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The 2021 Copa América is in the knockout stage and the semifinal round is starting to get set. Peru becomes the first team to punch its ticket to the round with a 3-2 victory over Paraguay in the first quarterfinal.
The semifinals are on July 5-6. The third place game is July 9. The title game is July 10. Here’s a look at how the bracket is shaping up as the competition moves closer to crowning a champion.
Semifinal 1, Monday, July 5
Peru vs. Brazil
How Peru got there: Peru finished second in its group behind Brazil despite having a -2 goal differential. Peru beat Paraguay 4-3 in penalties to break a 3-3 tie after extra time in the quarterfinal to reach the semifinal stage. It could be without top scorer Andre Carrillo after he picked up a red card late in the match.
How Brazil got there: Brazil managed to hold on against Chile after losing Gabriel Jesus to a reckless high kick in the second half. Lucas Paqueta had given the hosts a 1-0 lead, but Brazil withstood a strong Chilean push to ultimately advance. This will be a rematch of the 2019 Copa America final.
Semifinal 2, Tuesday, July 6
Colombia vs. Argentina
How Colombia got there: Colombia battled Uruguay to a 0-0 draw through extra time before winning 4-2 on penalties. Colombia struggled to get shots on target, but managed to limit Uruguay offensively. It’ll be up to the team’s back line to hold strong if the attack continues to stay in a funk.
How Argentina got there: Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez put in late goals in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Ecuador in the quarterfinal. Argentina dominated the group stage, winning three matches and drawing one. The path to an Argentina-Brazil final is still intact.