While the Euro’s have just about begun their second round of matches, the Copa America 2016 has reached the business end of the tournament. With Brazil and Uruguay out, we’ve been deprived of plenty of talent much earlier than expected, but they’re plenty of star players on show nevertheless, and we are looking forward to a scintillating end to the football tournament.
Argentina are clearly everyone’s favourites, but Mexico have had an equally impressive tournament and the champions of the Copa America 2015, Chile, are as gritty and motivated as ever. The hosts, the United States of America have also been solid and exceeded expectations so far and Colombia have been making an impression on the international stage for several years now. Expect the underdogs like Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru to be in with a shout as well and all in all the quarter finals throw up some extremely intriguing match-ups to look forward to.
We take a look at some of the best player battles on show in the Quarter-Finals that will be instrumental in which teams battle it out for a place in the final.
Hector Herrera (Mexico) vs Arturo Vidal (Chile)
Arturo Vidal is now well recognized across the world. With clubs like Bayern and Juve on his CV, his status as one of the best box to box midfielders in football isn’t really in any doubt. There were question marks over his fitness after his big money move to Bayern but the way he ended the season with the Bavarians have more than dispelled those. He has the knack of scoring crucial goals for both club and country and has already scored twice in the group stage.
Vidal will be up against Porto’s Herrera in the middle of the park and the sight of the two immensely talented and energetic midfielders up against each other should be a delight to watch. Herrera is currently being courted by Napoli and Liverpool and is one of the best midfielders in the world not to have played in any of the top 5 European Leagues as of yet. His energy and hustle along with his passing abilities have ensured that several clubs are lining up for his services.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) vs Dani Hernandez (Venezuela)
Crowds in the United States have been desperate for the sight of the Barcelona wizard, and have chanted for him to be brought on in the first half of Argentina’s games. The 5 time world player of the year winner is still reaching full fitness, but his impact on the tournament has been evident, as from his second half hatrick against Panama to his nutmeg of Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe.
Martino refused to reveal whether Messi will start against Venezuela but one would imagine that Dani Hernandez, the Venezuelan goalkeeper would be having sleepless nights at the prospect of facing the Barcelona maestro. Dani himself though has had a good tournament, and he especially had a great game against the Mexicans, making some brilliant saves that were instrumental in getting them a draw. The 30 year old keeper, who’s been plying his trade in Spain for several years and now plays for Tenerife will have to be in superhuman form if Venezuela are to have any chance of getting a result against the tournament favourites.
Geoff Cameron (U.S.A) vs Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
The United States have had a better tournament than many would have expected so far and will be hugely motivated to make the semi-finals on their home turf.
Cameron has formed a superb partnership with John Brooks in the center of defense, one that has been instrumental in them keeping two clean sheets in the group stages. The Stoke City man will have to be at his absolute best if he is to thwart Enner Valencia though.
The West Ham striker has 16 goals for 28 games for his national team, having the tendency to perform far better for his country than his club and announced himself on the world stage as well in the last World Cup. Cameron will have to watch out for the barrage of crosses by Jefferson Montero and Antonio Valencia who’ll be looking to make chances for Enner Valencia to stick into the net.
Alexis Sanchez (Chile) vs Hector Moreno (Mexico)
Another key battle in what is perhaps the best match up of the Copa’s. Alexis Sanchez will have endured a frustrating stop and start season with Arsenal and will be determined to make the most of this tournament. Though it is a testament to the forwards talent that he’s scored 17 goals in an ‘underwhelming’ season, Sanchez has looked sharp in Chile’s run to the quarters.
He’ll be looking to buzz around the Mexican box with his typical energy and endeavor and Hector Moreno, the otherwise assured Mexican central defender is sure to have a busy night. Moreno has been representing El Tri for the last 9 years, and is a fixture in their lineup for his talents as a robust and sharp defender who’s good with the ball at his feet as well. Their head to head battle will be key.
Paolo Guerrero (Peru) vs Crisitan Zapata (Colombia)
Colombia have talent all over the pitch but it’s Zapata’s performance that will be crucial in determining if the Colombians can oust the Peruvian attack spearheaded by Paolo Guerrero.
Guerrero scored the crucial second half goal against Haiti in Peru’s opening match that has been vital in their qualification, knocking out powerhouses Brazil in the process. The 32 year old has 27 goals in 70 caps for Peru and has plenty of experience and will be sniffing around for the faintest of lapses in judgment by Zapata to send the Peru fans into delirium.
Zapata has had a mixed season with Milan in Serie A, but has almost always looked sharp for his national team, though he is prone to the odd lapses. If he can hold his own against the Peru attack, Colombia will have an excellent chance of storming into the semi-finals.
