Check out my blog for the UEFA Euro Cup 2016 Knockout Round here: uefa2016eurocup.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Final Cup Summary (6/3 - 6/26)
Group Stage
Group A
Group A
USA, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay
USA 0-2 COL
CRC 0-0 PAR
USA 4-0 CRC
COL 2-1 PAR
USA 1-0 PAR
COL 2-3 CRC
Table
Peru (1B)
| ||||
Eliminated
| ||||
Group B
Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, and Haiti
HAI 0-1 PER
BRA 0-0 ECU
BRA 7-1 HAI
ECU 2-2 PER
ECU 4-0 HAI
BRA 0-1 PER
Table
5
|
USA (1A)
| |||
Eliminated
| ||||
Group C
Mexico, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Jamaica
JAM 0-1 VEN
MEX 3-1 URU
URU 0-1 VEN
MEX 2-0 JAM
MEX 1-1 VEN
URU 3-0 JAM
Table
7
|
Argentina (1D)
| |||
0
|
Eliminated
| |||
Group D
Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
QuarterFinals
Argentina, Chile, Panama, and Bolivia
PAN 2-1 BOL
ARG 2-1 CHI
CHI 2-1 BOL
ARG 5-0 PAN
CHI 4-2 PAN
ARG 3-0 BOL
Table
6
|
Mexico (1C)
| |||
Panama
|
-6
|
Eliminated
| ||
Knockout Round
Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
QuarterFinals
USA def. Ecuador 2-1
Argentina def. Venezuela 4-1
Colombia def. Peru 0-0 (4-2 Pens)
Chile def. Mexico 7-0
SemiFinals
Argentina def. USA 4-0
Chile def. Colombia
3rd Place Match
Colombia def. USA 1-0
Final
Chile def. Argentina 0-0 (4-2 Pens)
Final Placing
1st: Chile
2nd: Argentina
3rd: Colombia
4th: USA
5th-8th (lost in QFs): Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico
9th-12th (3rd place teams): Costa Rica, Brazil, Uruguay, Panama
13th-16th (4th place teams): Paraguay, Haiti, Jamaica, Bolivia
Awards
Gold: Chile
Silver: Argentina
Bronze: Colombia
Golden Ball (best player): Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Golden Glove (best goalkeeper): Claudio Bravo (Chile)
Golden Boot (most goals): Eduardo Vargas (Chile)
Best XI of Tournament:
GK: C. Bravo (Chile)
D: M. Isla (Chile), N. Otamendi (Argentina), G. Medel (Chile), J. Beausejour (Chile)
M: J. Mascherano (Argentina), A. Vidal (Chile), C. Aránguiz (Chile)
F: L. Messi (Argentina), E. Vargas (Chile), A. Sánchez (Chile)
Also, check out my Euro Cup knockout round blog here: uefa2016eurocup.blogspot.com
SemiFinals
Argentina def. USA 4-0
Chile def. Colombia
3rd Place Match
Colombia def. USA 1-0
Final
Chile def. Argentina 0-0 (4-2 Pens)
Final Placing
1st: Chile
2nd: Argentina
3rd: Colombia
4th: USA
5th-8th (lost in QFs): Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico
9th-12th (3rd place teams): Costa Rica, Brazil, Uruguay, Panama
13th-16th (4th place teams): Paraguay, Haiti, Jamaica, Bolivia
Awards
Gold: Chile
Silver: Argentina
Bronze: Colombia
Golden Ball (best player): Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Golden Glove (best goalkeeper): Claudio Bravo (Chile)
Golden Boot (most goals): Eduardo Vargas (Chile)
Best XI of Tournament:
GK: C. Bravo (Chile)
D: M. Isla (Chile), N. Otamendi (Argentina), G. Medel (Chile), J. Beausejour (Chile)
M: J. Mascherano (Argentina), A. Vidal (Chile), C. Aránguiz (Chile)
F: L. Messi (Argentina), E. Vargas (Chile), A. Sánchez (Chile)
Also, check out my Euro Cup knockout round blog here: uefa2016eurocup.blogspot.com
3rd Place and Final Summary (6/25-6/26)
Results
(3rd Place) Colombia def. USA 1-0
(Final) Chile def. Argentina 0-0 (4-2 Pens)
USA v Colombia
This was one of the closest matches of the cup, but ultimately, the better team won. This was a defensive battle, as both goalkeepers (Tim Howard and David Ospina) had great days. The only goal scored was a tap in by Carlos Bacca that Howard could have done nothing to keep out. The USA made countless attacks on the Colombian net, but not one could seem to go in, and Colombia won 1-0. Colombia will be going home with bronze medals after what should be considered a successful tournament for them. The only teams that finished above Colombia were Chile and Argentina. The USA should also be happy with the way the tournament went. They outplayed their expectations, and finished 4th overall in the cup. They will be upset not to finish with any hardware, but they look to build upon this great performance at the World Cup in Russia 2018.
