Peru are aiming to cause an upset here, but it’s hard to know if they’re capable of that. They made it this far thanks to their win over Bolivia in the group stage, but they were poor in their other two games. They started with a 0-0 draw with Venezuela, while that was followed up by a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Brazil. That’s left Peru in a tough spot going into this weekend’s quarter-final, as they’re low on confidence with little time to turn things around.
Will Uruguay win the Copa America for the first time since 2011? They are emerging as a serious threat in a year which has seen Brazil and Argentina turn in some below-par performances. Given that neither of those two have won the Copa since 2007, there could be an opening for a team like Uruguay, so long as they can work their way past Peru in the quarter-finals this weekend.
Uruguay have a squad capable of winning the title, especially given that it’s one of the few chances Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez have left together. The pair are leading a team who have been rejuvenated by new, young talents coming into the side. That inspired their run to the last eight in Russia last summer, while it’s now guided La Celeste to the last eight of the Copa America. However, will they be able to secure a spot in the semi-finals?
Uruguay did have a mini-wobble in the group stage, that came in a clash with Japan. They clearly underestimated their youthful Japanese side, which saw them fall to a 2-2 draw in their second clash. However, victories over Ecuador and Chile showed exactly what Uruguay are capable of on their day, so we have faith in them to secure a semi-final spot in Bahia on Saturday night.
Uruguay beat Chile in their last group game to finish top of Group C and avoid Colombia in the next round. They are firm favourites here.
Peru qualified for the knockout round with four points from three games, though were thrashed 5-0 by hosts Brazil in their last game.
Peru actually won the last encounter between the two nations but Uruguay were unbeaten in the previous five matches.
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Peru aren’t just fresh from a 5-0 hammering by Brazil, they’ve also failed to score in three of their last four Copa America games. Meanwhile, Uruguay have won five of their last six, while just 12 months ago they were mixing it with some of the best sides in world football. We think there’s a bigger gulf between these two than the odds currently suggest. After all, Uruguay have won four of their last five meetings with Peru. We’re backing them to claim another win this weekend and leap into this competition’s last four.