We're down to just the final few teams at the Copa America 2024, and this Saturday, in Phoenix, Colombia and Panama will look to advance to the semifinals.
Los Cafeteros, the unbeaten winners of the 'group of death', were the team to show the best football in the group phase, with James Rodriguez playing at a superlative level.
Facing them are surprise package Panama, who hinted against Uruguay what they would end up achieving against the United States. That win on Matchday 2 proved to be key to them reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.
The Central Americans already know what it takes to beat Colombia: they did so twice during the 2005 Gold Cup. The other four games throughout history were won by their opponents.
Colombia are the clear favorites to win this game at -300, with Panama at +875 to claim victory. The draw is at +425.
The Sporting News runs through the predictions and best bets for this quarterfinal clash.
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Colombia vs. Panama prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Colombia (-300)
- Score prediction: Colombia 2-0 Panama
Colombia are the firm favorites to progress to the semifinals by winning this game in normal time. They won the last meeting 3-0 back in 2019 and their performances at this tournament suggest backing an upset would be unwise.
| BetMGM (USA) | |
| Colombia win | -300 |
| Draw | +425 |
| Panama win | +875 |
| Both teams to score | Y: +130 N: -190 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals | O: -125 U: -110 |
| Colombia -1.5 goals | -110 |
| Panama +1.5 goals | -130 |
Colombia vs. Panama match facts
- Date: Friday, July 6, 2024
- Kickoff time: 4 p.m. local (6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT)
- Location: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona)
- Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA)
- Last meeting: Colombia 3-0 Panama (June 3, 2019 | International friendly)
Colombia vs. Panama best bet
- Pick: Colombia to win to nil
- Odds: -105 (BetMGM)
Nestor Lorenzo's team have gone 26 games without defeat. In the group phase, they finished top of their pool, with their leading players enjoying good form.
The difference compared with Panama in terms of overall level is clear and, if logic prevails, Colombia will reach the semifinals without any major surprises.
Colombia vs. Panama prop bet
- Pick: Jhon Cordoba to score and Colombia win
- Odds: +140 (BetMGM)
Colombia striker Jhon Cordoba is unstoppable. He has scored three goals in his past four games as a starter, and he is the reference point of the attack for a team who frequently threaten the opposition goal.
Having already scored against Costa Rica and Bolivia at this Copa America, it's worth keeping an eye on the Krasnodar forward.
