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ARLINTON, FRIDAY — Surprise team Venezuela battled with top-ranked team Canada in the Copa America quarterfinals on Saturday (6/7/2024) at 08:00 WIB at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, the United States.

Venezuela surprised everyone by reaching the quarter-finals of the Copa America AS 2024 as winners of Group B. In three preliminary matches, the team coached by Fernando Batista (Argentina) won 2-1 against Ecuador, 1-0 against Mexico and 3-0 against Jamaica.

Canada, a debutant, qualified for the knockout stage by finishing second in Group A. The team coached by Jesse Marsch (USA) lost 0-2 to defending champions Argentina, won 1-0 against Peru and drew 0-0 with Chile. In qualifying, Canada, a member of CONCACAF (North, Central America and the Caribbean), faced CONMEBOL (South America) members Argentina, Peru and Chile.

Early in the tournament, Venezuela looked set to be eliminated when they fell behind to Ecuador thanks to striker Jeremy Sarmiento’s 40th-minute goal. However, “La Vinotinto” (Red Wine), Venezuela’s nickname, did not panic. Batista, known for his calm demeanor, responded by making two key changes in the second half.

In the 46th minute, Batista, the former Argentina U-19 and U-23 coach, replaced midfielder Darwin Machis who was operating as a right winger with striker Jhonder Cadiz. Apart from that, midfielder Cristian Casseres was replaced by Eduard Bello. The change was great. Cadiz scored a goal in the 64th minute thanks to a pass from the vice-captain and best striker national Salomon Rondon, 42 goals in 107 appearances. Bello scored a goal in the 74th minute.

Also read: Canada vs. Chile, fight for true “red” status

In Group B, Venezuela was initially unseeded. Captain Tomas Rincon, record holder with 134 appearances, and his colleagues would lose to Ecuador, who are also members of CONMEBOL and have never won the Copa America. Apart from that, they should also have a hard time imposing themselves against Mexico, a traditional CONCACAF powerhouse. However, what happened was a complete surprise. Venezuela has only conceded one goal so far in the tournament.

If they can defeat “The Reds”, Canada’s nickname, Venezuela will repeat Argentina’s feat at the 2011 Copa America, namely qualifying for the semi-finals. At that time, Venezuela lost 1-4 to Peru in the battle for third place. The fourth place is Venezuela’s best result in the Copa America, a continental tournament organized by CONMEBOL since 1916.

In two editions, namely Centenario 2016 and Brazil 2019, Venezuela stopped in the quarterfinals. Argentina beat Venezuela with a score of 1-4 in 2016 and 2-0 in 2019. If they qualify for the semifinals, Venezuela will face the winner of the match between Argentina and Ecuador.

Also read: Peru vs Canada, debutant’s first win in tough Copa America match

Canada, who were debutants, were also initially looked down upon. They were expected to face stronger CONMEBOL teams. However, Canada played calmly and bounced back against Peru and Chile. Canada’s progress as a CONCACAF debutant in the Copa America quarterfinals is on par with Mexico and Honduras’ past achievements.

Marsch, a former Leeds United manager, has managed to combine the strength of young captain and defender Alphonso Davies (23) with acuity. best striker national Cyle Larin (29), 29 goals in 71 appearances. Canada played calmly and remained focused even though they were attacked by difficult tackles from Peru and Chile. The violations and violent tackles actually hurt Peru and Chile, with one player sent off. Canada took advantage of this situation to be able to advance to the quarter-finals.

The quarterfinal between Venezuela and Canada was the first meeting of a major tournament. However, this match is also their third meeting. The two previous matches were friendly and took place in Venezuela. The result was 2-2 on June 1, 2007 and 1-1 on May 29, 2010. After 14 years without a duel, Venezuela and Canada fought for their first victory.

In the next match, Venezuela will not be able to reinforce Machis due to the accumulated yellow cards. Batista can play Yeferson Soteldo or Cadiz. The tight midfield position will probably be occupied by Jefferson Savarino or Casseres. In defense, the defensive duo of Nahuel Ferraresi and Miguel Navarro can return to the game after being absent against Jamaica due to accumulated yellow cards.

In the offensive sector, the choice is still open between Rondon and Bello, who both scored two goals in the tournament. Venezuela also has striker Eric Ramirez who scored a goal and became his second collection with the national team.

Canada will once again be bolstered by goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who has yet to concede a goal following their 0-2 loss to Argentina. Left back Davies remains at the centre of the defence. Ismael Kone could return to partner Stephen Eustaquio in midfield. Kone missed the game against Chile with a yellow card.

On the offensive end, Larin continues to be the centre of attention, alongside Canada’s lone goal scorer in the tournament, Jonatahan David. On the list best strikerDavid’s goal tally is just two goals behind Larin’s. The Larin-David duo is Canada’s main choice to face Venezuela. (AP/AFP)