After what can only be described as a dramatic and controversial group stage, the quarter finals of the Copa America are now set with some intriguing matches to come.

The Big Games

Reigning World Cup champions Argentina, will face the sneaky good Ecuador in the first match of the quarterfinals on July 4th. While everyone expects Lionel Messi and Argentina to continue their flawless run into the semi finals, it may not be as easy as some expect. Ecuador played a solid game in the group stages finishing with 4 points, with their only loss to the high flying Venezuela. Lautaro Martinez will look to continue his fine goal scoring form into this game to give his side a lift. The legendary Lionel Messi will be the driving creative force behind Argentina’s attack and will look to unlock the Ecuadorian defense. Jeremy Sarmiento is important for Ecuador’s attack and he will need to utilize his speed and dribbling if Ecuador want any chance of upsetting Argentina.

Two historic nations in Brazil and Uruguay face off in a match that is going to be an absolute battle from start to finish. The Uruguayans will look to continue their perfect group stage form into the quarter finals and will need their best players to perform if they want any chance of going through. Darwin Nunez will lead the line for the Uruguayans and will need to be more clinical than in previous games in order to bolster his side’s chances. Fede Valverde will be the driving force behind the Uruguayan midfield, and Ronald Araujo will look to stifle any Brazilian attack to give his nation a chance to go to the semi finals. Rodrygo will be the focal point in attack for a supremely talented Brazil side that was a bit underwhelming in the group stage, drawing to Costa Rica and Colombia. That being said, Brazil have numerous players that can change the game in an instant and will need them to be at their best if they want to defeat a strong Uruguay team.

Potential Surprises

Colombia will take on a Panama team that shocked the world and finished second in a group that contained the United States and Uruguay. Luis Diaz will look to lead his country offensively and will use his pace and dribbling skills to cause the Panamanian defense trouble. Panama will look to use their feisty play to cause some issues for the Colombians in match that will not be easy. Expect Panama to try to get under the skin of the Colombian players to create some drama. Colombia will need to focus on their game and not take the bait if they want to reach the semi finals.

Canada plays Venezuela in an intriguing match up. Venezuela were perfect in their group and have a good chance of going through to the semi finals against Canada. This match could go either way with both teams being relatively evenly matched. Salomon Rondon and Eduard Bello have both scored twice for the Venezuelans in the group stage and will need to be at their best again if they want to beat the Canadians. Despite only scoring one goal in the group stage Canada advanced to the knockouts in a group that contained Argentina, Peru, and Chile. Canada will need more offense from Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David if they want any chance of getting past the Venezuelans. Canada will need to play a strong defensive game to bolster their odds against a potent Venezuelan attack. 

Be sure to tune in and catch all of the matches, there is sure to be drama you don’t want to miss! Don’t forget to score all your knockout round gear and essentials at SoccerPro today!