Chile v Argentina
The final went the exact same way it did last year. After a 0-0 draw, Chile won the match in penalties to win the Copa America. Although, they were not necessarily the better team throughout the match. The possession was almost equal, but Argentina had all the chances on goal. Chile only had 4 total shots over the course of the 120 minutes, while Argentina had 19. Bravo was superb in net for Chile, and because of him, Argentina was not able to score a single goal. Messi missed his first ever penalty in a shootout, and Chile won its second straight Copa America. The Chileans are red-hot right now, and look to win their first every World Cup title in Russia in 2018. Argentina lost its 3rd cup final in 3 years. Messi is now 0-4 in cup finals in his international career. He never won an international trophy. Messi announced his retirement from international soccer, and many other Argentine stars are retiring as well. R.I.P. Argentina's National Team.
Final Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
(3rd Place) Colombia def. USA 1-0
(Final) Chile def. Argentina 0-0 (4-2 Pens)
USA v Colombia
This was one of the closest matches of the cup, but ultimately, the better team won. This was a defensive battle, as both goalkeepers (Tim Howard and David Ospina) had great days. The only goal scored was a tap in by Carlos Bacca that Howard could have done nothing to keep out. The USA made countless attacks on the Colombian net, but not one could seem to go in, and Colombia won 1-0. Colombia will be going home with bronze medals after what should be considered a successful tournament for them. The only teams that finished above Colombia were Chile and Argentina. The USA should also be happy with the way the tournament went. They outplayed their expectations, and finished 4th overall in the cup. They will be upset not to finish with any hardware, but they look to build upon this great performance at the World Cup in Russia 2018.
Chile v Argentina
The final went the exact same way it did last year. After a 0-0 draw, Chile won the match in penalties to win the Copa America. Although, they were not necessarily the better team throughout the match. The possession was almost equal, but Argentina had all the chances on goal. Chile only had 4 total shots over the course of the 120 minutes, while Argentina had 19. Bravo was superb in net for Chile, and because of him, Argentina was not able to score a single goal. Messi missed his first ever penalty in a shootout, and Chile won its second straight Copa America. The Chileans are red-hot right now, and look to win their first every World Cup title in Russia in 2018. Argentina lost its 3rd cup final in 3 years. Messi is now 0-4 in cup finals in his international career. He never won an international trophy. Messi announced his retirement from international soccer, and many other Argentine stars are retiring as well. R.I.P. Argentina's National Team.
Final Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Thursday, June 23, 2016
3rd Place and Final Preview (6/25 - 6/26)
Matches
3rd Place Match (Saturday 6/25 @ 8 PM ET)- USA v Colombia
Final (Sunday 6/26 @ 8 PM ET)- Argentina v Chile
Bracket
image from wikipedia.org
USA v Colombia
This is the match up for 3rd place. Though both of these teams have already been eliminated from winning the trophy, they will still want to fight for a chance to take away some hardware from this tournament, which, in this case, would be bronze medals. The USA really want to win this one in front of their fans so get revenge on Colombia, and know they are the best in the Americas, besides Argentina and Chile (and perhaps Brazil if they had brought their full squad). If the Americans can do that, this tournament will have been a massive success. The USA rebounded well after the first loss with a resounding victory over Costa Rica. Now they have a chance to prove they have come a long way and actually are better than the Colombians, who have fallen into a slump after the first few matches, as they lost to Costa Rica and Chile, and needed penalties to deal with Peru (Peru of all teams!). I think the USA has the momentum and nothing to lose, so they will bounce back and finish the tournament with bronze.
