Copa America 2015: Quarter-final predictions

The 2015 Copa America is done and dusted with the group stage and now begins its crucial knock-out rounds. Only 8 teams now remain and the quarter-finals are about serve some really tantalizing match-ups for it’s viewers.Hosts Chile are against Uruguay, minnows Bolivia and Peru meet the next day. Favourites Argentina will lock horns with Colombia and Brazil are set to reunite with Paraguay in the last fixture. Only four of them can take a step closer to the crown, but who will be those fantastic four? Here are the predictions.

#1 Chile vs Uruguay

The hosts will commence the quarters with a mouth-watering clash against the erratic Uruguay in the capital once again. La Roja kicked off the campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Ecuador which was followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw with Mexico. Chile then sealed their passage to the last 8 in style as they romped past a hapless Bolivia 5-0 to lay down a marker. Naturally, the host side are running high on confidence and will look to play this game in the same vein.

Chile have never lifted the Latin-American showpiece and now have the best chance to end their embarrassing 99-year title drought but firstly, they will have to pass the Uruguayans, who have been tumultuous so far. Shorn of their talismanic forward Luis Suarez, who is still serving his international embargo, La Celeste opened their account with an unconvincing 1-0 victory over minnows Jamaica. And after a going down to the mighty Argentina, were held to a goal-less draw by Paraguay in the final group game.

Uruguay’s strike force are dreadfully struggling to fire at all cylinders in the absence of El Pistolero whereas their defence has been in sixes and sevens. Now this might sound the death knell for the defending champions when they’ll go head to head with the potent strike force of Chile, with Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas wreaking havoc so far.

The hosts have racked-up an amazing 10 goals in the last 3 games, the highest in the competition so far and will predictably, bank on their fierce front line to do the work. Uruguay, who have been off-coloured right from the start, will have a really tough time getting past this juggernaut.

Prediction: A comfortable win for Chile is on the cards.

Score Prediction: Chile 2-0 Uruguay

#2 Bolivia vs Peru

The match of the minnows, Bolivia and Peru square-off in the most low profile quarter-final game. Surprisingly though, both these sides finished second in their respective groups, pipping Mexico and Colombia respectively but only one has a shot at the final four. And who will it be?

Considering their most recent performance, Peru emerge as the likely winners as they put up a convincing performance against Los Cafeteors in holding them off to a goal-less stalemate. Eitherwise, Los Incas are still a better proposition than their neighbours, as they boast a perfect blend of wily attack and cohesive defensive unit.

Bolivia have none.

Their 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the hosts have left the pundits skeptical of their chances in this game. What is also worth noting, is Bolivia's dismal record against Peru which stands at just 4 wins in the last 16 encounters. This may further provide Peru with a psychological edge over El Verde.

Prediction : Although their last 4 meetings have ended in a draw, Peru have shown enough grit in the competition to get the better of their rivals this time within the 90 minute span.

Score Prediction: Bolivia 1-2 Peru

#3 Argentina vs Colombia

In the stand-out tie of the quarter-finals, 14-time champions Argentina take-on last year’s World Cup quarter finalists Colombia at the Estadio Sausalito. Favourites Albiceleste may not have played to their true potential so far, but are still widely considered as favourites for the title. Colombia, on the other hand, haven’t replicated their supreme World Cup form of last summer, but their shock victory over Brazil in their group’s second game proved their mettle when the stakes are high.

Argentina started the competition on unstable ground as they led a 2-goal lead slip by them and ended up sharing the spoils with Paraguay in a thrilling draw. Their 1-0 victory over Uruguay on matchday 2 showed their quality over better sides but were underwhelming again in their one goal win over Jamaica in the last of the group stage.

The game highlighted their profligacy as the likes of Higuain, Messi, Tevez and Di Maria fluffed way too many chances and what could have been an absolute goal-fest, ended unconvincingly for Messi and co.

Their adversaries for the weekend have been unpredictable. Losing to Venezuela on the opening day, Colombia pulled off a stunner against Brazil on matchday 2 and then took their foot off the gas again against Peru. Despite the big names in their ranks- James Rodriguez, Jackson Martinez, Carlos Bacca, Juan Cuadrado and Falcao, Jose Pekerman’s team are a poor imitation of the stellar team we saw last summer.

Despite Argentina’s dour showings, they have enough weapons in their armory to remain competitive in the latter stages of the competition and put up a good fight. Although Colombia are due to provide a tricky test, they barely stand a chance in this game.

Prediction: Higuain may once again be the savior as Argentina narrowly get past Colombia.

Score Prediction: Argentina 1-0 Colombia

#4 Brazil vs Paraguay

In the last quarter-final fixture, we have Brazil against old foes Paraguay in the repeat of the 2011 Copa America clash at the same stage where the latter edged out the Canaries on penalties after a goalless stalemate. And this time around, a same outcome may be in the offing.

Brazil always show great promise in the preliminary rounds but flatter to deceive when it matters the most. This has been the scenario in the last 2 major competitions now and this time as well, they may fizzle out at the crucial stage.

After 2 disappointing games against Peru and Colombia, Brazil eked out a narrow 2-1 win over Venezuela sans Neymar. With their main marksman completely ruled out of the competition, the scoring mantle will once again fall on Roberto Firmino and Diego Tardelli. But Paraguay aren’t Venezuela. They are one of the only 3 teams to have concluded the group stages undefeated and have ruffled the feathers of the likes of Uruguay and Argentina in the process.

Los Guaranies have proved to be a hard nut to crack and are emerging as the dark horses for the title. Despite Brazil’s might and squad depth, it appears hazy to see them beating Paraguay.

Prediction : A second successive semi-finals for Ramon Diaz’s men.

Score Prediction : Brazil 0-1 (a.e.t) Paraguay