The key to the Copa América: how the quarterfinals are going and the National Team’s path to the final :: Olé

On the eve of this America Cup, It was clear that the Argentine National Team and Uruguay started as favorites in their groups. Also, based on their performance in the qualifiers, it was logical that Venezuela and Colombia would take a step forward. However, no one was expecting teams like Mexico or the United States, and especially Brazil, who had to do the math to qualify. One step away from completing the group stage, This is the outlook for each of the countries and the possible quarter-final matches.

–Group A: The Argentine National Team has six points (+3 goal difference), while behind them are Canada (3 points and -1DG), Peru (1 point) and Chile (1). To finish as the leader in the area, Scaloneta only needs to draw against Fossatti’s team. Simultaneously, Canada and Chile will play a final in Orlando. If Canada wins, it goes directly to the 4th. If they tie, Canada would be among the eight best if the Albirroja does not achieve a victory in Miami. And, if Chile wins, they would need a little help from the Albiceleste.

–B Group: Bocha Batista’s Venezuela gave the surprise in the Copa América and is leading, with six points (+2DG). On the last date, Vinotinto will meet an already eliminated Jamaica (0) and, with a tie, it will be enough to guarantee first position. In Phoenix, Ecuador (2nd) and Mexico (3rd) will risk their lives. Whoever wins, passes. And, if they do not get out of equality, the Tri will pass for having one more goal in goal difference.

-Group C: Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay does not stop its march and, in the absence of a date, is in 4th place. at the end. Behind are the United States (2nd) and Panama (3rd), both with three points. Last is Bolivia, with mathematical chances, but not very real (they need to win by eight goals). In this context, La Celeste will enter as 1st with the tie. But, if that happens, Panama would qualify 2nd if it obtains a victory against La Verde. What does America need? Win, the two games are tied or Bolivia beats Panama. Of the three, equality is the most feasible.

–Group D: Colombia is the leader (6 points, with +4 DG) ahead of Brazil (4 points and +3 DG), Costa Rica (1 and -3 DG) and Paraguay (0 and -4 DG). So things, The Cafeteros, who beat Paraguay and Costa Rica, have already secured their qualification to the quarterfinals.. Even first place, unless Canarinha beats them on the last date.

Brazil, having beaten Paraguay in the second matchday, also already has one foot in the quarter-finals. The only thing that would take away their qualification is if they lose, for example, 3-0 in the last match against Colombia and Costa Rica beats the Albirroja 4-0. (those results would give Gustavo Alfaro’s team a place in the quarterfinals due to better goal difference).

The Paraguayans, for their part, having not added any points in two dates, were left without the possibility of qualifying for the quarterfinals.

At the moment, there are four teams qualified for the quarterfinals, although their position has not yet been defined.: Argentina (Group A), Venezuela (Group B), Uruguay (Group C) and Colombia (Group D). At the same time, There are three who already know that they will watch the definition on TV: Jamaica (Group B), Bolivia (Group C) and Paraguay (Group D).

Let’s go to the rooms. Argentina, with a great chance of finishing first, has all the numbers to face Ecuador or Mexico. However, his rival could also be Venezuelaif the Vinotinto loses against Jamaica on the last date and a winner emerges between Ecuador (by one goal) and Mexico (by two goals). As for the second in Group A, it seems clear that it will be decided between Canada and Chile, with more chances for the Rojos del Norte.

On the other side of the painting, Uruguay would stay in Group Cwhile the results of the last date will determine whether the United States or Panama get into the quarterfinals. And, in Group D, Colombia and Brazil would be the ones who get a ticket to the best eight, depending on their position on the result of the last day. Only a catastrophe, like the one that occurred in the United States in 2016, could leave Verdeamarela out in the first phase.

The quarter-final matches could be:

• Crossing 1: Argentina (1A) vs. Ecuador/Mexico (2B)
• Cross 2: Venezuela (1B) vs. Canada/Chile (2A)
• Match 3: Uruguay (1C) vs. Colombia/Brazil (2D)
• Match 4: Colombia/Brazil (1L) vs. Panama/United States (2C)

And what would the road to the final be like? Unlike the World Cups, in which two teams from the same group would not meet until the final, in the decisive match of the Copa América one from Group A or B will play against each other. one from Group C or D. That is, Uruguay (C), Brazil (D) and Colombia (D) will eliminate each other, in the quarterfinals or in the semifinals. Therefore, The Argentine National Team could face the Verdeamarela, the Celeste or the Cafetero only in the last match of the tournament, which will be played in Miami on July 14.

The 16 qualified teams are divided into four groups of four teams. Those who finish 1st and 2nd in each zone will advance to the 4th. at the end, where the first in the group will face the second. Will be crossed: 1A vs. 2B (1), 1B vs. 2A (2), 1C vs. 2D (3) and 1D vs. 2C (4). And in the semis, the winners of 1 and 2, and the winners of 3 and 4, will meet, making it impossible for those from A and B to meet those from C and D until the final.

In the event that two or more teams finish with the same points at the end of the group stage, a series of tiebreakers are applied to determine which teams advance to the next stage.

• Highest number of points obtained during the group stage.
• Greater goal difference during the group stage. The goal difference is obtained by subtracting the goals received from the goals scored.
• Most goals scored during the group stage.
• Fewer red cards during the group stage.
• Fewer yellow cards during the group stage.
• By draw.