The Final Four is set at Copa America and while there are two obvious nations here, there’s
also one major surprise as Canada has reached the semi’s and now face the number one team
in the world, Argentina. And on the other side of the draw, a rematch from the 2021 Copa
quarterfinals as Uruguay faces Colombia with a spot in the championship match on the line.
Argentina vs Canada, Tuesday, July 9th
Canada and Argentina opened Copa America with the World Cup holders winning 2-0. But this
time, the stakes are greater. It really is David vs Goliath. Argentina is the reigning Copa 2021,
World Cup 2022 champions and the number one nation in the world. Meanwhile, Canada is
ranked 48th and playing in its first Copa tournament. And let’s be honest, not many expected
Canada out of the group stage let alone, the final four.
Argentina made quick work of the competition in group play and needed penalties to get by
Ecuador. Lionel Messi has yet to make an impact, no goals, a missed game, and a missed
penalty in the quarterfinals. Still, they have the depth and experience and are heavy favorites to
reach the final.
The upstart Canadians seem to have galvanized around Tajon Buchanan, who suffered a
broken leg during training. To their credit, Canada should have scored multiple goals against
Venezuela, but couldn’t convert. They need a big outing from their keeper, Max Crepeau who
has arguably been the teams’ best player in the tournament, aside from one mistake against
Venezuela. Canada won’t back down against Messi and company, and they are playing with
house money.
Semifinal Odds
Argentina -262
Draw +382
Canada +865
To Advance: Argentina -575
To Advance: Canada +400
Uruguay vs Colombia, Wednesday, July 10th
It was the knock-down-drag-out brawl that we all anticipated between Uruguay and Brazil in the
quarterfinals. La Celeste came out ahead after edging out the opposition 4-2 in penalty kicks.
Sergio Rochet was excellent through regulation and set the tone by stopping Brazil’s first
attempt in penalties. This is the furthest the nation has made it to at the Copa America since
winning the tournament in 2011. This was also the first time it gave Brazil the boot from the
event since 1995 after four different attempts.
Colombia has been a force after scoring 11 goals through 4 games at the tournament, which ties
the nation’s total for most goals scored at a single Copa America. That includes the five that
they pumped in on Panama in the quarterfinals. They play an exciting run and gun style of
football that can lead to chances both for and against. In the 5-0 victory, keeper Camilo Vargas
definitely earned his clean sheet, making three saves in a commanding performance. They’re
coming off a third-place finish in the 2021 Copa America but are hungry for much more this time
around.
Semifinal Odds
Colombia +190
Draw +205
Uruguay +176
To Advance: Colombia +100
To Advance: Uruguay -120
Odds to Win Copa America 2024
Argentina -125
Uruguay +275
Colombia +350
Canada +2200