Prediction: USA wins 2-1
Argentina v Chile
The final. Last year Chile beat Argentina in the final. This year, Argentina beat Chile 2-1 in the group stage, and are playing like the best team in the world right now. Argentina needs this. They have not won an international trophy since 1993. They have lost 2 cup finals in the last 2 years. Lionel Messi, who already holds the record for most Ballons D'or won, has not yet won an international trophy. They go up against Chile, defending champions of the cup. And they want to defend it. They don't want to lose it right away, to the same team they beat last time.
Argentina has the best defense in the cup. They have only conceded 2 goals so far. Chile has conceded 5. Argentina has the best offense in the cup. They have scored 18 goals. Chile has scored 16 (although 7 came in one match where Mexico stopped trying at 3). Argentina has the best players in the cup: Lionel Messi- 5-time Ballon D'Or winner, Gonzalo Higuain- who holds the record for most goals scored in a single season ever in the Italian League (Serie A), Sergio Aguero- the player with the highest goal-per-minute rate of all time in the Premier League. Chile has some stars in Arturo Vidal, and Alexis Sanchez, but none of the quality of Argentina's. Argentina has clearly learned from the last two 2nd place finishes. They are playing like the #1 team in the world. They have already beaten Chile once in this cup, and that too without Lionel Messi. They want revenge for last year. And this time, they will win it all.
Prediction: Argentina wins 2-0
Also, take a look at my Euro Cup Knockout Round Blog here: uefa2016eurocup.blogspot.com
3rd Place Match (Saturday 6/25 @ 8 PM ET)- USA v Colombia
Final (Sunday 6/26 @ 8 PM ET)- Argentina v Chile
Bracket
image from wikipedia.orgUSA v Colombia
This is the match up for 3rd place. Though both of these teams have already been eliminated from winning the trophy, they will still want to fight for a chance to take away some hardware from this tournament, which, in this case, would be bronze medals. The USA really want to win this one in front of their fans so get revenge on Colombia, and know they are the best in the Americas, besides Argentina and Chile (and perhaps Brazil if they had brought their full squad). If the Americans can do that, this tournament will have been a massive success. The USA rebounded well after the first loss with a resounding victory over Costa Rica. Now they have a chance to prove they have come a long way and actually are better than the Colombians, who have fallen into a slump after the first few matches, as they lost to Costa Rica and Chile, and needed penalties to deal with Peru (Peru of all teams!). I think the USA has the momentum and nothing to lose, so they will bounce back and finish the tournament with bronze.
Prediction: USA wins 2-1
Argentina v Chile
The final. Last year Chile beat Argentina in the final. This year, Argentina beat Chile 2-1 in the group stage, and are playing like the best team in the world right now. Argentina needs this. They have not won an international trophy since 1993. They have lost 2 cup finals in the last 2 years. Lionel Messi, who already holds the record for most Ballons D'or won, has not yet won an international trophy. They go up against Chile, defending champions of the cup. And they want to defend it. They don't want to lose it right away, to the same team they beat last time.
Argentina has the best defense in the cup. They have only conceded 2 goals so far. Chile has conceded 5. Argentina has the best offense in the cup. They have scored 18 goals. Chile has scored 16 (although 7 came in one match where Mexico stopped trying at 3). Argentina has the best players in the cup: Lionel Messi- 5-time Ballon D'Or winner, Gonzalo Higuain- who holds the record for most goals scored in a single season ever in the Italian League (Serie A), Sergio Aguero- the player with the highest goal-per-minute rate of all time in the Premier League. Chile has some stars in Arturo Vidal, and Alexis Sanchez, but none of the quality of Argentina's. Argentina has clearly learned from the last two 2nd place finishes. They are playing like the #1 team in the world. They have already beaten Chile once in this cup, and that too without Lionel Messi. They want revenge for last year. And this time, they will win it all.
