What a fun two weeks of football this June and early July. The group stage provided a lot of information on who has the best chance to make a deep run and give teams fits. While most of the eight teams eliminated put up a fight, the remaining eight were better and deserved to advance to the quarterfinals. Starting tonight, there are no draws nor points given from ties. Every round will be elimination. That means overtime and penalty kicks will decide winners. Before picks are made, the numbers are for which team placed where in their assigned group.
1A Argentina v. 2B Ecuador
It should baffle even casual sports fans that only six goals were scored between all four teams in group A. Five of the six came from Argentina as they won all three matches. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez recorded three shutouts despite constant pressure.
While Ecuador advanced, they struggled to consistently score. El Tricolor had four goals in three matches (three were in one match) and took an unexpected loss against Venezuela after an early red card. These struggles will amplify against an impressive Argentinian defense while El Albiceleste’s Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria and Julian Alvarez attack a more vulnerable Ecuador defense.
Prediction: Argentina wins 3-1
1B Venezuela v. 2A Canada
Many viewers expected Venezuela to crash out of round one. La Vinotinto proved many wrong, winning a pivotal opening match against Ecuador and shutting out their last two opponents.
Canada was the only other team in group A who scored a goal. The Canucks defense improved while the offense sputtered in all but one half. Venezuela is stout on defense, but the offense faces their hardest test of the tournament. La Vinotinto star forward Salomon Rondon and Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau will have highlight moments, but Crepeau can only keep his team in the match if the Canucks find ways to score.
Prediction: Venezuela wins in extra time 2-1
1C Uruguay v. 2D Brazil
The most exciting Copa America quarterfinals matchup. Brazil’s inconsistent play gives Uruguay their biggest challenge of the tournament. While veteran midfielder Luis Suarez wasn’t a factor most of the first round, defenders Matias Vina and Mathias Olivera, midfielder Maximiliano Araujo and forward Darwin Nunez scored most of Uruguay’s nine goals in three matches.
If the Canarinha win, it’s because Savio and Lucas Paqueta had to perform better and scored like they did against Paraguay. Since Vinicius Jr. is out after he drew two yellow cards in group play, it’ll be hard for Brazil to counter Uruguay’s scoring depth and stout defense.
Prediction: Uruguay wins 3-1
1D Colombia v. 2C Panama
Colombia’s one of the best teams in the tournament and proved it leading up to Copa America. Las Cafeteras got at least one point in each match while overwhelming defenses. Panama crumbled against the only championship threat they played in round one despite good defensive performances after. Colombia’s easily the better team and will show why before the first half ends.
Prediction: Colombia wins 3-1
Group play predictions record: 6-2
JD's Sportscorner 
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I was on a roll until the Copa championship
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Cosmic clarity
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