Group B in the Copa America Centenario seems like a two-horse race, but is that how it'll play out? Brazil (-300) and Ecuador (+275) are the Group B favourites, but Peru is looking to crash the party. Here are three games you need to watch from Group B.
Brazil (-120) vs Ecuador (+350) – Saturday, June 4, 10 PM ET
Brazil and Ecuador are tipped as the favourites to qualify out of Group B. Brazil is chasing its ninth Copa America trophy, but they're without striker Neymar, who is being rested for the Olympics instead. It's going to be interesting to see where the creativity comes from without their captain as Brazil struggled mightily without him at the 2014 World Cup.
Ecuador has never won the Copa America; their best finish was fourth in 1993. They have a draw and two losses in three games this year, and they need to tighten up defensively after allowing six goals in them. Brazil has four wins and one draw in the last five meetings with Ecuador, who last beat Brazil in November 2004. However, La Tricolor could shock the world in Pasadena.
Ecuador vs Peru – Wednesday, June 8, 10 PM ET
Peru is a +650 fringe contender to win Group B, and winning this game would go a long way for them. The two-time Copa America winners recently beat Trinidad and Tobago 4-0, getting goals from four different players. This will be their path to success as Peru lacks a star player. However, keep an eye on the midfield duo of Cristian Benavente and Christian Cueva. They're 22 and 24, respectively, and they could be the future of team Peru.
Ecuador has to be solid and disciplined in the middle of the field and a lot of that will come down to captain Antonio Valencia, who can play anywhere in midfield. These two teams are pretty even historically, going into their game in Glendale. Peru has 18 wins, while Ecuador has won 15; they've drawn 14 times.
Ecuador vs Haiti – Sunday, June 12, 6:30 PM ET
Haiti is the group long shot at +10000, but they should be in a position to play spoiler here and at least take a point home. Haiti had three losses and a draw before a friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago, so they can bring a little momentum into this group.
Meanwhile, this game could be huge for Ecuador. They could be fighting for the top spot if they win their first two games, or they could be battling just to qualify for the next round. Ecuador is going to dictate how this group turns out. Going into this meeting in East Rutherford, Ecuador and Haiti have met twice with Haiti winning in January 2002, and Ecuador returning the favour in March 2008.
*Odds as of May 31, 2016