After a perfectly negotiated group stage, Brazil and Argentina, big favorites of the Copa America, are now attacking the choppy matches with the quarter-finals, from Friday.
So far everything is going for the best. Brazil and Argentina easily dominated their Copa America groups, both finishing first and unbeaten with three wins and one draw.
For Brazil, organizer at the last minute of the event, the quarter-final on Friday will be raised against Chile, winner in 2015 and 2016 then semi-finalist in the last edition in 2019. Exempted from the last group match, the Chileans were also able to benefit from a full week to prepare for the match.
The partners of Neymar, author of two goals in the competition, started the competition with force against a weakened Venezuela team (3-0), then Peru (4-0), before lowering the foot during the last two matches with a sluggish victory against Colombia (2-1). The draw against Ecuador (1-1) confirmed the tendency that the Brazilians are not unplayable.
The Auriverde Nevertheless, they remain wide favorites against Chile, fourth in their group of five teams with only one victory, against Bolivia.
“Mentally ready”
In the other part of the table, Argentina also leaves on paper with a clear advantage on Saturday against Ecuador, who qualified without having won a match (three draws, one defeat).
“Argentina are mentally ready to face everyone. We have the greatest respect for Ecuador (…) which has proven that it is a good team with players who go to war”, has warned the coach Lionel Scaloni who will be opposed on the bench to his compatriot Gustavo Alfaro.
The Albiceleste can count on a Messi in form, already scorer of three goals in this edition including a double against Bolivia in his last match, the 148th with his selection, a national record.
No doubt the flea (the chip) wants to extend the history which has often had a bitter taste in Copa by at least three matches, with defeats in the final in 2007, 2015 and 2016.
Peru gains momentum
The first quarter-final will oppose Peru, finalist in 2019, against Paraguay.
After their disappointment for their first game against Brazil, which they could meet in the semi-finals, the Peruvians have stepped up to finish second with seven points.
Conversely, Paraguay comes out of a defeat against Uruguay (1-0), and will be deprived of its star in attack, Miguel Almiron, injured.
For Uruguay, victory thanks to Edinson Cavani’s goal allowed the Celeste to avoid Brazil in the quarterfinals, to find Colombia instead.
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