Prediction: Argentina wins 2-0
Also, take a look at my Euro Cup Knockout Round Blog here: uefa2016eurocup.blogspot.com
SemiFinals Summary (6/21-6/22)
Results- SemiFinals
Argentina def. USA 4-0
Chile def. Colombia 2-0
Argentina v USA
This matchup went exactly the way we all expected it to. Argentina keeps rolling, and has now won all 5 matches it has played so far in the tournament. Over the course of the 5 matches, they have scored 18 goals, and conceded 2. They continue to dominate in all areas of play, out-possessing the Americans 68-32, out-shooting them 11-1(!!!!), and out-passing them 587-226. The USA did not have a single shot on target over the course of the match. Messi was particularly good for Argentina, as he scored 1 and assisted 2. He is one goal behind Chile's Eduardo Vargas in the race for the Golden Boot (6-5). Messi's free kick was his 55th career goal for Argentina, and he now holds the record for most international goals by an Argentine. Argentina will face Chile in the final. As for the USA, they were not good at all. They could not get any real chances going, and they clearly missed their starting midfielders Jermaine Jones and Alejandro Bedoya, as they did not get much possession of the ball over the course of the match. These 2 and Bobby Wood will be available for the third place match against Colombia.
Chile v Colombia
Despite finishing second in their group, and having a relatively quiet first few games, Chile exploded to life for the knockout stage. They followed up their 7-0 rout of Mexico with a solid 2-0 victory over a strong Colombian side. They scored twice in the first 11 minutes, and they never looked back, even though half time was a full 2 1/2 hours long due to rain delays. This match was equal after that, and the final possession numbers are Chile 53- Colombia 47. Colombia even out-shot Chile 16-11. But Chile played well in the midfield, even though their star Arturo Vidal was out with suspension. The Chileans will be happy to have him back for the final against Argentina. As for Colombia, the loss means they face the USA in the 3rd place match.
New Matches
3rd Place Match (Saturday 6/25 @ 8 PM ET)- USA v Colombia
Final (Sunday 6/26 @ 8 PM ET)- Argentina v Chile
Bracket
image from wikipedia.org
Argentina def. USA 4-0
Chile def. Colombia 2-0
Argentina v USA
This matchup went exactly the way we all expected it to. Argentina keeps rolling, and has now won all 5 matches it has played so far in the tournament. Over the course of the 5 matches, they have scored 18 goals, and conceded 2. They continue to dominate in all areas of play, out-possessing the Americans 68-32, out-shooting them 11-1(!!!!), and out-passing them 587-226. The USA did not have a single shot on target over the course of the match. Messi was particularly good for Argentina, as he scored 1 and assisted 2. He is one goal behind Chile's Eduardo Vargas in the race for the Golden Boot (6-5). Messi's free kick was his 55th career goal for Argentina, and he now holds the record for most international goals by an Argentine. Argentina will face Chile in the final. As for the USA, they were not good at all. They could not get any real chances going, and they clearly missed their starting midfielders Jermaine Jones and Alejandro Bedoya, as they did not get much possession of the ball over the course of the match. These 2 and Bobby Wood will be available for the third place match against Colombia.
Chile v Colombia
Despite finishing second in their group, and having a relatively quiet first few games, Chile exploded to life for the knockout stage. They followed up their 7-0 rout of Mexico with a solid 2-0 victory over a strong Colombian side. They scored twice in the first 11 minutes, and they never looked back, even though half time was a full 2 1/2 hours long due to rain delays. This match was equal after that, and the final possession numbers are Chile 53- Colombia 47. Colombia even out-shot Chile 16-11. But Chile played well in the midfield, even though their star Arturo Vidal was out with suspension. The Chileans will be happy to have him back for the final against Argentina. As for Colombia, the loss means they face the USA in the 3rd place match.
