COLOMBIA will face Panama on Saturday night with both teams battling out to make it to the semi-final of the 2024 Copa America. Both teams have fared better than expected at the tournament so far which makes this a mouthwatering contest.
Although Colombia were expected to make it out of their group, most people believed that Brazil would come out as winners and they would qualify as runners-up. However, seven points from three matches meant they topped Group D and they now have a favourable draw in the knockout stages.
Panama, on the other hand, weren't given much of a chance by anyone to get out of Group C. Uruguay and the host nation, USA, were the firm favourites to finish in the top two but Panama's shock win over the USA on matchday two has led them to the position they now find themselves in.
Which team will advance to the semi-finals to play the winners of Brazil vs Uruguay?
How the bookies view it: Panama's fairytale to end?
Unsurprisingly, Panama have been priced as rank outsiders for this quarter-final with the bookmakers heavily leaning towards a Colombia victory. Colombia to win inside 90 minutes has been priced at 2/7 by Betfred while a Panama upset has been priced at 9/1. The draw, which would mean extra time and possibly penalties, has been priced at 18/5.
Recent head-to-head: Don't bank on a draw
Colombia and Panama have faced off on 14 previous occasions and incredibly, none of those matches have ended as a draw after 90 minutes. Colombia have won ten of the 14 meetings while Panama have come out on top in four. The most recent meeting came in a friendly in 2019, when Colombia won 3-0.
Players to watch: Can Panama stop Luis Diaz?
The best player on the pitch on Saturday night will be Colombian winger, Luis Diaz. The Liverpool fan can often be a source of frustration due to an alleged lack of end product but when it comes to terrorising full-backs and running teams ragged, there aren't many better one-on-one wingers in world football.
Diaz does need to offer more of a goal threat and he will be disappointed if his Copa America campaign ends with just the one goal he scored against Costa Rica in the group stage. Given the quality of the opposition, Diaz has a great chance to add to that tally and make his mark on the competition.
Experience forward, Jose Fajardo, is Panama's best hope of a goal on Saturday night. The 30-year-old has scored twice in his last matches at the Copa America and alongside his teammates, he has nothing to lose here.
Predicted lineups
Both sides are missing players due to suspension with Crystal Palace's Jefferson Lerma missing for Colombia and Adalberto Carrasquilla missing for Panama. Aside from those two absentees, the teams pick themselves.
Colombia: Vargas – Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica – Uribe, Rios, Arias – Rodriguez, Cordoba, Diaz
Panama: Mosquera – Murillo, Farina, Cordoba, Harvey, Davies – Blackman, Welch, Martinez, Barcenas – Fajardo
Anything else catch the eye?
Both of these teams have been involved in entertaining matches at the Copa America with all three of Panama's matches covering the over 2.5 goals market. Meanwhile, two of Colombia's matches have also seen at least three goals scored. Over 2.5 goals to be scored in the match is priced at 5/6 with Betfred.
This Copa America match between Colombia and Panama will be played on Jul 6, 2024 and kick off at 23:00. Check below for our tipsters best Colombia vs Panama prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
