Matchday-three phase of the Copa America has just been concluded. With the group phase of the competition ended and no real surprises in the teams that qualified. The Copa America: group stage review is here. Eyes now turn to the knockout rounds starting with the quarter-finals. All of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Venezuela and Paraguay have booked their places. We now look back on how the teams fared individually in their respective groups.
Brazil
The host of this year’s competition didn’t disappoint after the loss of star player Neymar to an ankle injury. They topped their group with two wins and a draw. A draw against Venezuela and two wins against Bolivia and Peru were enough to keep them top with 7 points. They face Paraguay and are favourites to make it to the semi-final.
Chile
The defending champions opened their account in this tournament with a 4-0 win over Japan. That was followed with another 2-1 win over Ecuador. A loss against Uruguay sealed qualification in second place for them. They’ve looked impressive and no one will be betting against them managing to retain their crown. They lock horns with Colombia in the quarterfinal stage.
Colombia
James Rodriguez’s impressive performance so far propelled Colombia to three wins and top of group B. They won against Argentina, Qatar and Paraguay, 2-0, 1-0, 1-0 respectively. Still to concede either in this tournament and they just might go all the way this time. Chile has a slight edge in that most of their players have experience from their last two Copa wins. This will prove to be a spectacle.
Argentina
Argentina has looked hapless for much of the tournament so far. But so far it seems luck and few glimpses of talent will take them a step further to the quarters. They’ve been paired against Venezuela who has managed to stay unbeaten so far. They will hope to take the momentum from their win over Qatar lasts to reach the semi-final. They are favourites and should be able to win if they can keep their momentum.
Uruguay
A fine showing in the first match saw them win 4-0 against Ecuador before a 2-2 draw against Japan. The tournament most successful side won against Chile to top their group. They still have a point to prove after their lacklustre display against Japan. Their opponent in the quarter-final is Peru and should pose little trouble for them making the semi-final.
Peru
Peru made the quarters despite a humiliating loss to Brazil in their final group stage match. A win, draw and loss were enough to send them through. The draw versus Venezuela and the 3-1 win over Bolivia was able to send them through on 4 points. They qualify as one of two best third-placed teams to complete the quarter-final number required.
Venezuela
This team has played it smart with caution and are reaping the rewards by qualify and staying unbeaten. They drew both matches against Peru and Brazil before winning their final match against Bolivia to retain second place. Argentina awaits in the next round and is capable of a few surprises.
Paraguay
Paraguay managed to be among the quarter-finalists despite been without a win so far. The two points they have came from draws against Argentina and Qatar. While they lost to Colombia in the final group B match and go through as the other best third-placed team. They will go up against Brazil for a chance in the semis.
Copa: group stage review follows a previous article which you can read here. The best professionals will be available as always to help you with the best predictions during the course of the whole tournament. Join us on www.confirmbets.com today to get access to top football tips from the best experts around the world to make you a winner.