After nearly two weeks of round-robin matches, the group stage competition of the 2019 Copa America is complete. Now we are down to the final eight teams who will battle it out in the quarterfinals stage which is set to begin on June 27th. Now let’s take a look at the final tables to see which teams made it:

Group A

  • 1. Brazil: 7 pts, +8 Goal Difference
  • 2. Venezuela: 5 pts, +2 GD
  • 3. Peru: 4 pts, -3 GD
  • 4. Bolivia: 0 pts, -7 GD

Group B

  • 1. Colombia: 9 pts, +4 GD
  • 2. Argentina: 4 pts, 0 GD
  • 3. Paraguay: 2 pts, -1 GD
  • 4. Qatar: 1 pt, -3 GD

Group C

  • 1. Uruguay: 7 pts, +5 GD
  • 2. Chile: 6 pts, +4 GD
  • 3. Japan: 2 pts, -4 GD
  • 4. Ecuador: 1 pt, -5 GD

The schedule for the quarterfinals is as follows:

  • June 27: Brazil vs. Paraguay at 8:30 p.m. ET
  • June 28: Venezuela vs. Argentina at 3 p.m. ET
  • June 28: Colombia vs. Chile at 7 p.m. ET
  • June 29: Uruguay vs. Peru at 3 p.m. ET

For this preview, let’s focus our attention on the June 28th quarterfinals match between Colombia and two-time defending champions Chile which will take place at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

This will be the second straight COPA America where both teams will face each other in the knockout stages. In 2016, Chile blanked Colombia 2-0 in the semifinals en route to winning their second consecutive Copa America title. Midfielder Charles Aranguiz and forward Jose Pedro Fuenzalida scored one goal each to put Chile through to the 2016 finals.

Both Aranguiz and Fuenzalida are on the current Chile team and for sure, they will look to replicate their efforts from three years ago to help their team move closer to their dream of winning three Copa America titles in a row. As for Colombia, revenge would not be sweeter than knocking off the team which stopped them on their tracks in 2016.

“Soccer" Colombia

Colombia has been the most consistent team during the group stage. Not only were they perfect with three consecutive victories, but they also shutout their first three opponents in the current tournament. This marks the first time since 2001 that Colombia has swept its group stage matches in a Copa America and it could be a good sign for them. Colombia won the Copa America in 2001.

Here are the members of Colombia’s squad:

  • Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Alvaro Montero
  • Defenders: Cristian Zapata, Santiago Arias, Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina, William Tesillo, Cristian Borja, Stefan Medina, Jhon Lucumi
  • Midfielders: Juan Cuadrado, James Rodriguez, Edwin Cardona, Wilmar Barrios, Mateus Uribe, Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Cuellar
  • Forwards: Radamel Falcao, Luis Muriel, Roger Martinez, Duvan Zapata, Luis Diaz
What are the Moneyline Odds?

Colombia

+125

Draw

+210

Chile

-240

Odds from Titanbet.com as of 6/26/19

“Soccer" Chile

Chile opened their Copa America title-retention bid with a 4-0 shutout of Japan and followed that up with a 2-1 victory over Ecuador. But the defending champion dropped a 0-1 contest to Uruguay in their final group stage match to finish 2nd in Group C. Despite the loss, Chile impressed in the opening round and with their experience, they are going to be a handful for Colombia, who are the soccer betting favorites in this match.

These are the players from Chile’s team:

  • Goalkeepers: Gabriel Arias, Brayan Cortes, Yerko Urra
  • Defenders: Gary Medel, Gonzalo Jara, Mauricio Isla, Jean Beausejour, Paulo Diaz, Guillermo Maripan, Igor Lichnovsky, Oscar Opazo
  • Midfielders: Arturo Vidal, Charles Aranguiz, Pedro Pablo Hernandez, Erick Pulgar, Diego Valdes, Esteban Pavez
  • Forwards: Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas, Jose Pedro Fuenzalida, Nicolas Castillo, Junior Fernandes, Angelo Sagal

“Soccer" Who Wins?

No doubt Chile enters this match feeling confident about themselves as they are the only unbeaten team in the tournament and only one of two teams ( Brazil is the other ) who didn’t yield a single goal in the group stage. For sure, that 2016 semifinals defeat are on the back of their minds and they can’t wait to avenge that.

Colombia has scored just a total of four goals in three matches but this team has not needed to flex its offensive muscles because their defense has been spectacular so far in the competition. Christian Zapata and the rest of the defense have been exceptional in their first three matches of the tournament.

But Chile has also been outstanding in this tournament. There were plenty of talks on whether they would be in form to defend their crown and they’ve since silenced their doubters. Chile was controlling 58% of ball possession and had more shots on goal than Uruguay in their last match. It was just that Cavani had the better offense and scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute.

Overall, Chile has played very well in this tournament. With Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas in great form, the defending champions aren’t a team that can be overlooked. Remember that most of their players have been here before and they know how to win. More than their talent level, it’s Chile’s vast experience that makes them a threat in this match.

Sure, Colombia has been the best team so far. But we are entering the knockout stages where previous records no longer matter. We start from scratch here and I think Chile’s experience will be a big factor in this match. I like how Colombia has approached and played this tournament but with the better betting value, I’ll take my chances on the champions and pick Chile to win this quarterfinals matchup. Prediction: Chile

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