Copa America: Uruguay vs. Brazil Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

This is a game we think will surprise one or two. The bookies have Brazil down as the favourites but we think that tag is not an easy one to justify. Granted, Brazil have the better side on paper, but they're a unit far lesser than the sum of their parts at present and have been for some time, shown by the fact they've claimed only 3 wins in their last 11 outings.

Their opponents, Uruguay, are flying under the tutelage of Marcelo Bielsa and look everything that Brazil aren't: a fluid, cohesive unit. Uruguay have one of the tightest defences at the tournament having conceded just once in three games while their expected goals against rate is a total of 1.1xGA - the lowest of any team in the competition. On top of that, they've scored a total of 9 goals in their first 3 games, which is currently the most of any side in the tournament.

Uruguay won fairly comfortably when these two sides last met and while we expect this game to be closer, we think Uruguay will get the job done via a penalty shootout. Uruguay 1-1 Brazil (Uruguay to win on penalties).

This Sunday promises an exciting showdown as Uruguay take on Brazil in the quarter-final of the Copa América. Both teams have storied histories and a wealth of talent, making this clash a must-watch for football enthusiasts. Here's an in-depth look at both sides as they prepare to battle for a spot in the semi-finals.

• Date: 07/07/2024
• Kick-off time: 02:00
• Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada

Uruguay come into this match riding high on confidence, having topped Group C with a perfect record. Their campaign so far has seen them secure victories over Panama, the USA, and Bolivia, accumulating nine points and showcasing their credentials as genuine contenders for the title. Uruguay's performance has been particularly noteworthy given the expectations placed upon them; they were many people's dark horses for this tournament, and they have certainly delivered on that promise with a series of impressive displays.

Under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay have embraced a style of play that is both brave and entertaining. Bielsa, known for his attacking philosophy and high-intensity approach, has injected a new lease of life into the Uruguayan team. The players have responded well to his methods, displaying the kind of fluid, dynamic football that has been synonymous with Bielsa throughout his managerial career. This has not only made Uruguay a formidable opponent but also a joy to watch.

Uruguay's last Copa América triumph came in 2011, and there is a palpable sense of determination within the squad to lift the trophy once again. The current team blends experienced campaigners like Luis Suárez with emerging talents such as Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez. This mix of youth and experience has given Uruguay a balanced and versatile squad capable of adapting to different situations on the pitch.

However, Uruguay find themselves on the tougher side of the draw. If they are to win this tournament, they will have to do it the hard way, navigating through some of the strongest teams in South American football. This quarter-final against Brazil is the first of potentially several stern tests.

Brazil, by contrast, has had a less convincing run in the tournament so far. They finished second in Group D, managing only five points from three games. Their performances have been underwhelming, and they have struggled to impress both fans and pundits alike. Since their shock World Cup exit at the hands of Croatia in 2022, Brazil have been in a state of flux, and their misery does not yet look like turning around.

Dorival Júnior, the current manager, has faced significant challenges in getting the best out of his squad. Despite having a squad filled with talent, Brazil's performances have been flat. Star players like Vinícius Júnior, despite running riot at club level, have not performed to their potential, and this has been a significant factor in Brazil's lacklustre displays. The team's overall cohesion and attacking potency have been lacking, leading to a series of uninspiring results.

Brazil's last major international trophy was the Copa América in 2019, and since then, they have struggled to replicate that success. Their recent form has raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level, and this quarter-final against Uruguay presents a crucial test. A victory here could be the turning point Brazil desperately needs, but it will require a significant improvement in their performance.

When looking at recent encounters between the two teams, Brazil have generally had the upper hand. They have dominated the head-to-head meetings, winning four of the last five encounters. However, it's worth noting that Uruguay won the most recent meeting 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier roughly nine months ago. This victory will give Uruguay confidence, knowing they have recently managed to get the better of their South American rivals.

The stakes could not be higher for both teams. For Uruguay, this is an opportunity to build on their strong start to the tournament and move one step closer to their first Copa América title in over a decade. For Brazil, it's a chance to turn around their fortunes and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in South American football.

This quarter-final promises to be a fascinating encounter between two teams with contrasting styles and fortunes. Uruguay's momentum and attacking flair under Bielsa will be pitted against Brazil's desperate need for a turnaround and the individual brilliance of their key players. As the two sides prepare to face off, football fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating a match that could define their respective campaigns in this year's Copa América.

This game will be aired live to all subscribed U.K. viewers on Premier Sports 1.

Uruguay Team News:

Marcelo Bielsa has been fairly consistent with Uruguay's starting lineups in this tournament so a significant amount of continuity is expected here.

Winger Maximiliano Araújo was stretchered off with a head injury in the game against the USA last time out and is a doubt for this one.

Predicted lineup: Rochet; Nández, R. Araújo, M. Olivera, Viña; Ugarte, Valverde; Pellistri, De la Cruz, C. Olivera; Núñez.

Brazil Team News:

Vinícius Júnior picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in Brazil's final group game against Colombia and will therefore be unavailable for this game owing to a suspension in what is a huge blow for Dorival Júnior.

Teenage sensation Endrick could now be in for his first start of the tournament, with Rodrygo moving out to the left.

Predicted lineup: Álisson; Danilo, Militão, Marquinhos, Wendell; Guimarães, Gomes; Raphinha, Paquetá, Rodrygo; Endrick.

Uruguay's form is excellent as they come into this game unbeaten in their last five outings, winning their last four on the bounce. Bielsa's men warmed up for this tournament with friendlies against Costa Rica and Mexico, with those games ending in a 0-0 draw and a 4-0 win.

In their first group game Uruguay took on Bolivia in what turned out to be a one-sided thumping as La Celeste ran out 5-0 winners, with the goals coming from Facundo Pellistri, Darwin Núñez, Maximiliano Araújo, Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur.

That win preceded a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Panama, where Araújo, Núñez and Matías Viña put the team 3-0 up in a dominant performance where Uruguay registered 20 shots and enjoyed 55% of the ball, with Panama pulling a consolation goal back in the 4th minute of time added on.

In their final group game, Uruguay ran out 1-0 winners over hosts USA courtesy of a goal from Mathías Olivera.

Brazil's Copa América preparation saw them seal a tight 3-2 win over Mexico before being held to a 1-1 draw by the USA.

A Seleção kicked off their tournament with a 0-0 draw against Costa Rice, where despite registering 19 shots to Costs Rica's 2 while dominating 74% of the possession, Brazil could not find a way through their opponents' defence.

They did, though, follow that game up with a thumping 4-1 win over a sorry Paraguay side thanks to a brace from Vinícius Júnior and goals from Sávio and Lucas Paquetá.

Last but not least, Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia in a game in which they were, on balance, second best. Raphinha's excellent free-kick put Brazil 1-0 up but Colombia responded with a goal from Daniel Muñoz shortly before half-time. Colombia's Rafael Borré should have won the game for Los Cafeteros but spurned a great chance with just six minutes remaining.

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