New Delhi: The Copa America has reached the business end with quarterfinals starting from July 5. Most of the big hitters are still in the tournament with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay among the teams looking to find a path through the knockout stages.
Hosts USA are out of the tournament while some underdogs have managed to earn a spot in the last eight and are looking to cause more upsets.
With the quarterfinals on the way let’s take a look at the stories to look out for.
Copa America 2024 fixture:
July 5 – Argentina vs Ecuador
July 6 – Venezuela vs Canada
July 6 – Colombia vs Panama
July 7 – Uruguay vs Brazil
Will Messi make a strong comeback?
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina practices at Shell Energy Stadium for the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 on July 03, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
Argentina star Lionel Messi could be playing his last Copa and would be looking to hold another trophy. But the hamstring injury hit in the group stage has raised eyebrows on his performance and him leading the game further in the campaign.
The 36-year-old played in his side’s first two wins against Canada and Chile but was forced to sit out in their game against Peru. For the first time, he failed to score in the group stage although he assisted a goal in the opening match against Canada in a 2-0 win.
Messi has managed to return to training and will likely play in the upcoming clash against Ecuador. They have beaten them 1-0 earlier in a friendly in June.
Will Messi be able to manage to find his form will be something that remains an important aspect of Argentina’s campaign?
Darwin Nunez on fire
Uruguay forward Darwin Núñez (19) attacks the ball upfield during the Group A match between the United States and Uruguay on Monday July 1, 2024 at Arrowhead stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has played a crucial role in helping Uruguay reach the quarters with a maximum of nine points in the group stage. Nunez has played in each game for Uruguay and has scored in the 3-1 win against Panama and the 5-0 victory over Bolivia.
Nunez has scored 13 goals in 26 international appearances. He even scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Mexico in their final preparation games for Copa America.
Uruguay will face a tough opponent in the quarterfinals but are likely to get past one of the favourites as they will be without their leading goal scorer Vinicius Junior. Uruguay beat the host to knock them out in the group stage and will look forward to carrying the same form.
Will Brazil survive without Vinicius Jr?
JULY 02: Vinicius Junior of Brazil argues with Referee Jesus Valenzuela after receiving a yellow card during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group D match between Brazil and Colombia at Levi’s Stadium on July 02, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Brazil haven’t been at their best in the ongoing tournament. Though they have made it to the quarters. Vinicius Junior’s suspension has come a huge blow for the Selecao. Vinicius has netted twice for Brazil and is the top scorer for Brazil in the tournament.
The current Brazil team is also without Neymar Jr. so they need someone to step in and hold the front line for the team in the next match. Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has spent most of his time on the bench.
The five-time World Cup Champions face a tough Uruguay test.
Debutants Canada planning another upset
JUNE 29: Canada starters huddle prior to kickoff during a game between Canada and Chile at Inter&Co Stadium on June 29, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Canada are the first debutant who have become a part of the tournament outside South America. Six of the 16 teams are from the Confederation of North, Central America and CONCACAF.
They are the only hosts who have made it to the quarters, something both the USA and Mexico have not been able to do. Although they have struggled for goals in the group stage, Lille striker Jonathan Davis is one of their main threats. He has provided their only goal against Peru while they lost 2-0 to Argentina and drew 0-0 with Chile.
Can Panama be the David to Colombia’s Goliath?
Cesar Yanis of Panama celebrates after with teammates scoring the team’s third goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between Bolivia and Panama at Inter&Co Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Panama have been the other surprise package in the Copa America 2024, exceeding expectations in the group stage. They beat the neighbours USA and Bolivia to book a quarter-final clash against Colombia.
Colombia have been a strong side, finishing top of the group including a draw with Brazil. Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez and Jefferson Lerma will be difficult to handle for the underdogs.
Going a step further might be too much to ask of the underdogs but they can turn the tides in their favour. Colombia is a talented side and is more than capable of outclassing Panama, who will aim to cause a huge upset.
Copa America 2024 heats up with thrilling quarter final clashes. Can Messi’s comeback, underdog upsets and star players’ performances steal the spotlight? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
