Colombia Staking a Strong Claim for La Copa América: Semi-Finals Preview

La Copa América continues to parallel the Euros as the competition also enters the semi-finals. Argentina, Canada, Colombia and Uruguay make up the final 4 with lots on the line. El Chumbazo's Jack Heath takes you through the 2 massive games, adding his own personal prediction to how the games could play out.

Argentina vs Canada

KO 1am, 10/07

El Albiceleste just about made it past a talented Ecuador side to secure their place in the semi-finals. Lisandro Martínez's first goal for Argentina put the Argentines into a good position. They were fortunate not to have conceded from the spot as Enner Valencia's penalty painfully struck the post, keeping the score at 1-0. An added-time header from Kevin Rodríguez extended the match into extra-time and then dreaded penalties. Lionel Messi screwed up a panenka effort but was saved by Emi Martínez's heroics to deny Mena and Minda from the spot. Argentina managed to win 4-2 on penalties in an unconvincing performance against La Tricolor.

Canada continue to rewrite the history books as they made it to the Copa América semi-finals for the first time. In an end-to-end game, Canada took the lead through Shaffelburg. Later in the second half, Rondón's outrageous lob levelled up proceedings, eventually taking the game into extra-time and penalties. Both Venezuela and Canada went tit-for-tat in the shootout until Wilker Ángel's penalty was saved by Crépeau, giving Ismaël Koné the chance to convert. The midfielder fired his shot home, sending Canada through for a rematch against Argentina.

Team news wise, both sides enter the game with all players available. Canada will likely set up in the same consistent manner they have done all tournament. For Scaloni, a big decision will be whether he recalls Julián Álvarez to the starting XI in place of tournament lead goal-scorer Lautaro Martínez.

Jack's Prediction:

Canada come into the match as clear underdogs, of which will not phase them. All the pressure will be on Argentina as they will be expected to dispatch of Canada and progress to yet another Copa América final. Canada will have learnt their lessons from the group stage encounter and know that they will need to be clinical in front of goal if they are to have any chance of causing an upset. Argentina have the experience and quality to withstand the Canadian press, likely setting them up for a huge tie against Colombia or Uruguay. Argentina 2-1 Canada.

Uruguay vs Colombia

KO 1am, 11/07

Continuing the theme of the quarter-finals, Uruguay edged out a tight game against an out-of-sorts Brazil to progress to the semi-finals. In a tight game with few clear cut chances barring Darwin Núñez's golden heading opportunity, the match was decided by penalties despite Uruguay going down to 10 men following Nahitan Nández's upgraded dismissal. Misses from Éder Militão and Andreas Pereira proved costly as Uruguay won 4-2 in the shootout. Uruguay continue to impress at the tournament, even against the bigger teams in Brazil and will be difficult to beat.

Colombia continue to set the pace as the best performing side in the tournament. Destroying Panama in a convincing 5-0 win. Within 15 minutes Los Cafeteros were 2-0 up courtesy of Jhon Córdoba and a James Rodríguez penalty. In his 104th appearance for Colombia, the quick-witted captain played a superb ball to Luis Díaz to chip Mosquera in goal to make it 3 before half-time. Colombia stayed in the driving seat all game as further goals from the outstanding Richard Rios and Miguel Borja sealed victory in style. Colombia have looked devastating in their matches so far and will have an eye on the trophy.

Barring the suspension of Nández, both sides have a multitude of options to call on. Uruguay may look to freshen up their side after a testing match against Brazil. Colombia were able to rest some of their players in early substitutions in the Panama game and will perhaps look the fittest heading into the game.

Jack's Prediction:

This has the makings of a very close game with both sides being 2 of the most in-form teams in the competition. Both teams will press high and intensely, presenting likely opportunities at both ends. I do wonder whether the Brazil game may take a little bit out of Uruguay, which may affect them in the latter stages of the match as Colombia look to capitalise. Although I feel this game could go to extra-time, I can't look past Colombia as winners of this tie, setting up a riveting final against El Albiceleste. Uruguay 1-2 Colombia (AET).