New Matches
3rd Place Match (Saturday 6/25 @ 8 PM ET)- USA v Colombia
Final (Sunday 6/26 @ 8 PM ET)- Argentina v Chile
Bracket
image from wikipedia.org
Sunday, June 19, 2016
SemiFinals Preview (6/21-6/22)
Matches- SemiFinals
USA v Argentina (Tues 6/21 @ 9 PM ET)
Colombia v Chile (Wed 6/22 @ 8 PM ET)
Bracket
image from wikipedia.org
USA v Argentina
This is a huge match for the host nation. If the USA win, they seal a place in the finals. But they are going up against Argentina, the best team in the cup. And they are without three of their starters, due to suspension form cards in this match: Bobby Wood, Alejandro Bedoya, and Jermaine Jones. Bedoya and Jones comprise 2/3 of the starting midfield, and it will likely be hard for the midfield to combat Argentina with its stars missing. Being without Wood will be costly too, as his playmaking ability on the wing is crucial to the United States' attack. On the other hand, Argentina looks very strong. They won their first 4 matches by a combined score of 14-2. Messi is healthy again and determined to finally win an international cup. Although I hope the USA gets the win, all signs are pointing to an Argentine victory. I hope I'm wrong, but Argentina will most likely win.
Prediction: Argentina wins 2-0
Colombia v Chile
These two teams are even in terms of talent, but Chile are clear favorites based upon recent form. Colombia began the cup well, with victories over the USA and Paraguay. But since then, their level of play has declined, as they lost to Costa Rica and fell to second in the group. Next, they barely squeaked by Peru in penalties. They need to step up if they want to beat this strong Chilean side. Chile on the other hand, is getting better match by match. After losing the opener to Argentina, Chile won the next 3, playing progressively better. First, they squeaked by Bolivia 2-1, then they got a decent victory over Panama by a score of 4-2, and, most recently, they smashed Group C winners Mexico 7-0. Even if they will be without Arturo Vidal, its hard to go against them after such a resounding victory.
Prediction: Chile wins 2-1
USA v Argentina (Tues 6/21 @ 9 PM ET)
Colombia v Chile (Wed 6/22 @ 8 PM ET)
Bracket
image from wikipedia.org
USA v Argentina
This is a huge match for the host nation. If the USA win, they seal a place in the finals. But they are going up against Argentina, the best team in the cup. And they are without three of their starters, due to suspension form cards in this match: Bobby Wood, Alejandro Bedoya, and Jermaine Jones. Bedoya and Jones comprise 2/3 of the starting midfield, and it will likely be hard for the midfield to combat Argentina with its stars missing. Being without Wood will be costly too, as his playmaking ability on the wing is crucial to the United States' attack. On the other hand, Argentina looks very strong. They won their first 4 matches by a combined score of 14-2. Messi is healthy again and determined to finally win an international cup. Although I hope the USA gets the win, all signs are pointing to an Argentine victory. I hope I'm wrong, but Argentina will most likely win.
Prediction: Argentina wins 2-0
Colombia v Chile
These two teams are even in terms of talent, but Chile are clear favorites based upon recent form. Colombia began the cup well, with victories over the USA and Paraguay. But since then, their level of play has declined, as they lost to Costa Rica and fell to second in the group. Next, they barely squeaked by Peru in penalties. They need to step up if they want to beat this strong Chilean side. Chile on the other hand, is getting better match by match. After losing the opener to Argentina, Chile won the next 3, playing progressively better. First, they squeaked by Bolivia 2-1, then they got a decent victory over Panama by a score of 4-2, and, most recently, they smashed Group C winners Mexico 7-0. Even if they will be without Arturo Vidal, its hard to go against them after such a resounding victory.
Prediction: Chile wins 2-1
QuarterFinals Summary (6/16-6/18)
Results
USA def. Ecuador 2-1
Colombia def. Peru 0-0 (4-2 Pens)
Argentina def. Venezuela 4-1
Chile def. Mexico 7-0
USA v Ecuador
The 'Mericans continue their strong play in this tournament with a quarterfinals win over Ecuador. Ecuador had been undefeated up until this point, but the USA got an early lead and never let go until the final whistle. Despite losing most of the stat categories, the USA looked like the better, more confident team throughout the match. Even when Ecuador scored to bring the US's leading margin to 1, the USA continued to play solid defense, refusing to let another goal go through. There are, however, some major concerns for the Americans. 3 starters will not be able to play in the semis due to suspension form cards in this match: Bobby Wood, Alejandro Bedoya, and Jermaine Jones. Bedoya and Jones comprise 2/3 of the starting midfield, and their suspensions will be a major blow. Being without Wood will be costly too, as his playmaking ability on the wing is crucial to the United States' attack. As for Ecuador, they are going home after the loss, finishing in a 4-way tie for 5th-8th place. This is probably the type of finish they expected, but they will be unhappy to have lost here, especially because they came so close to completing the comeback.
