The quarterfinals of the Copa America 2016 have just finished and the draw for the semifinals of the competition is now complete. Both matches promise to be immensely entertaining and should serve up a cracking spectacle as the remaining four teams will look to battle it out for a place in the final.
Brazil’s early exit came as a surprise, but they weren’t really expected to progress too deep into the tournament anyway. Chile’s demolition of an impressive Mexico team has stunned the continent though and reminded the remaining teams what a ruthless and cohesive unit the Chileans can be on their day. With Colombia and a solid United States team completing the final four, it’s safe to say the best teams are in the semi-finals and though there is now perhaps a clear favorite for each of the semi-finals, (Argentina especially against the United States), an upset could be on the cards. Either way, some really good football is on the cards.
We take a look at the four teams left in the competition:
Argentina:
We have to start with Argentina, of course. They face the United States on the 22nd of June in Houston in a match-up that the hosts will look onto with unrestrained excitement and a small amount of trepidation. Argentina were touted as the favorites for the trophy before the tournament even began and it is no different now as they have ruthlessly dispatched every opposition they have faced so far. Chile provided them a stern test on the first matchday and both teams might yet meet in the final, but the Albiceleste have the hosts to get past first.
Gonzalo Higuain, coming off a splendid season with Napoli seems to have found his goalscoring boots in this tournament with a brace to lead the Argentines past Venezuela and Lionel Messi is in majestic form, with 4 goals in the limited time he’s been on the pitch. They look a little vulnerable defensively, but with the kind of attacking talent they have you expect them to outscore any of the remaining sides left in the competition.
The United States of America
While a valiant defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals wouldn’t leave too many Americans disappointed, they will be looking to cause a major upset. They’ve done well on home turf, playing with a lot of passion and pride and a team that is built on being solid at the back. The gulf in class between them and the Argentines is obvious, but don’t expect them to bow out without a fight.
John Brooks and Geoff Cameron have been fantastic so far as the central defensive pairing but they’re going to have to have the game of their lives if they’re going to have any chance of keeping out the likes of Messi, Higuain, and Aguero. They also rely heavily on Clint Dempsey for goals, and he’ll have to pounce on any opportunity to score.
Chile
Chile vs Mexico was supposed to be the most even and exciting quarterfinal in the Copa America 2016. Mexico, along with Argentina had been the most impressive team in the group stages and many experts thought they could knock the Chileans out. The way Chile completely dismantled and destroyed them though was awe inspiring.
It was a stark reminder of the talent and cohesiveness they possess. Eduardo Vargas has a horrendous goal return at club level but continues to bang them in for his country. He bagged a stunning 4 goals against the Mexicans, taking his overall tally to 31 goals in 57 games in internationals. Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal look sharp and at their best and Chile combine to form a truly frightening unit. Vidal is suspended for the semi-final though in what could be a crucial blow. They still carry the momentum of a 7-0 win and with confidence oozing in their veins, they should still start as favorites against Colombia.
Colombia
It took a penalty shootout win for the Colombians to knock out a plucky Peru side that threatened to send another giant tumbling out of the competition, after their controversial elimination of Brazil. Colombia will wipe that match from their memory, though, and look to take a major step to winning a trophy that would seal their status as being one of best Colombian teams of all time.
They have a tried and tested way of playing, with Carlos Bacca a predator in front of goal and James Rodriguez in the hole. Juan Cuadrado will look to get behind the Chile defense with his speed and skill, and Colombia’s midfield duo of Carlos Sanchez and Daniel Torres will look to make the most of Vidal’s absence and stamp their presence in the middle of the park. Murillo and Zapata form a solid presence in the center of defense, although both are prone to the odd lapses of concentration and will look to keep out Sanchez and Vargas.
