Meanwhile, Paraguay meets Honduras while Japan plays Trinidad and Tobago
Summer break has come for all major European domestic league seasons and attention is turned now to the international scene and in particular to the CONMEBOL Copa America, set to be held from 14 June until 7 July in Brazil. This coming Wednesday (5 June), the host country will face Qatar in their first friendly match in preparation for the tournament. On the same day, Paraguay will meet Honduras, and Japan, invited to participate in the South-American competition, plays against Trinidad and Tobago.
First things first
Before you go any further, head on over to the Oddsshark website, find your favourite betting site and get your own account up and running using your credit card. As a new customer and with the Copa America just a few short weeks away, there should be a wide range of promotions and special offers available to you.
Related: UEFA Nations League Semi-Final Preview: Hosts Portugal Take On Switzerland
Where should I be investing my money?
First up, let’s start with the match between Brazil and Qatar. This will be the first game for the Brazilian squad since March, when they tied 1-1 with Panama and beat Czech Republic 3-1. The CONMEBOL Copa America will be the first opportunity for the team to host a tournament since the 2014 World Cup.
A good result in Wednesday’s friendly will alleviate the pressure for the upcoming tournament at home, even though the team has been playing very well and has won seven of their last eight fixtures and have kept clean sheets in five of their last seven matches in friendly play.
In its turn, Qatar will make their maiden guest appearance as part of the CONMEBOL Copa America. The squad comes from an impressive win at this year’s Asian Cup, beating Japan in the final. This will be the first match of the Qatari national team since winning the title back in February and they are winless in two of their last three friendly matches, having conceded more than two goals in three of their last four friendly matches.
This will be the first ever meeting between Brazil and Qatar. And it is of no surprise that Brazil comes into this match as the favourites to triumph. A Brazilian win pays 1.10, while a surprising result in favour of the Qataris at Brasilia National Stadium, in the nation’s capital, is priced at 22.17 – a draw, which appears to happen more likely than a victory for the Asian squad, is priced at 9.14.
As Tite’s men have been showing their best lately, they come strong for this match after finishing their preparation and want a win to show themselves as the main contenders for another CONMEBOL Copa America title. It will be their first match in a while, but a comfortable win is expected against a rival that is not ranked high in FIFA standings, but comes excited as the host for the 2022 World Cup.
Paraguay takes on Honduras
On the same day, Paraguay plays at home against Honduras in their first preparation match for the upcoming CONMEBOL Copa America. The team has lost their two last friendly matches, against Peru and Mexico, and come into this fixture looking for confidence towards the continental tournament.
Honduras tied 0-0 against Ecuador last March and is preparing to play the CONCACAF Gold Cup, also happening in June.
Playing at home, Paraguay is the clear favourite and a local win is set at just 1.52, while Honduras are at 6.58, which would not be considered a shocking victory. A draw is priced in the middle, at 9.00.
Japan aiming for second straight win
And finally, Japan takes on Trinidad and Tobago looking for an encouraging performance prior to their Copa America campaign. Having beaten Bolivia 1-0 in the last round of friendly games, the Japanese squad will be confident of another win here.
Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, lost 1-0 to Wales in their most recent outing. They are also preparing to play the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June.
It is Japan who come into this match as the clear favourites to pick up the win. You can back Japan to triumph at just 1.20, while Trinidad and Tobago are out to do the same at 13.71 – a draw is priced in the middle, at 6.18.
International friendly fixtures – odds provided by Oddsshark
Wednesday, 5 June
(1.10) Brazil x Qatar (22.32); draw (9.17)
(1.52) Paraguay x Honduras (6.56); draw (3.95)
(1.20) Japan x Trinidad and Tobago (13.71); draw (6.18)
