming tough encounter in high spirits having registered early back-to-back wins in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Uruguay have produced a promising start to their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign under coach, Marcelo Bielsa, as La Celeste currently occupy second place in the South American section and just two points behind the group leaders, Argentina, a third of the way into the qualifying phase.

Wins against Chile, Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia have not only outweighed their single defeat that came in the form of a 2-1 loss away from home at Ecuador, but these victories also suggest Uruguay have closed the gap on the top two nations in the continent, namely Argentina and Brazil.

The bigger picture shows La Celeste have lost just twice in their last 15 internationals in all competitions which includes collecting nine wins along with keeping seven clean sheets within this period as well.

Panama also have cause to be upbeat about their chances in this upcoming Copa America tournament as Los Canaleros finished runners-up in the Gold Cup after losing to Mexico in the final as well as a semi-final loss to the same opponents in the Nations League, so they will be relieved to have avoided Mexico in the group stage at least!

Panama did defeat fellow CONCACAF nation USA in the semi-finals of the Gold Cup on penalties so Thomas Christiansen's side will not be fazed by the States but nevertheless a tough opening fixture against an in-form Uruguay outfit awaits them at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Los Canaleros have been handed just four defeats within their previous 18 internationals in all competitions but although they have picked up 12 wins, including back-to-back World Cup qualifier wins against Guyana and Montserrat respectively, recent defeats at the hands of Mexico, Jamaica and Paraguay do not bode well for this opening encounter in Group C.

In addition, Panama possess very limited experience in the Copa America having made just one appearance which was some eight years ago where they beat Bolivia 2-1 but then slipped to losses at the hands of Argentina and Chile in 5-0 and 4-2 defeats.

Uruguay v Panama Verdict

There have been only three previous meetings between Uruguay and Panama but the Uruguayans have held the upper hand, winning all three encounters in 5-0, 3-0 and 1-0 wins respectively.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS No @ 1.61

Other side bets worth considering:

Uruguay win & BTTS No @ 2.00

Correct Score: Uruguay 2-0 @ 6.00