Argentina and Brazil lived up to the hype here in the Copa America since they asserted their elite status by leading the pack in Group A and in Group B respectively.
These two proud nations were viewed as the favourites to win the trophy and they’ll look to establish themselves even more as we’re about to reach the climax of this tournament.
Meanwhile, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay have assured themselves a spot in the knockout stages while there’s still one more spot left to be settled in the final matchday.
Ecuador, and Venezuela are hoping to join in the fun to complete the cast when they’ll take on their final group stage opponents this weekend while Colombia and Peru are on standby.
As we’re about to reach the knockout phase, SBOTOP analyses the ramifications in the penultimate matchday of the group stages.
Group A’s playing field is all set
La Celeste and La Albirroja grabbed headlines in the Copa America 2021 news as they completed the cast here in Group A.
Uruguay and Paraguay punched in their tickets with comprehensive 2-0 victories over Bolivia and Chile yesterday.
As it stands now in Group A, Argentina lead the group with seven points while Paraguay have six. Chile are at third with five while Uruguay are right behind them with four points.
This leaves Bolivia out in the cold since they have zero points for the last place.
Argentina were the standout team in the group since they were able to turn around their form in such a short time.
Prior to the Copa America, La Albiceleste were held to a draw in back-to-back occasions in the World Cup qualifiers and they dropped points during their opener against Chile.
But Lionel Scaloni’s side seem to have flipped the switch with their wins against Uruguay and Paraguay.
Guido Rodriguez and Papu Gomez emerged as new heroes for Argentina which gives relief and motivation to Lionel Messi, who is still chasing for that elusive international trophy.
Meanwhile, Paraguay and Chile were the surprise packages in the group while Uruguay have been playing subpar.
Paraguay kickstarted their campaign with a solid 3-1 win over Bolivia and they followed that one up with a loss and another win. Chile, meanwhile, were impressive against Argentina to start and they added more points against Uruguay and Bolivia.
As for Uruguay, they need to build on from their 2-0 win over Bolivia if they plan on adding another silverware to their trophy case. They have to be consistent moving forward.
Group B’s final three spots will go down to the wire
The situation in Group B is a bit trickier since their cast has yet to be fully confirmed.
Brazil are the only confirmed participant in the upcoming quarterfinals so far and the last three spots remain up for grabs.
The Selecao have been unstoppable since they got the maximum points available with victories over Venezuela, Peru, and Colombia.
Led by Neymar, who is closing in to Pele’s all-time scoring record, the Samba Boys have been dancing to their own rhythm to which no other team has been able to keep up so far.
Colombia started well in their campaign with a win and a draw, but they’re currently in a slump with back-to-back defeats against Peru and Brazil.
Peru, on the other hand, played much better after their brutal loss against the defending champions as they rediscovered their shooting touch against Colombia and Peru.
Ecuador and Venezuela have matches this weekend that will help shape the landscape of Group B.
Venezuela are slightly favoured by the Copa America 2021 odds since they have a winnable match against Peru compared to Ecuador, who will face a daunting task of trying to topple Brazil.
With no more games left, Colombia are left to pray that Ecuador and Venezuela will either lose or draw in this weekend’s fixtures. They’re currently level with Peru with four points each while Ecuador and Venezuela have two apiece.
The group seedings matter
Given that they are the topnotchers in Group B, Brazil are slated to take on the fourth-placers in Group A.
Meanwhile, the top seed in Group A is going to lock horns against the fourth-placers in Group B.
Argentina are at the Group A summit right now, but that may change if they’ll lose to Bolivia in the final matchday and if Paraguay win over Uruguay.
The runners-up in Group A and B are to be pitted against the third-seeded teams in Group B and A respectively.
Venezuela and Ecuador are both in a must-win situation in Group B. But if they’re unable to pick up a single point this weekend, Ecuador are more likely to grab the final spot in Group B due to their superior goal difference.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