Colombia v Peru
This match was supposed to be all Colombia, but Colombia was clearly hurt by the loss to Costa Rica. They are a ghost of the team they were in the first two matches, when they dismantled the USA and Paraguay. They are lucky for the missed handball in the match between Peru and Brazil, because if that had been properly called, and they were facing Brazil, they definitely would have lost with the way they played today. They will be happy to advance, but they will most likely be knocked out next round by the red-hot Chileans.
Argentina v Venezuela
In this match, Argentina looked like Argentina once again. They have been absolutely brilliant so far, winning their first 4 matches by a combined score of 14-2! So many players were excellent, including Sergio Romero, who is making a strong case for himself for the Golden Glove award. Even though Venezuela did not have much possession at all (37%), they had plenty of chances, with 11 shots, 7 corners, and 1 penalty kick. Romero however played superbly, and only let one goal in over the course of all these chances. With him in net, Argentina's defense is solid, and coupled with their world-class attack, it makes them the team to beat. As for Venezuela, they had a good run, including an upset over Uruguay to bring them to the knockout round, but it had to end here, at the hands of Messi and the Argentines.
Mexico v Chile
This match was supposed to be the closest of the 4 quarterfinals. But Mexico wasn't quite there to play. They were routed, and thus their 22-game undefeated streak ends. Mexico goes home after throwing a solid start to waste and finishing in a tie for 5th-8th, underplaying their expectations. As for Chile, they finally look like the team that won the Copa last year again. The attacking 3, Sanchez, Vargas, and Puch, scored all 7 of the goals, and look like they could give any defense in the world a hard time. Chile will be without Arturo Vidal for the semis against Colombia, but given the way they are playing, that shouldn't be too much of an issue.
New Matches- SemiFinals
USA v Argentina (Tuesday, June 21 @ 9 PM ET)
Colombia v Chile (Wednesday, June 22@8 PM ET)
Bracket
image from wikipedia.org
USA def. Ecuador 2-1
Colombia def. Peru 0-0 (4-2 Pens)
Argentina def. Venezuela 4-1
Chile def. Mexico 7-0
USA v Ecuador
The 'Mericans continue their strong play in this tournament with a quarterfinals win over Ecuador. Ecuador had been undefeated up until this point, but the USA got an early lead and never let go until the final whistle. Despite losing most of the stat categories, the USA looked like the better, more confident team throughout the match. Even when Ecuador scored to bring the US's leading margin to 1, the USA continued to play solid defense, refusing to let another goal go through. There are, however, some major concerns for the Americans. 3 starters will not be able to play in the semis due to suspension form cards in this match: Bobby Wood, Alejandro Bedoya, and Jermaine Jones. Bedoya and Jones comprise 2/3 of the starting midfield, and their suspensions will be a major blow. Being without Wood will be costly too, as his playmaking ability on the wing is crucial to the United States' attack. As for Ecuador, they are going home after the loss, finishing in a 4-way tie for 5th-8th place. This is probably the type of finish they expected, but they will be unhappy to have lost here, especially because they came so close to completing the comeback.
Colombia v Peru
This match was supposed to be all Colombia, but Colombia was clearly hurt by the loss to Costa Rica. They are a ghost of the team they were in the first two matches, when they dismantled the USA and Paraguay. They are lucky for the missed handball in the match between Peru and Brazil, because if that had been properly called, and they were facing Brazil, they definitely would have lost with the way they played today. They will be happy to advance, but they will most likely be knocked out next round by the red-hot Chileans.
