Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
On the night of Saturday, July 6, the second Copa América 2024 playoff match will take place. The Venezuelan national team will face Canada, with the encounter commencing at 3:00 AM Central European Time. Dailysports analysts have prepared a forecast for this meeting.
Venezuela
The team has displayed surprisingly impressive football and results. In their first group stage match, Venezuela played against Ecuador. The Ecuadorians were considered the favorites and managed to score first. However, their player, Enner Valencia, received a red card, leaving his team a man down. This was enough for Venezuela to turn the match on its head. In the second half, they scored twice, securing a 2-1 victory. In the second round, they played against Mexico, where they were also seen as underdogs. Once again, they surprised everyone by winning the match 1-0. In the final group stage match, Venezuela crushed Jamaica with a 3-0 victory.
As a result, the Venezuelans secured a maximum of nine points from three matches and advanced to the playoffs from the top spot. This marks Venezuela’s return to the playoffs after failing to progress beyond the group stage in the last tournament. Notably, Venezuela’s best performance in Copa América was a fourth-place finish in 2011.
Canada
For the Maple Leafs, this is their first-ever Copa América tournament. Previously, they had declined to participate in these competitions, but this time they agreed. In their debut attempt, they have shown remarkably good results. Despite losing their first game to the reigning champions of America and the world, Argentina, with a score of 0-2 in favor of Messi’s team, they bounced back. In the next game, Canada secured an incredibly important victory over Peru.
During the second half, the Peruvians were reduced to ten men, and Canada capitalized by scoring the only and winning goal. In the final group stage match against Chile, a draw was enough for them. Canada managed to achieve the necessary result, and the match ended in a calm 0-0 draw. In their historic Copa América tournament, Canada is making history by collecting four points and advancing to the playoffs. Canada's fairy tale might continue. Undoubtedly, Venezuela has more experience in Copa América playoffs, but I do not believe this will significantly hinder the Canadians.
Interesting facts and head-to-head history
- The last encounter between Venezuela and Canada was in 2010, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
- Venezuela has not lost in eight matches. In the last four matches, the Venezuelan team has scored the final goal.
Venezuela vs Canada Prediction
Venezuela is regarded as the slight favorite in this game. However, I am convinced that Canada will impose their game and fight until the end, as they also aspire to advance further. Both teams have not been very prolific in this tournament. Venezuela has scored six goals, while Canada has scored just one. I believe this trend will continue in the playoffs. My bet is on a total match score of under 2.5 with odds of 1.55.
