The quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa América have been decided, with few surprises.
Follow along with us to see the matchups and the prospects for each.
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Index
Argentina vs Ecuador – Quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa América
On one side, the heavy favourites to win the title. On the other, a rising team looking to prove their worth and reach the Copa América semi-finals for the third time in their history.
However, Ecuador doesn’t seem quite ready for such an achievement.
Even though they aren’t playing the football that crowned the Argentina national team as world champions, the Albiceleste still have far superior tools and resources to progress.
One of those, of course, is Lionel Messi. Possibly playing his last major tournament at a high level with the national team, he will spare no effort, alongside his teammates, to lift another trophy.
Moreover, Ecuador did not show great quality in the group stage, still faltering at key moments.
Image: Goal
Venezuela vs Canada – Quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa América
A clash between the two most surprising teams of the tournament.
In a group with Mexico and Ecuador, Venezuela dominated their opponents and finished the group stage with a 100% record.
Canada, in a group with Argentina, Chile, and Peru, all much more traditional teams, managed to fare very well and qualified in second place.
However, when comparing both teams, the South Americans have a higher probability of triumphing.
Though recent, the Venezuelans are more accustomed to this type of competition and face a much higher level of competitiveness in the World Cup Qualifiers by CONMEBOL.
Additionally, they have players who are more prominent on the international stage.
Despite being a tough match, Venezuela is expected to advance to the semi-finals for the second time in their history.
Image: Conmebol
Uruguay vs Brazil – Quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa América
The Celeste side absolutely dominant in their group did not have much luck with the draw.
It must be frustrating to have a flawless first phase, with a 100% record, and be rewarded with the five-time world champions right in the quarter-finals.
However, Brazil’s five stars won’t step onto the pitch in this decision.
Today, Uruguay’s work is far superior to Brazil’s in terms of both results and the football presented.
This is mainly due to the longer tenure of El Loco Bielsa, who has been in charge for a year now.
Dorival Jr, on the other hand, has had only a few matches as coach.
The fact is that the Brazilian national team cannot be underestimated at any moment.
Nevertheless, relying solely on the confidence of their tradition will not be enough to advance. Courage must also be a factor.
In the final match of the group stage between Brazil and Colombia, the team’s substitutions and mental state showed a total lack of interest in breaking the deadlock and winning the match.
A simple draw qualified Brazil but set them on a collision course with Uruguay. A victory would have made them face Panama, who will be Colombia’s opponents.
Of course, the disastrous refereeing by Jesús Valenzuela and especially the VAR official, Argentine Mauro Vigliano, should be noted.
In any case, a better path could have been charted.
Incredibly, after many years, Uruguay are favourites in the clash against Brazil.
Image: Au
Colombia vs Panama – Quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa América
Possibly the most unbalanced matchup of the tournament.
Not due to Panama’s lack of quality, but rather the excellent football presented by Colombia so far.
With a midfield featuring players from the Brasileirão, the Colombians have been playing at a high pace, pressing their opponents most of the time.
Against Panama, it will be no different.
Though the Panamanian team has some good players, it will be very difficult to withstand the pressure exerted by James Rodriguez and co.
Therefore, Colombia is expected to advance comfortably.
Image: Goal
Written by Vitor F L Miller
