The Copa America 2024 is down to the final eight teams, and as the 2024 edition enters its business end, THT predicts the potential semi-finalists.
The Copa America 2024 has been an entertaining affair, with the usual ups and downs along the way to the quarter-finals. The group stages did bring some of the usual giants to the party while also witnessing the emergence of some surprise contenders, who made it past the group stages and reached the last eight of the competition.
Tournament favourites Argentina proved their mettle and got through the group stages with a 100% record alongside Uruguay and surprise package Venezuela. Lionel Messi missed the final group game, but Lautaro Martinez continued to shine to continue leading the race for the Golden Boot.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay also proved their worth, winning all three games to enter the quarter-finals as group winners. The big story has been the emergence of Venezuela, the surprise contenders of this edition, who also secured progression by winning all their group games.
It is a rather stellar achievement for the underdogs, who manoeuvred through a group comprising Mexico, Jamaica, and Ecuador. The Mexicans were surprised by eliminations from the group stages after failing to win against Venezuela. In that game, they conceded a penalty and then later missed their own chance from 12 yards.
There were some surprise eliminations, such as the USA, the host nation, who will have been disappointed by their performances. The big reason for Gregg Belhalter’s side being out of the tournament has been Panama, with the Central American minnows managing to beat them in the group stages and finishing second behind Uruguay.
The quarter-finals of the Copa America promise fireworks, with Colombia, co-hosts Canada, and Brazil finishing the setup. The clash between Brazil and Uruguay promises to be the most explosive fixture, while others could give this game a tough run in terms of entertainment. Here, we take a look at the games and predict who might progress to the semi-finals.
Argentina vs Ecuador
This game certainly promises high-octane entertainment on the pitch. Argentina come into this encounter as favourites, although Ecuador cannot be discounted at this stage. La Tri have plenty of talent in their side capable of causing an upset on their day, but can they do that to Lionel Scaloni’s men?
Ecuador will present a sizeable challenge to Lionel Messi & Co. in their quest to progress to the semi-finals, and this will be an interesting tie of sorts. La Albiceleste are the clear favourites entering this contest, but there are chances of this going to extra time should Ecuador hold their ground defensively.
However, Argentina’s attacking setup and an astute defensive outlet give Scaloni’s men a big chance to progress to the semi-finals. The world champions are also in the quest of winning back-to-back Copa America trophies, as the World No.1 team will get their way in their quarter-final against Ecuador.
Venezuela vs Canada
This is by far the more intriguing tie of the quarter-finals, bringing a sense of unpredictability to the equation. Canada have been decent enough in their group-stage performances, although they were considerably swept under the carpet due to the presence of Argentina in their group.
Canada will come into this clash with confidence. However, they should not make the mistake of underestimating Venezuela, who have been the surprise package of the 2024 edition of the Copa America. La Vinotinto have experienced this competition, although they have yet to have a long history of progress.
That could change when they meet Canada in the quarter-finals, as Venezuela could expose Canada’s weaknesses and help them advance to the semi-finals. Overall, this clash seems very unpredictable, but La Vinotinto might have the chance to go through at the expense of their North American counterparts.
Colombia vs Panama
Victory over Bolivia might not have surprised many, but Panama’s win over the USA put them on the map as people began to take notice. Coming into the tournament, the Central Americans did feel like underdogs in a group consisting of the USA and Uruguay.
Some may have even put Bolivia ahead of Panama, but the latter showed they have the capabilities to spring surprises and might continue to do so. However, they face the big threat of Colombia, who have been brilliant in the competition so far.
While they are the only group winners without a 100% record, that is because of their goalless draw to Brazil, and they will have no qualms about it. Overall, given the history of these two sides, Colombia are the clear favourites to pass through to the semi-finals, and some even consider them potential finalists of this edition of the Copa America.
Uruguay vs Brazil
Uruguay vs Brazil is easily the blockbuster clash of the quarter-finals, as these two sides pack probably an explosive atmosphere and terrific football on the pitch. Brazil have not been at their best in recent years, and while they have shown glimpses of their teamwork using the talent in the squad, there are still some question marks about their chances of winning the tournament.
Brazil might still have one of the most complete squads in the world, and certainly in the Copa. But there are question marks about their consistency. They did showcase some complacency against Colombia, and it remains to be seen whether they can handle what Marcelo Bielsa has in store for them.
Uruguay are in a near perfect form heading into the quarter-finals, and could give themselves the slight favourites tag ahead of their meeting with Brazil. While it will be logical to put La Celeste as possible semi-finalists, one must consider a team like Brazil, especially if they get their selection and game plan right.
