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Copa America 2015: Remaining Quarter-Final Schedule, Predictions, Key Players

Published by Bleacher Report on Fri, 26 Jun 2015


The first two quarter-final clashes at the Copa America produced a pair of pulsating encounters, but encouragingly for those who have been enchanted by the competition, the remaining two clashes in the round look set to be even more enjoyable.At least they do on paper, anyway. Fridays showdown between Argentina and Colombia will be bristling with attacking stars, while Saturday will see Brazilseeking revenge for their elimination at the hands of Paraguay at this stage four years ago.Here are all the details you need to ensure that you dont miss any of the action, a look at the teams likely to progress and two players who will be vital in determining the outcome of each game.Jeison Murillo, ColombiaIf someone told you that Colombia would score only one goal in three Copa America matches prior to the tournament getting underway, youd have been massively surprised, given the attacking talent available to manager Jose Pekerman. If that person then told you that Jeison Murillo would be the lone goalscorer, it would have been a tough scenario to believe.Its been a peculiar tournament for Colombia to this point. Going forward, where this team typically thrill, theyve been disjointed, with the telepathy between Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadradoblurred. But at the back, usually an area of concern, theyve been brilliant.Murillo has been a major part of that, and as we can see here, courtesy of Bleacher Reports Tim Vickery, the Internazionale man has been one of the best players in the competition to date:While Mario Yepes, now retired, was an ageing and often-ponderous defender, his incomparable experience and aerial prowess were always going to be tough for Los Cafeteros to replace. But Murillo has helped make the transition easy with a string of commanding performances at the base of this Colombia team.As we can see here, courtesy of the tournaments official Twitter account, hes relishing going up against Argentinas array of attacking riches, too:Keeping Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Agueroetal.at bay will be a big challenge for the Colombia back four. For Murillo, still just 23 years old, it will be a vital learning experience. But Los Cafeteros have shown already that they can restrict and nullify illustrious opposition after beating Brazil in the group stage.However, Argentinas own authoritative defence will be confident of shutting down a disjointed Colombia attack, and thatll help the Albiceleste carve out an ugly 1-0 win.Prediction: Argentina 1-0 ColombiaWillian, BrazilThe absence of Neymar leaves a void in this Brazil side. But it also presents a major opportunity for another attacking player to take his chance to become the Selecaos talisman. The best man for the job, if Brazil are to enrich their chances of winning this competition, is Willian.Of course, even without the captain, Brazil are in possession of some excellent attacking players. Robinho rolled back the years in his last outing, while the Liverpool duo of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino give managerDungas side some delightful intricacy. But Brazil need something a bit rawer if theyre to breach some of the formidable defences at this tournament.Its an edge that can come from the Chelsea man, and as we can see here, courtesy of the Selecao BrasileiraTwitter account, the winger seems to be relishing an added creative burden:At both club and international level, the Brazilian typically plays a supporting role, regularly drawing praise for his energetic work and defensive diligence. But fans often forget how good he can be going forward, and thats something Brazil must see more of without their skipper.Encouragingly, as noted here by South American football journalist Rupert Fryer, the Blues star seems to be getting better and better under this regime:Its important that he preserves these high levels against a Paraguay team that are still unbeaten at this Copa America. Without Willians direct surges, Brazil can often become a little one-dimensional, so its important thatFirmino and Coutinho look to find the winger as he makes those scintillating vertical bursts.Paraguay are a determined team, though, and they will look to smother the supply line forward. As such, this will be a big test for the Selecao, which will find the going tough for long periods. Expect another penalty shootout between these two, as was the case four years ago, but for Willian and his side to eventually win through on the night.Prediction: Brazil 1-1 Paraguay (Brazil to win on penalties)
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