Uruguay Triumph in South American Showdown
Best Odds: 177/100
Bookmaker: ZetBet
In a highly anticipated clash at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Uruguay emerged victorious against Brazil in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa America.
The winners of this thrilling encounter will face either Colombia or Panama in the semifinals.
Uruguay
Uruguay has been the standout team at the Copa America this summer, winning all three of their group stage matches with an impressive aggregate score of 9-1 to secure the top spot in Group C.
They began the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Panama and followed it up with a dominant 5-0 win against Bolivia. They maintained their perfect record by defeating the USA 1-0 on Tuesday, thanks to Mathias Olivera’s 66th-minute strike.
Despite Marcelo Bielsa’s touchline ban, Uruguay displayed an impressive performance in the group stage. Bielsa, who took charge of the team in May last year, has won 10 out of his 15 games as Uruguay’s manager.
Uruguay has won the Copa America title 15 times, second only to holders Argentina. They are aiming to become South American champions for the first time since 2011. In the last four Copa America tournaments, they have reached the quarterfinals three times but were eliminated on each occasion by Chile (2015), Peru (2019), and Colombia (2021).
This year, Uruguay has shown their potential to go all the way and can be optimistic about their chances, especially after their 2-0 victory over Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifying last year.
Team News
Uruguay might be without attacker Maximiliano Araujo, who suffered an injury during their win against the USA. Cristian Olivera is the likely replacement, joining Facundo Pellistri, Nicolas de la Cruz, and Darwin Nunez in attack.
The rest of the starting XI is expected to remain unchanged, with Federico Valverde and Manuel Ugarte in midfield, and Nahitan Nandez, Ronald Araujo, Mathias Olivera, and Matias Vina forming the backline.
Brazil
Brazil has reached the knockout rounds of the Copa America for the third consecutive tournament. However, they missed out on securing top spot in Group D after a 1-1 draw with Colombia, who advanced as group winners.
The Selecao started strongly with Raphinha scoring a superb free kick in the 12th minute. However, Daniel Munoz equalized for Colombia in first-half stoppage time. Despite their efforts, Brazil managed only three shots on target as Colombia held firm in defense.
Head coach Dorival Junior expressed frustration over officials’ decisions not to award Brazil a penalty. The draw was one of two in the group stage for Brazil, following a goalless stalemate with Costa Rica before a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
Under Dorival’s tenure since January, Brazil remains unbeaten but has drawn four out of seven matches. They are eager to regain momentum as they aim for a third consecutive Copa America semifinal appearance.
Having lost in the 2021 Copa America final, Brazil is determined to clinch their 10th South American title. However, they face an in-form Uruguay side, whom they have defeated nine times in their last 13 meetings across various competitions.
Team News
Brazil will have to cope without Vinicius Junior, who is serving a one-match suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards. This absence could provide an opportunity for 17-year-old Endrick to start up front, with Rodrygo moving onto the flanks. Raphinha, Savio, Gabriel Martinelli, and Pepe are all competing for the final spot in attack.
Left-back Guilherme Arana will be looking to reclaim his starting position from Wendell, while Douglas Luiz, Andreas Pereira, and Ederson are vying for a place in the center midfield ahead of Joao Gomes.
Conclusion
An entertaining and high-scoring contest is expected between Brazil and Uruguay, as eight out of their last ten meetings have seen at least three goals. Brazil, who have not been at their best so far and will be missing Vinicius Junior, face a Uruguay side with positive momentum. This sets the stage for a potential upset in Las Vegas, with Uruguay potentially advancing to the semifinals.
Verdict: Uruguay win
Best odds: 177/100
Bookmaker: ZetBet
