Copa America Betting: Can Paraguay Stand up to Argentina?

The 2015 Copa America kicked off yesterday in Chile, and tonight sees the first game in Group B where Argentina will face Paraguay (kickoff 22:30 UK time).

Argentina Aiming High

The Albicelestes have almost tasted glory last summer when they faced off the unstoppable Germany in the World Cup final, losing in extra time to Mario Gotze's leg. With that in mind, the Argentinians and Gerardo Martino are aiming to go the whole way this Copa America – hungry for a cup to lift.

Argentina's pre-tournament performance was impressive, a good example being the 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia. Of course, much will depend on the legs of captain Lionel Messi who is coming off celebrating the Champions League championship he won with Barcelona in an excellent individual season. Look for Messi and his friend Sergio Aguero in goalscorer betting markets today.

A Chance for Paraguay

Paraguay hasn't been doing so well in the past few years, perhaps the strongest indication being the fact that they didn't make it to the World Cup for the first time since 1994. The team is a far cry from their form when they came close to lifting the Copa America cup in 2011 but lost 3-0 to Uruguay in the final.

Paraguay has been replacing coaches like socks, and Ramon Diaz who is currently at the helm stands before his first real big test against Argentina today. Paraguay will rely on top goalscorer Roque Santa Cruz and Lucas Barrios to catch some net, backed by Argentine-born Nestor Ortigoza who reigns in the midfield. Paraguay really wants to win today, and if they do it'll be a big sensation – something that makes this game all the more intriguing.

Bet Live

Today's thriller will be covered live at bet365 Sports, presenting punters with pre-match and in-play betting markets to place as the action unfolds. Full time result odds had Argentina with 3/10 against Paraguay's 9/1. Log-in bet365 Sports this Friday night and enjoy a fix of South American football with a spicy wager.