Colombia v Peru (Saturday, 8pm – Irish time)
Colombia have coasted through the tournament so far, amassing seven points on their way to topping Group A, and the feeling remains that they could have had a clean sweep in the group stages had they shown a bit more gumption against Argentina.
The Colombians knew that a win against Bolivia in their final match would wrap up their quarter-final spot and they had the game won in the space of a half an hour. In Radamel Falcao they have the form striker of the tournament, with Adrian Ramos and Dayro Moreno providing excellent width.
They should have no issue in overcoming a limited Peru. Beyond winger Juan Vargas and the striker Paolo Guerrero, they really have nobody to trouble Hernan Dario Gomez’ side.
Argentina v Uruguay (Saturday, 11.15pm – Irish time)
Although they finally showed up to thrash a weak Costa Rica side 3-0, Argentina will not have wanted a platense derby at such an early stage in the tournament. One would think that a side containing Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain – with the distracted Carlos Tevez in reserve – would have no issue in sweeping aside lesser mortals. However, up until the Costa Rica game, Argentina showed a great deal of tactical naiveté in draws with Bolivia and Colombia.
Luckily they are meeting a Uruguayan side who are stuttering. Draws against Group C opponents Peru and Chile left them fearing for their future, until Alvaro Pereira saved their blushes against Mexico.
The poor form of Edinson Cavani has not helped their cause, with Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan largely failing to pick up the slack left by their errant team-mate.
Brazil v Paraguay (Sunday, 8pm – Irish time)
It has been a tournament of two halves for Brazil – occasionally dazzling in attack but woeful in defence. The previously unflappable Lucio is showing signs of his age while Dani Alves was utterly bossed by Paraguay’s Marcelo Estigarribia when the two teams met in the group stages.
The fall-out from that should see a call up for the more defensive Maicon.
Coach Mano Menezes has at least seen his strikers, Alexandre Pato and Neymar, come good with two goals apiece in the final group game against Ecuador.
Paraguay have been labelled dull but they have surprised many of their doubters with some fine displays. There is the school of thought that Nestor Ortigoza will need some help at the back of midfield against the flair of the Brazilians, but that could well serve to blunt the free flowing style of the Paraguayans.
Chile v Venezuela (Sunday, 11.15pm – Irish time)
Up until the dire 1-0 win over Peru – they achieved victory through a last minute own goal – Chile had been the most impressive side to watch in the entire tournament. Alexis Sanchez is one of the few players to have lived up to his own hype and he has linked up superbly with Mauricio Isla.
Jorge Valdivia was brilliant after being introduced as a playmaker against Uruguay, and the distinctive style adopted by Claudio Borghi’s team could see them threaten for the title.
However, Venezuela will not be pushovers and they have shown admirable skill in getting this far. Cesar Gonzalez has impressed on the wing, Juan Arango’s quick feet are a menace and the previously unheralded Jose Rondon has shown himself to be a fine finisher.
