Without Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani must deliever the goals for Uruguay. (Getty)
With the group stage out of the way, the Copa America kicks into top gear with the knockout stages. The first quarterfinal takes place on Wednesday when Chile takes on Uruguay. Uruguay is ranked No. 8 in the FIFA World Rankings with Chile 19th, but that doesn’t tell the story of the teams ahead of this match.
Chile took full advantage of an easy group to top Group A, including putting five past Bolivia in the last match. Chile — which has finished runners-up four times — has never won the tournament but this appears to be the best opportunity to claim the trophy.
Chile is 5/2 to win the competition, slightly behind favorites Argentina (15/8). Will they take down defending champion Uruguay? The teams have played five times over the past five years, with each side winning twice and drawing the fifth.
Uruguay enters the match as heavy underdogs without the presence of Luis Suarez, who is still on holiday following his suspension from last year’s World Cup. Playing in a group with Jamaica, Uruguay drew with Paraguay and lost to Argentina to place third in its group, which was enough to progress.
Here’s what you need to know about the match:
The Basics
Who:
What:
Copa America quarterfinals
When:
Wednesday, June 24
Where:
Time:
8:30 p.m. local time, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Channel:
BEIN Sports (USA) Premier Sports (UK), (International viewers, click here for your local provider)
Odds:
Chile -130, Uruguay +375, Draw +225
Stats You Need to Know
(Getty)
Scouting Chile
Record: 2-0-1 (7 points, 1st Group A)
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli, 3rd season
Goals For: 10
Goals Allowed: 3
Scouting Uruguay
Record: 1-1-1 (4 points, 3rd Group B)
Coach: Oscar Tabarez, 9th season
Goals For: 2
Goals Allowed: 2