The oldest national team tournament in the world drew its group curtains as the last group-stage games transpired on Wednesday morning, leaving fans excited for the intriguing knockout match-ups.
The 48th edition, which is being hosted in the United States, commenced on 20th June with defending champions Argentina beating Canada by two unanswered goals through the boots of Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.
The first round of the group-stage games produced interesting results, including Costa Rica’s goalless draw with Brazil, Uruguay’s statement 3-1 victory over Panama, USA’s 2-0 win at the hands of altitude specialists Bolivia, and many more.
Brazil came back in the second round of matches with Vinicius Jr’s show-off securing them a 4-1 victory over Panama, after super sub Lautaro Martinez scored the lone goal in the Argentina vs Chile game.
Uruguay also continued with their fine start with a resounding 5-0 win over Bolivia, while a Jonathan David lone goal gifted Canada its first 3 points of the campaign.
The deciding round [last round] of matches took off with Group A as Argentina maintained their excellent record with a 2-0 win over Peru, whereas Chile held Canada to a goalless draw.
Group B’s games had Venezuela sealing a spot in the knockout stage with a 3-0 victory over Jamaica, whilst the game between Mexico and Ecuador produced no goal.
Hosts, USA crashed out of the tournament following a 1-0 loss to high-flying Uruguay after Panama beat Bolivia 3-1 to make it out of the Group.
The winner of Group D hugely depended on the winner of the Colombia-Brazil cracker, which saw the Los Cafeteros securing the top spot after a 1-1 draw with Brazil.
The group stages of the tournament had impressive performances from players like Lautaro Martinez, who scored the most goals(4), James Rodriguez with the most assists (3), Lionel Messi with the most big chances created (6), and Claudio Bravo who produced the most saves and prevented most goals.
The quarterfinals will commence on Friday, 5th July, with Messi’s Argentina locking horns with Ecuador at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
Venezuela will also square off with Canada on 6th July at AT&T Stadium in Texas, before the crucial encounter between Brazil and Uruguay comes off at the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada on Sunday, 5th July, 2024.
The winner of Uruguay vs Brazil will come up against the winner of Colombia vs Panama.
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Story by: Augustine Quansah| univers.ug.edu.gh
