Argentina beat Ecuador on penalties, after suffering a stoppage time equaliser that resembled the games against The Netherlands and France in Qatar. Emiliano Martinez, again, became Argentina’s hero. Uruguay and Canada also advanced on penalties, while Colombia thrashed Panama 5-0.
1) Are Brazil a team in crisis?
They definitely are. Just like it happened in Qatar, Brazil were out of the competition in the quarter-finals and on penalties. But contrary to Qatar, in the Copa America they didn’t show any positive aspects.
Without Neymar, injured, and with Vinicius suspended, the battle against Uruguay (40 fouls in total) confirmed the poor form shown in the tournament and the lack of guidance by manager Dorival Junior, who was not even able to join the round of players before the penalty shootout.
They failed to score against Costa Rica, were widely dominated by Colombia and barely managed to defeat a weak Paraguay. It is most likely that they will have a fourth manager in less than two years.
To add up, Brazil didn’t qualify for the Olympics, with Argentina eliminating them on stoppage time. If this is not a crisis, well, what is a crisis?
2) Is this the best Colombia of all-time?
If the early 90s were seen as the golden years for Colombia, with Higuita, Perea, Valderrama, Rincón, Asprilla and Valencia… this Colombia, managed by Argentinian Néstor Lorenzo, reached the same record of 27 unbeaten games, but with far more victories (21) compared to the Osvaldo Maturana team (13 victories).
Lorenzo, who played the World Cup final in 1990 and after his retirement became assistant manager of José Pekerman, has managed to assemble a team that respects Colombia’s technique but adding more pressing and acceleration.
James Rodriguez is, so far, the tournament’s most valuable player, with performances that resemble the 2014 World Cup.
3) What’s surprise of the tournament?
Undoubtedly, Canada reaching the semi-finals was a big shock for CONCACAF, but not the only one. With Panama reaching the quarterfinals, and USA and Mexico eliminated in the group stage, the continent’s status quo fell out.
With barely two years for the FIFA World Cup, Canada’s positive style of play, serious approach to games and resilience in critical moments show that they are far more than a team that relies only on Alphonso Davies.
The clash against Venezuela in the quarters was the confirmation of the two Cinderellas, from North America and South America, and their fantastic transformation in the past years.
4) When is the last time that Uruguay won the competition?
La Celeste were crowned champions in 2011 in Argentina, beating Argentina in the final. From those players, only Luis Suárez remains, even if he’s not in Bielsa’s First XI.
Just like the Tabárez team, this new Uruguay are able to adapt quickly to each game, have a rock solid defence, a dynamic midfield lead by Valverde and Darwin Nuñez acting as first defender.
“I like more attacking than defending, but when you play against USA, Mexico or Brazil and not receive any goals, it shows a positive detail that needs to be regarded. Uruguay are consistent,” said Marcelo Bielsa.
5) What’s the record Argentina are chasing?
After winning the Copa America 2021, the Finalissima and the World Cup, the team of Lionel Scaloni can keep making history.
If Argentina win the competition and retain the title of 2021, it will be the first time in their history that they have won the Copa America immediately after winning the World Cup.
In the two previous occasions they couldn’t even reach the final, with Paraguay beating Chile in 1979 and Uruguay beating Chile in 1987.
Quarter-finals
Argentina-Canada, Tuesday in New Jersey
Uruguay-Colombia, Wednesday in Charlotte
Final
Sunday, 14 July
Credit: AIPS Media
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