The Copa America quarterfinals are set and after an unpredictable group stage, will that trend continue in the knockout rounds?
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Following the 2011 tournament which saw Venezuela and Peru reach the semifinals in Argentina, we are accustomed to shocks in this tournament. With the likes of Brazil set to struggle without talisman Neymar, host nation Chile having off the field issues with star man Artruro Vidal and Argentina failing to click, this really could be as wide open as continental tournaments go across the globe.
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With one of either Bolivia or Peru guaranteed to make the semifinals, it looks likely that the winners of the Chile vs. Uruguay quarterfinal will make it all the way to the final. Then again, you just never know. On the other side of the bracket a monumental semifinal clash will take place if both Argentina and Brazil win their quarterfinals. But, that is by no means guaranteed.
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Argentina vs. Colombia is the pick of the last eight matches as James Rodriguez goes head-to-head with Lionel Messi for a spot in the last four. Colombia backed their way into the last eight with uninspiring displays in the group stage but Argentina also failed to set the world alight as they let a two-goal led slip against Paraguay to draw and beat Uruguay and Jamaica 1-0. As for Paraguay, they will give Brazil plenty of problems and prove hard to break down. Dunga’s men defeated Peru and Venezuela 2-1 in the group stage and failed to convert plenty of chances in those matches. Without Neymar, the onus will be on Robinho and Firmino to both create and get the goals the Selecao need.
The quarterfinals for the Copa America are set but now it truly is anybody’s tournament to win. Yes, Argentina and Brazil will be the favorites but with the other side of the draw opening up for Chile and Uruguay this is, as always, an incredibly open and exciting tournament to witness.
Copa America quarterfinals
Wednesday, June 24 - Chile vs. Uruguay - 7:30 p.m. ET
Thursday, June 25 - Bolivia vs. Peru - 7:30 p.m. ET
Friday, June 26 - Argentina vs. Colombia - 7:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, June 27 - Brazil vs. Paraguay - 5:30 p.m. ET
