Colombia vs Panama (Saturday in Phoenix)
Steen Kirby: Colombia drew with Brazil in a spirited game to complete the group stages that saw them top their group and setup a match with surprise packet Panama at the Cardinals NFL stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Colombia played their second group stage match at this venue and dominated Panama’s CONCACAF neighbor Costa Rica 3-0. Panama are upset minded but definitely outmatched on paper. The Colombia midfield including James Rodriguez as a setup attacker, and Richard Rios and Jefferson Lerma orchestrating things in the middle of the field was great against Brazil and their defending has improved as the tournament has gone on. Colombia have been good this tournament without fully reaching their potential yet.
Panama defeated the USA and Bolivia to finish second in their group and continue to impress in terms of outperforming expectations in cup tournaments, this Panama team was a finalist for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup as well. Players like Yoel Bárcenas from Matazlan FC in LIGA MX have been solid, but it would still be a surprise if they can survive 90 minutes against Colombia without conceding at least once, if not twice. Colombia should move through the gears in this match and come away the winners. Prediction: Colombia 3 Panama 1
Uruguay vs Brazil (Saturday in Las Vegas)
The Las Vegas quarterfinal was always going to be a compelling one based on how the draw was done, the highest ranked team in their group, Uruguay finished with the maximum 9 points defeating Panama, Bolivia, and the United States while conceding only one goal (against Panama). Uruguay have scored easily and defended well. PSG’s Manuel Ugarte and Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde have been warriors in the midfield for their country, and this is (once again) a really good Uruguay team, the small nation constantly produces technically skilled and brilliant footballers.
Brazil, as mentioned, came away with a draw against Colombia, a frustrating result in what has been, a frustrating tournament for a team that is always considered a contender to win Copa America and teh World Cup. This Brazil side clicked against what turned out to be a poor Paraguay side in a 4-1 victory but managed just one goal against Costa Rica and Colombia combined, resulting in two draws. The Brilliance of Barcelona’s Raphina aside, this is a Brazil side that defends well with Real Madrid’s Militao and with Liverpool’s Alisson in goal they don’t concede easily, but they also really struggle to score goals.
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been toothless as the primary striker, Real’s Vini Jr. hasn’t been a factor and appears tired from the Spanish side’s Champions League victory, while Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes and others are primarily ball control midfielders. Manager Dorival Jr. needs to consider making changes in the attack formation and lineup if they are going to beat Uruguay (and likely Colombia in the semifinal).
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli has been on the bench for Brazil this Copa America, while the teenager Endrick who is headed to Real Madrid has only been used as a late substitute, Porto’s Evanilson hasn’t played a solitary minute in Copa America. If Brazil doesn’t make some changes, Uruguay are expected to rout this match. Prediction: Uruguay 2 Brazil 0
Main Photo Credit: IMAGO Images Copyright: xAdrianxMaciasx