Argentina v Venezuela
In this match, Argentina looked like Argentina once again. They have been absolutely brilliant so far, winning their first 4 matches by a combined score of 14-2! So many players were excellent, including Sergio Romero, who is making a strong case for himself for the Golden Glove award. Even though Venezuela did not have much possession at all (37%), they had plenty of chances, with 11 shots, 7 corners, and 1 penalty kick. Romero however played superbly, and only let one goal in over the course of all these chances. With him in net, Argentina's defense is solid, and coupled with their world-class attack, it makes them the team to beat. As for Venezuela, they had a good run, including an upset over Uruguay to bring them to the knockout round, but it had to end here, at the hands of Messi and the Argentines.
Mexico v Chile
This match was supposed to be the closest of the 4 quarterfinals. But Mexico wasn't quite there to play. They were routed, and thus their 22-game undefeated streak ends. Mexico goes home after throwing a solid start to waste and finishing in a tie for 5th-8th, underplaying their expectations. As for Chile, they finally look like the team that won the Copa last year again. The attacking 3, Sanchez, Vargas, and Puch, scored all 7 of the goals, and look like they could give any defense in the world a hard time. Chile will be without Arturo Vidal for the semis against Colombia, but given the way they are playing, that shouldn't be too much of an issue.
New Matches- SemiFinals
USA v Argentina (Tuesday, June 21 @ 9 PM ET)
Colombia v Chile (Wednesday, June 22
Bracket
image from wikipedia.org
Thursday, June 16, 2016
QuarterFinals Preview (6/16-6/18)
Matches- Quarterfinals
USA v Ecuador (6/16 @9:30 PM ET)
Peru v Colombia (6/17 @8:00 PM ET)
Argentina v Venezuela (6/18 @ 7:00 PM ET)
Mexico v Chile (6/18 @ 10:00 PM ET)
Bracket
USA v Ecuador
The knockout round begins with the hosts taking on Group B runners-up Ecuador. The USA won the Group A with 6 points and Ecuador came second in Group B with 5 points. Besides a tough opening loss to Colombia, the USA have played extremely well. Ecuador played two draws before smashing Haiti in the 3rd match. Although DeAndre Yedlin is suspended, the USA has a very strong defense that will make it hard for Ecuador to score. Also, the USA's home field advantage increases, as more and more fans become engaged as the stakes get higher. I believe that the USA will win a tight defensive battle in front of these fans, and send Ecuador home.
Prediction: USA wins 1-0
Peru v Colombia
Although Peru won the group, they still have to face Colombia, because Colombia did not play their best players against Costa Rica in the last match, and lost the match, slipping to second in Group A. Despite being the lower seed, Colombia is the stronger team, and can easily defeat Peru. Peru has had a good run in the tournament, but if Colombia plays with the same XI that defeated the USA and Paraguay, they will be sent home. This may be the only match of the quarterfinals where the lower seed defeats the higher seed.
Prediction: Colombia wins 2-1
Argentina v Venezuela
Argentina is the best team in the tournament so far. They are the only team to win all 3 matches, and have a goal differential of +9. They show no signs of slowing down, and will likely roll through Venezuela and advance to the semis. As for Venezuela, they have had a good run. They weren't expected to fare well, but they came second in Group C. Unfortunately for them, they have to go up against Argentina, leaving them with a low chance of making the run they could have made if they were drawn against a different group winner, such as Peru.
Prediction: Argentina wins 2-0
Mexico v Chile
This is most likely to be the most contested of the knockout round matches. Mexico is performing very well and topped Group C with 7 points. But Chile finished second in Group D, losing only to Argentina by 1 goal, and winning the other two matches to get 6 points. Chile are the defending champions, and Mexico have the longest undefeated streak out of all international teams in the world (22 games). While Chile has the stars in Sanchez, Vidal, and Bravo, Mexico is a more cohesive team, and has more depth in the lineup. Therefore, I believe that as this game gets stretched out and players get more and more tired, Mexico will be better prepared for a long, tiring game, and will win the match based on their depth.
