Copa America Quarter-Finals
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| Copa America |
Sat 16th July
A) Colombia v Peru 16:00
B) Argentina v Uruguay 19:15
Sun 17th July
C) Brazil v Paraguay 16:00
D) Chile v Venezuela 19:15
Semi-finals: 19th July A v B, 20th July C v D;
Final: 24th July
It's still all set for a traditional Brazil v Argentina final on the 24th of July but Argentina's ropey form in their first two games means the hosts' passage to Buenos Aires is less than certain.
In their path stand Uruguay, World Cup semi-finalists last summer, and fast-improving Colombia, who had the better of the Albiceleste in their 0-0 draw in Santa Fe.
That said, Argentina improved massively come their crucial last game, sweeping aside Costa Rica 3-0 with ease, although it must be said the Central American guests were not pressing as eagerly as you would have expected from a competitor.
Brazil, who also began with two draws, found their shooting boots on Wednesday with a 4-2 win over Ecuador, Alexandre Pato and Neymar bagging braces.
Facing the seleçao on Sunday are Paraguay, who qualified in third-place from Group B despite conceding two goals in the final three minutes to Venezuela.
Although they have had fewer attempts on target than any of the 11 other teams in Argentina, the Venezuelans could be the dark horse of the Copa. Having drawn 0-0 with Brazil in their opening game, they could get a second crack at them in the semi-final if they can overcome Group C winners Chile in their quarter-final. Easier said than done perhaps, as the Chileans have made almost twice as many successful passes as Venezuela this tournament. Only the big two have passed more.
Uruguay have been quiet so far with draws against Chile and Peru and a 1-0 win over Mexico's B-team, and while their forward line of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez is still one to fear and the historical weight of a clash with Argentina should lift them, the hosts should have woken up by the time of their meeting in Santa Fe.
Top Scorers: Brazil 6, Paraguay 5, Argentina, Chile & Venezuela 4, Colombia & Uruguay 3
Golden Boot: Aguero (ARG) 3, Neymar (BRA), Pato (BRA), Guerrero (PER) & Caicedo (ECU) 2
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