Quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa América
The eight remaining teams in the 2024 Copa América are preparing for the Quarterfinals, which will begin after the filtering process of the Group Stage, where Mexico, Chile, and the host, the United States, were eliminated.
The Quarterfinals start with Argentina vs. Ecuador; on Friday, Venezuela will play against Canada, and on Saturday, the remaining matches, Colombia vs. Panama and Uruguay vs. Brazil, will be played.
Argentina vs Ecuador: with or without Messi?
Argentina, the current champion of both the Copa América and the World Cup, arrives at the Quarterfinals with a strong performance, having won all their matches in the Group Stage against Canada, Peru, and Chile. All eyes are now on Lionel Messi, who missed the previous match due to discomfort and remains a doubt despite already training with the group. With or without Messi, the Albiceleste has Lautaro Martínez, the tournament's top scorer with 4 goals.
They will face an Ecuador team that has had a modest start to the tournament but features players like Moisés Caicedo from Chelsea, Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen, and the young prospect Kendry Páez, who hope to defy the odds.
Venezuela vs Canada: the Semifinals are a reward
Like Argentina, Venezuela has three victories and arrives at the knockout stage aiming to at least match their best result in a Copa América: semifinalists in 2011. With Salomón Rondón as the perennial offensive reference, the Vinotinto has a solid team in all lines and also dreams of qualifying for a FIFA World Cup for the first time, under the leadership of Argentine coach Fernando Batista, who has revitalized the team.
Venezuela will face Canada, a debutant in the Copa América, whom no one bet on in the Group Stage and for whom the tournament has already become more than just a test. Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich’s left-back, Jonathan David, Lille’s forward, and Jacob Shaffelburg from Nashville of MLS are their most dangerous players.
A fiery Colombia vs Panama
Colombia and Panama will be fortunate to play their match in a covered and air-conditioned stadium, as the outside temperature will be over 46 degrees Celsius. With James Rodríguez recovered under Néstor Lorenzo's guidance, Colombia is undefeated in 26 matches and is a strong contender for the title.
They will face Panama, responsible for the humiliating elimination of the host, the United States. The Panamanians will have to cope with the absence of their best player, Adalberto Carrasquilla, who is suspended.
Uruguay vs Brazil: “place your bets”
The most attractive clash is saved for last. Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay and the five-time World Cup champion Brazil will face off in the capital of gambling. High expectations surround La Celeste, the third team to win all their matches in this Copa América, a group born from the generational shift imposed by Bielsa, with Darwin Núñez as the leading striker.
Brazil will have to deal with the absence of Vinícius Jr., their best player, suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. The Canarinha has also not left a good impression in the tournament, especially in their debut, drawing against Costa Rica.