Prediction: Mexico wins 1-0
Also, take a look at my Euro Cup Blog here: uefa2016eurocup.blogspot.com
USA v Ecuador (6/16 @9:30 PM ET)
Peru v Colombia (6/17 @8:00 PM ET)
Argentina v Venezuela (6/18 @ 7:00 PM ET)
Mexico v Chile (6/18 @ 10:00 PM ET)
Bracket
USA v Ecuador
The knockout round begins with the hosts taking on Group B runners-up Ecuador. The USA won the Group A with 6 points and Ecuador came second in Group B with 5 points. Besides a tough opening loss to Colombia, the USA have played extremely well. Ecuador played two draws before smashing Haiti in the 3rd match. Although DeAndre Yedlin is suspended, the USA has a very strong defense that will make it hard for Ecuador to score. Also, the USA's home field advantage increases, as more and more fans become engaged as the stakes get higher. I believe that the USA will win a tight defensive battle in front of these fans, and send Ecuador home.
Prediction: USA wins 1-0
Peru v Colombia
Although Peru won the group, they still have to face Colombia, because Colombia did not play their best players against Costa Rica in the last match, and lost the match, slipping to second in Group A. Despite being the lower seed, Colombia is the stronger team, and can easily defeat Peru. Peru has had a good run in the tournament, but if Colombia plays with the same XI that defeated the USA and Paraguay, they will be sent home. This may be the only match of the quarterfinals where the lower seed defeats the higher seed.
Prediction: Colombia wins 2-1
Argentina v Venezuela
Argentina is the best team in the tournament so far. They are the only team to win all 3 matches, and have a goal differential of +9. They show no signs of slowing down, and will likely roll through Venezuela and advance to the semis. As for Venezuela, they have had a good run. They weren't expected to fare well, but they came second in Group C. Unfortunately for them, they have to go up against Argentina, leaving them with a low chance of making the run they could have made if they were drawn against a different group winner, such as Peru.
Prediction: Argentina wins 2-0
Mexico v Chile
This is most likely to be the most contested of the knockout round matches. Mexico is performing very well and topped Group C with 7 points. But Chile finished second in Group D, losing only to Argentina by 1 goal, and winning the other two matches to get 6 points. Chile are the defending champions, and Mexico have the longest undefeated streak out of all international teams in the world (22 games). While Chile has the stars in Sanchez, Vidal, and Bravo, Mexico is a more cohesive team, and has more depth in the lineup. Therefore, I believe that as this game gets stretched out and players get more and more tired, Mexico will be better prepared for a long, tiring game, and will win the match based on their depth.
Prediction: Mexico wins 1-0
Also, take a look at my Euro Cup Blog here: uefa2016eurocup.blogspot.com
Group Stage Summary (6/3-6/14)
Group A
USA, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay
USA 0-2 COL
CRC 0-0 PAR
USA 4-0 CRC
COL 2-1 PAR
USA 1-0 PAR
COL 2-3 CRC
Table
Peru (1B)
| ||||
Eliminated
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Group B
Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, and Haiti
HAI 0-1 PER
BRA 0-0 ECU
BRA 7-1 HAI
ECU 2-2 PER
ECU 4-0 HAI
BRA 0-1 PER
Table
5
|
USA (1A)
| |||
Eliminated
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Group C
Mexico, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Jamaica
JAM 0-1 VEN
MEX 3-1 URU
URU 0-1 VEN
MEX 2-0 JAM
MEX 1-1 VEN
URU 3-0 JAM
Table
7
|
Argentina (1D)
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0
|
Eliminated
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Group D
Argentina, Chile, Panama, and Bolivia
PAN 2-1 BOL
ARG 2-1 CHI
CHI 2-1 BOL
ARG 5-0 PAN
CHI 4-2 PAN
ARG 3-0 BOL
Table
6
|
Mexico (1C)
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Panama
|
-6
|
Eliminated
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Knockout Round
QuarterFinals
USA (1A) v Ecuador (2B)
Peru (1B) v Colombia (2A)
Argentina (1D) v Venezuela (2C)
Mexico (1C) v Chile (2D)
Bracket
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