Copa America

2024-07-06 - Uruguay vs Brazil

A Sports Betting Pick by Auls

Uruguay v Brazil
Football: Copa America 2024 Quarter Final
Saturday 6th July 2024 - Kick Off 6pm
British Time: 2am

Uruguay

There was some controversy attached to Uruguay's winner of United States in the final Group game, but the South American nation were never in danger of being eliminated at that stage. In fact Uruguay had all but sealed top spot in the Group before that final game, which helped eliminate the hosts, and the 'reward' is a tough Quarter Final.

Big wins over Panama and Bolivia meant Uruguay were well aware that it would take two remarkable results to eliminate them from the Copa America. Two stunning results would likely have been needed to prevent Uruguay from finishing top of the Group, but Marcelo Bielsa's men have picked up momentum after winning all three matches at the tournament.

Uruguay are unbeaten in 5 games and they have won 4 in a row, while the team have conceded just a single goal in that unbeaten run. The side have won 7 of their last 9 fixtures to add to the confidence of this squad.

Brazil

A strong team was selected for the final Group game as Brazil bid to finish above Colombia in Group D, but it is a decision that may have backfired. Not only have Brazil failed to win that game, but they lacked some confidence and have lost a key player for the Quarter Final.

Despite the performances, Brazil are favourites in this Quarter Final at Copa America. The goalless draw with Costa Rica and the 1-1 draw with Colombia have sandwiched Brazil's 4-1 win over Paraguay, a result that ultimately proved to be the key for them to progress to the last eight having had a difficult twelve months.

Brazil barely held on for a 1-1 draw with Colombia, but that means they have only won 3 of their last 11 games and there is some real frustration around the national team. The side are unbeaten in 7 games, but 4 of those matches have ended in draws.

Vinicius Jr has been lost to a suspension having picked up a booking in the final Group game and Brazil are struggling in the final third already.

Head to Head

Brazil had been unbeaten in 11 games against old rivals Uruguay and had beaten them 4 times in a row.

Those results are described in the past tense because it is Uruguay who won their last meeting 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifier in October 2023.

Prediction

This is the best looking of the Quarter Final matches at Copa America and there is little doubt that the organisers would love to see Brazil face Argentina in the final.

Even the hosts will want the same after United States were eliminated, but it is very difficult to believe in this Brazil team.

Vinicius Jr's suspension really hurts Brazil and they are facing a Uruguay team that have won Group C with three straight victories. There is a confidence about Uruguay, who have beaten Brazil in their last meeting and they certainly look a big price as the narrow underdog.

Dismissing Brazil is always a mistake, but this team have struggled for wins for some time now and they were fortunate to earn a 1-1 draw with Colombia.

The performance will have to be a lot better if they are going to compete for the Copa America trophy beyond this Quarter Final and the best approach looks to be backing Uruguay to find their way through.