Colombia have looked solid during the Copa America knockout stages and are rated a percentage pick to edge out Peru in the third-place play-off. Some star names will be missing from both teams but Los Cafeteros appear to have the better strength in depth.
Colombia are always hard to beat in big matches but Argentina have to be rated a form pick in their Copa America semi-final clash. La Albiceleste cruised through the group stage and were the most impressive victors at the last-eight stage when crushing Ecuador 3-0.
Brazil crushed Peru 4-0 during the Copa America group stage and it will be a surprise if they don’t confirm that superiority in the semi-finals. The holders haven’t been overly impressive during their last few matches but still look a cut above Los Incas with home advantage.
Uruguay versus Colombia is rated the pick of the Copa America quarter-finals and we’re sweet on La Celeste’s chances of success. After getting off to a sluggish start, Oscar Tabarez’s team look to have hit top form at just the right time to shine in the knockout stages.
Argentina look determined to end a 28-year wait for Copa America glory and are expected to ease past Ecuador in the quarter-finals. La Albiceleste impressed as convincing Group A victors, whereas La Tri just about managed to scrape through Group B in fourth place.
Brazil seemed to lack a little intensity during the second half of the Copa America group stage but should be back fully focused for the quarter-finals. Chile battled hard to progress from their pool but fears remain this ageing side is a fading force in terms of elite-level quality.
We’ve reached the business end of Copa America and a tight tussle is on the cards in the opening quarter-final between Peru and Paraguay. Los Incas would traditionally be expected to shade this tie but the absence of several key forwards could even things up in Goiania.
Uruguay have a big incentive to beat Paraguay in their closing Group A contest, as a victory will keep them away from Brazil’s half of the knockout draw. La Celeste do seem to be running into form after a sticky spell in front of goal, with their star strikers back firing.
Argentina should have little trouble in wrapping up top spot in Copa America Group A when taking on basement dwellers Bolivia. La Verde will be heading home whatever happens in Cuiaba and have scored only one goal in three straight defeats so far.
Venezuela will be hoping Brazil beat Ecuador and then a point would be enough for them to qualify from Copa America Group B. Those results would also suit Peru, with Los Incas almost certainly set for second place in this pool if drawing in Brasilia.
Brazil have already wrapped up top spot in Copa America Group B but will still be keen to keep their winning run going when facing Ecuador. The Selecao have prevailed in 10 straight matches, with Tite’s clinical team keeping clean sheets in eight of those victories.
Uruguay can’t risk any slip-ups when facing Copa America Group A basement dwellers Bolivia after only claiming one point from two games. La Celeste have been struggling for goals of late but should be able to grind out a welcome victory in Cuiaba.
Chile have already qualified for the quarter-finals of Copa America, so Paraguay may be worth backing to get a point in Brasilia. Los Guaranies have only suffered one group-stage exit in the last six renewals, often advancing due to being draw specialists.
Ecuador and Peru have been evenly matched in meetings over the past few years but La Tri have taken a stronger squad to Copa America. Los Incas are without record goalscorer Paolo Guerrero, second-top marksman Jefferson Farfan and Edison Flores in their front ranks.