The quarter-finals of the Copa America 2016 have just finished and the draw for the semi-finals 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 favourite 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
Argentina face the United States on June 22 in Houston in a match-up that the hosts will look onto with unrestrained excitement and a small amount of trepidation. The Albiceleste were touted as the favourites 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.
- USA
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. USA dispatched Ecuador en route to the semi-final.
- Chile
Chile versus 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.
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.
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez also scored in the 7-0 demolition of Mexico to set up a semi-final date with club mate David Ospina of 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.
