The semifinals of Copa América are set after a 2-0 Argentina win over Venezuela and Brazil’s penalty shootout win over Paraguay after a 0-0 draw in regulation. The host country, Brazil is looking for their first Copa América title since 2007, while Lionel Messi is finally looking to lift a trophy for his country after losses in a World Cup final and three Copa América finals.
The second matchup will see two-time defending Copa América champion Chile take on Peru, who are in the semifinals for the third time in the last four tournaments. Both teams advanced via penalty kick shootout victories in the quarterfinals, with Chile defeating Colombia and Peru taking down Uruguay.
How they got here
Brazil
Despite missing star player Neymar, Brazil is still one of the tournament favorites as the host nation. After running through Group A while conceding no goals in three matches, Brazil was put to the test against Paraguay, but were able to move on via penalty kick shootout. With a semifinal victory, Brazil will look to lift their first trophy since 2013, and their first Copa América crown since 2007.
Opponent Result Score
Bolivia W 3-0
Venezuela D 0-0
Peru W 5-0
Paraguay W 0-0 (4-3 on penalties)
Argentina
After some poor results in the group stage, including opening the tournament with a 2-0 loss to Colombia, Argentina qualified for the knockout stages as the runner-up in Group B. After a win over a surprising Venezuela squad, they look to upset host nation Brazil while looking to win their first trophy since 1993 Copa América.
Opponent Result Score
Colombia L 0-2
Paraguay D 1-1
Qatar W 2-0
Venezuela W 2-0
World Cup: USA Faces England In Semifinals, Tournament Notes & Schedule
Peru
Qualifying for the knockout stages as one of the two third place teams that advance from the four groups, Peru were able to put the 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Brazil in the rearview mirror, taking down Luis Suarez and one of the tournament favorites Uruguay in the process. Now having reached their third Copa América semifinals in the last four editions, Peru looks to get over the hump and finally reach the final, looking to win their first Copa América since 1975.
Opponent Result Score
Venezuela D 0-0
Bolivia W 3-1
Brazil L 0-5
Uruguay W 0-0 (5-4 on penalties)
Chile
After a second place finish in Group C, Chile won a tight contest in the quarterfinals against Colombia, needing penalty kicks to decide who would advance. With a win over Peru, Chile would book their spot in a third straight Copa América final, looking to take their straight South American crown after victories in 2015 and 2016.
Opponent Result Score
Japan W 4-0
Ecuador W 2-1
Uruguay L 0-1
Colombia W 0-0 (5-4 on penalties)
Predictions
Brazil 2, Argentina 1
Brazil advances to the final for the first time since 2007, this time on home soil. Lionel Messi again fails to win a trophy for his country, falling to Argentina’s biggest South American rivals in the process.
Chile 2, Peru 0
Peru’s run as a third place group finisher comes to an end, falling to two-time defending champion Chile. With a win, Chile will look to knock off Brazil on their home soil and keep the hosts trophy-less since their victory in the 2013 Confederations Cup.
How to watch
The two rivals Brazil and Argentina will face off on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m Mt, while Chile will take on Peru on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. MT. Both matches can be seen on ESPN+, which does require a subscription.
