Copa America: Colombia vs Panama Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Panama have impressed in the tournament so far, but we expect their journey to come to an end against a superior and in-form Colombia side. As they have shown in all of their games so far, Panama will provide a tough test, and as a result, we back them to keep it close, with one goal likely enough to win the game.

Colombia have been playing well, topping a group containing Brazil, and have lots of talent in attack. Liverpool’s Luis Diaz has scored just once so far from the penalty spot, but he will be confident in causing issues to the Panama defence. As one of the main attackers in the lineup, we expect Diaz to be heavily involved, recording either a goal or assist – Colombia 1-0 Panama

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Colombia take on Panama in the quarter-finals of Copa America with a place in the last four on the line in what should be an intriguing matchup.

Date: 06/07/24

Kick-off time: 23:00

Venue: University of Phoenix Stadium

After accumulating seven points from three games, Colombia advanced to the quarter-finals of Copa America as group winners. They were drawn in the same group as one of the tournament favourites in Brazil, but they continued their great form heading into the competition to finish ahead of the South American giants. They started their campaign with a 2-1 win over Paraguay, before a more comfortable 3-0 result against Costa Rica. They made sure they finished above Brazil with a 1-1 draw in the final group game.

As a result, they will be facing Panama who finished second in their group. It came as a surprise to many, especially since it came at the expense of tournament hosts USA. Panama lost their group opener to Uruguay, but recovered excellently to provide the shock of the competition so far by beating the United States 2-1. Their second place finish was confirmed after they beat Bolivia 3-1, and USA failed to win against Uruguay.

Whilst they have already faced difficult opponents in Uruguay and USA, Panama will take on another tricky test in Colombia. The Colombians have been very potent in front of goal as of late, scoring 11 in three prior to the tournament, and six in the group stages. They should cause the Panama defence, who have not kept a clean sheet in five, plenty of issues.

They have lots of experience in attack, with Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and ex-Real Madrid man James Rodriguez playing important roles. However, with two goals, it is Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Munoz who has been a big threat. The defender scored the opening goal against Paraguay and the equaliser against Brazil. He and his fellow defenders have been strong at the back too, conceding just twice so far. Though two clean sheets in six may suggest an opportunity for Panama to get on the board. Jose Fajardo has netted twice so far.

This is just the second time Panama have competed in Copa America, and the first occasion in which they have made it past the group stage. In contrast, Colombia are competing in their 21st tournament, but have only won it once before in 2001. This is the sixth time in a row they have made the quarter-final stage.

These two teams have met 14 times in the past, with Colombia the dominant team with 10 wins to Panama’s four. Meetings have been rare in recent years, with them facing just once since 2007. This came in an international friendly in 2019 which finished 3-0 in Colombia’s favour. William Tesillo, Luis Muriel and Radamel Falcao were the goalscorers.

Colombia vs Panama will be available to watch on Premier Sports 1.

Colombia

Jefferson Lerma will miss this game through suspension after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Brazil. Colombia should have a full squad to choose from otherwise.

Panama

Adalberto Carrasquilla should be available after serving a suspension in the last game for a red card picked up in the game against USA. Jose Rodriguez has missed the last two games with injury, therefore his availability is in question for this one.

Colombia

In their last five games, Colombia have won four and drawn one. It has been a dominant stretch for the Colombians, resulting in a top place group finish and a place in the quarter-final of Copa America. They ensured top spot by drawing 1-1 with Brazil. Raphinha gave their opponents the lead, but Daniel Munoz equalised on the stroke of half-time to share the points.

This followed two consecutive wins to open up the tournament, first against Paraguay, 2-1. Munoz and Jefferson Lerma put them two up before the break, before Julio Enciso halved the deficit. However, Paraguay were unable to complete a comeback. They then had a much more comfortable 3-0 victory over Costa Rica, in which Luis Diaz, Davinson Sanchez and Jhon Cordoba were all on the scoresheet.

Preparations for the competition ended with two big wins against USA and Bolivia. They emphatically beat USA 5-1, with three goals coming late on, before putting three past Bolivia. Jhon Arias, Cordoba and Diaz were the scorers.

Panama

In their last five games, Panama have won three and lost two. Heading into the tournament, Panama were in mixed form, and began their Copa America journey with a 3-1 loss against Uruguay. It was a tough test for the side in which they fell behind to a Maximiliano Araujo opener after 16 minutes. Despite their dominance, Uruguay did not extend their lead until the 85th minute when Darwin Nunez scored. They added a third before Michael Amir Murillo pulled one back deep into stoppage time.

Another difficult opponent followed in tournament hosts USA. However, they pulled off a shock victory, winning 2-1. USA went down to 10 men after Timothy Weah was sent off for violent conduct, but Folarin Balogun scored minutes later to put them ahead. Panama were not behind for long though as Cesar Blackman equalised before Jose Fajardo scored the winning goal late on. They ensured their place in the next round with a 3-1 win against Bolivia. They were pegged back after scoring the opener, but two late goals from Eduardo Guerrero and Cesar Yanis secured the three points.

They came into the competition on the back of a 1-0 loss to Paraguay. There was not much to split the pair, but Gustavo Velazquez’s 25th minute goal proved to be the difference. This followed a win in World Cup qualifying. They faced Montserrat, beating them 3-1. They took the lead through Jovani Welch, but were pegged back just after the restart. Fajardo restored their lead before Rodriguez put the game to bed.

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