2024 Copa America Semifinals Predictions

The quarter finals were filled with anxiety and excitement. Three of the four matches went to penalty kicks after regulation time. It will be difficult for the semi-finals to live up to the same fun. The remaining four teams are the best and most competitive ones we’ve watched this summer. As mentioned in the last article, there are no draws nor points given from ties. Every round is elimination, meaning ties after regulation lead to shootouts/penalty shots to decide winners. Before picks are made, the numbers are for which team placed where in their assigned group. Here are the predictions for which two teams advance to the title game.

1A Argentina v. 2A Canada

Not many thought the opening match of CONMEBOL’s 2024 Copa America would have a sequel. Argentina and Canada have come a long way since June 20th’s showdown. Canada’s played four great defensive matches while Argentina’s struggled in two of their last three. El Albiceleste’s offense gets goals from Lautaro and Lisandro Martinez while captain and star forward Lionel Messi is almost back to full health.

Forwards Jonathan David and Jacob Shaffelburg, and defenders Alphonso Davies and Alistair Johnston have led Canada’s progress since that first meeting. The quartet have to play perfect on all sides of the ball while forcing Argentina into mistakes Ecuador exploited last match. Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau has to outperform Argentinian keeper Emiliano Martinez the whole match and not lose focus.

Despite Canada’s resurgence, Argentina is the better team. Yes, Crepeau and the defense stunned viewers with their defensive improvement in the first match, but El Albiceleste will find more weaknesses to exploit in 90 minutes.

Prediction: Argentina wins 4-1 and advances to the finals.

1C Uruguay v. 1D Colombia

The best semi-finals matchup in either football tournament. Colombia’s unbeaten in 27 straight matches while Uruguay’s the most physical team left in Copa America. The winner of this match will be the favorite to win the tournament. Las Cafeteras and La Celeste boast deep, talented offenses and shutdown defenses. They are both peaking at the best time and are well coached.

If there’s any visual indication on which team advances, it’s how both teams played Brazil. Uruguay and Brazil went back and forth on both sides of the ball, both teams got physical and La Celeste had to hold on after Nahitan Nandez’s red card. Colombia was a force on offense and had the Carinha on their heels most of their group stage match (despite clinching a quarterfinals spot), especially in the second half. Uruguay has to find a deterrent against the veteran Cafeteras giving their all each match. Don’t be surprised if offensive pressure from the forward quartet of Jhon Cordoba, Miguel Borja, Luis Diaz and Jhon Arias intensify once the second half starts.

Prediction: Colombia wins 4-2 and advances to the finals

Quarterfinals predictions record: 3-1