The 2019 Copa America Group Stage is done and the quarterfinal matches are set. The usual suspects made it past the first round, however, it’s not exactly clear which four will move on further. Here are my 2019 Copa America quarterfinal predictions.
Brazil vs Paraguay
This is probably the easiest of the four quarterfinals to predict. Paraguay is coming off of an underwhelming group stage, including a blown two-goal lead vs Qatar and a loss to Colombia’s bench. They did manage to put up a decent fight in their draw with Argentina. However, they’ve definitely shown more bad than good so far in this tournament.
Brazil, on the other hand, finished top of their group including a commanding 5-0 victory over Peru. Even though Brazil showed they struggle against compact, defensive sides as they did in the first half vs Bolivia (which they eventually broke through and beat 3-0) and their 0-0 draw to Venezuela, the hosts should be able to beat Paraguay on talent alone. This can be done even without the injured Neymar.
Prediction: Brazil wins 3-0 with a dominant performance.
How can Paraguay win? Sit back, defend, and use Almiron’s pace to get a goal on a counter-attack.
Venezuela vs Argentina
Based on their group stage, Venezuela is the strongest they’ve been in several years. Lead by Premier League striker Salomon Rondon and MLS MVP Josef Martinez, La Vinotinto is a gutsy side trying to prove they can hang with the rest of the South American giants. Following impressive draws vs Brazil and Peru, they comfortably took care of Bolivia (3-1). After their first three matches, they should be confident in themselves going into the quarterfinals.
Argentina is the antithesis of Venezuela in so many ways. They’re historically talented, but they’re at their worst in years with a lack of confidence as well as coaching. If it were any other team, Venezuela would surely be through, but this team happens to have the greatest footballer to ever kick a ball. Once again, Lionel Messi is carrying a talented, yet somehow horrendous team. After three consecutive finals losses, including the 2014 World Cup and two Copa Americas, the pressure to win a major international trophy is at an all-time high for Messi.
Prediction: Argentina wins 2-1, as a shaky midfield and defensive performance is bailed out by Messi’s and Aguero’s talent.
How can Venezuela win? Long balls to Rondon and forcing Argentina’s poor defense to make plays will do the trick. Prevent Messi from receiving the ball as much as possible.
Colombia vs Chile
Colombia is the only team in the tournament to win all three of their group stage matches and one of only two teams (Brazil) yet to concede a goal. Led by a possessed James Rodriguez with a deceptively talented supporting cast, Colombia is playing their best football since the 2014 World Cup. David Ospina has been somewhat of a weak link in recent years, but even he has been solid, evident by the three clean sheets.
Two-time reigning Copa America Champions, Chile, will want to continue their win streak. They’re not a top team anymore, but they’re still one of the grittiest, most difficult teams to play against in South America. It’s difficult to say how good they really are at the moment. They beat the two teams they were supposed to but lost 1-0 to Uruguay. However, one thing is for certain: Alexis Sanchez has been exceptional following a horrible season with Manchester United. He’s talented enough to be the deciding factor in a game like this.
Prediction: Colombia wins 1-0 in a well-contested match. Their defense continues to shine, as they create chances and score another header.
How can Chile win? Bully James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado, and let Alexis Sanchez get in one-on-ones with Colombia’s fullbacks.
Uruguay vs Perú
Uruguay is the winningest team in Copa America history, and along with Brazil and Colombia, they topped their respective group. Suarez and Cavani seem to be clicking with two goals each so far. Although their defense isn’t as good as it used to be, Uruguay continues to show they’re one of the top South American sides.
Peru has been great in recent years, however, they haven’t had a great start to this year’s Copa. They were unable to overcome Venezuela, even with an extra man for the last 20 minutes following a red card. After a decent bounce-back win over Bolivia, they got absolutely thrashed 5-0 by Brazil. Star striker Paolo Guerrero is 35 now, and it seems the overall quality of Peru is declining with him. Despite this, Peru has always seemed to overachieve, so it’s possible they pull off something special.
Prediction: Uruguay wins 2-0. Suarez and Cavani prove to be too much.
How can Peru win? Use Farfan to attack Laxalt out wide and cause problems in the one defensive weak link that Uruguay possesses.