Copa América Quarter Finals Preview

Argentina vs Ecuador: Lionel Messi set to return to starting action

FIFA World Cup 2022 victors Argentina remain the favourites to win a record 16th Copa América, especially following flawless group stage performance after securing victories against Canada (2-0), Chile (1-0), and Peru (2-0) without conceding a goal.

Former PSG man Lionel Messi, who was joint top scorer in the 2021 Copa America, has yet to score but will look to return to starting action for Argentina after sitting on the bench against Peru. Argentina are currently on an eight-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 17-2.

Ecuador finished second in Group B, losing to Venezuela (2-1), defeating Jamaica (3-1), and drawing with Mexico (0-0). Despite reaching the quarterfinals for the third time in four Copas, La Tri are looking for their first victory against Argentina in Copa America, having lost 11 and drawn 5 of their last 16 meetings.

Venezuela vs Canada: Two underdogs meet in the quarter-finals

Both these nations have exceeded expectations so far in the tournament, making a semifinal appearance significant for both. Canada, coached by American Jesse Marsch, defeated Peru, tied with Chile, and challenged Argentina.

After defeating Trinidad & Tobago in a March play-in game, advancing past the group stage is a major achievement for Canada. Venezuela won all three group matches against Ecuador, Mexico, and Jamaica, scoring six goals and conceding just one. Their 3-0 win over Jamaica was the most decisive in 57 years.

Historically, Venezuela have struggled at the Copa, being eliminated in the group stage 15 times in 19 appearances and winning just eight of 70 Copa America matches since 1967. La Vinotinto, named for their wine-coloured jerseys, is led by coach Fernando Batista and Salomon Rondon and has scored two goals so far.

Colombia vs Panama: Colombia to consolidate 'dark horse'  status?
 

Colombia won Group D and have emerged as the competition's dark horses, and are currently embarking on on a 25-game unbeaten streak after defeating Paraguay (2-1), shutting out Costa Rica (3-0), and tying Brazil to clinch the group's top spot.

Panama, finishing second in their group over the USA, reached the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final but lost to Mexico 1-0. Playing in their second Copa America, Panama aims to advance past the group stage for the first time, though facing the in-form Cafeteros will be challenging.

Uruguay vs Brazil: Heavyweights face-off 

Two of the tournament favourites will face each other in the quarter-finals. Uruguay, led by manager Marcelo Bielsa, dominated their group with a 9-1 goal differential and boasts well-known stars in Darwin Nunez, evidently PSG's Manuel Ugarte, as well as  Federico Valverde, and Ronald Araujo. Despite their depth, legend and current Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez will likely start on the bench.

Brazil, traditionally a semifinal shoe-in, struggled in a goalless draw against Costa Rica and a 1-1 tie with Colombia, only to then win 4-1 against Paraguay. Their squad includes the likes of Raphinha, Militao, Alisson, and rising star Endrick, but they've yet to meet expectations.