Venezuela and Canada will face each other in a highly anticipated quarterfinal match at the Copa America 2024scheduled for July 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match, which kicks off at 9 PM ET, promises to be an intriguing encounter between two teams with contrasting records in the tournament thus far.
Current State of Venezuela
Venezuela enters the quarterfinals with an unblemished record in the group stage, leading Group B with three wins from three matches. Their campaign has been characterized by solid defense and clinical efficiency in front of goal.
During their group matches, Venezuela conceded only one goal while scoring a total of six, showing defensive solidity and offensive power.
However, Venezuela faces a significant setback ahead of the quarterfinals, as Darwin Machís will be absent due to a suspension for accumulation of yellow cards in previous matches.
Machís' absence leaves a void in Venezuela's midfield and attack, highlighting the team's reliance on other key players to take a leading role in his absence.
One of those key players for Venezuela has been Salomon Rondon, who has contributed two goals and an assist at Copa America 2024 so far. Rondon's experience and scoring ability will be crucial as Venezuela looks to maintain its impressive form against Canada.
A look at Canada
On the other hand, Canada's road to the quarterfinals has been more challenging under new coach Jesse Marsch. The team has struggled to find consistency during the group stage, securing its place in the knockout stage despite scoring just one goal in its last five games.
This offensive difficulty has been a concern for Marsch, compounded by the injury to Tajon Buchanan, which not only rules him out for the remainder of the tournament but potentially for several months.
Marsch has experimented with different lineups and tactical approaches throughout the tournament, reflecting his efforts to find the right balance and strategy for Canada's first Copa America appearance. The team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be tested against Venezuela's formidable defense.
Face to Face
Historically, Venezuela and Canada have met twice, both times resulting in draws. Their last meeting dates back to May 2010, when they drew 1-1 in an international friendly. This limited historical precedent adds an element of unpredictability to their upcoming quarterfinal clash.
Looking ahead to the match, Venezuela is expected to field Wuilker Fariñez in goal, with a defensive quartet of Roberto Rosales, Yordan Osorio, Jhon Chancellor and Luis Mago.
Tomás Rincón and Yangel Herrera will likely anchor the midfield, providing stability and distribution, while Jefferson Savarino, Yeferson Soteldo and Rómulo Otero support Rondón in attack.
Canada, meanwhile, will likely start with Maxime Crépeau in goal, protected by defenders Richie Laryea, Scott Kennedy, Doneil Henry and Alphonso Davies.
The midfield will likely include Samuel Piette, Stephen Eustáquio, Mark-Anthony Kaye and Liam Millar, with Cyle Larin and Jonathan David leading the line in an attempt to overcome the Venezuelan defense.
Another SEMIFINALIST is defined today 😤 pic.twitter.com/1jVLbMgUCj
- CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) July 5, 2024
Predictions
Recent form favors Venezuela, which enters the quarterfinals with momentum after wins over Jamaica (3-0), Mexico (1-0) and Ecuador (2-1). Their only setbacks came in a scoreless draw against Guatemala and a narrow 1-2 loss to Italy, highlighting their resilience and competitiveness in the tournament.
Canada's recent performances have been mixed, including scoreless draws against Chile and France, a narrow 1-0 win over Peru, and losses to Argentina (0-2) and the Netherlands (0-4).
Despite these challenges, Canada's defensive solidity and strategic approach have allowed them to advance through the group stage to reach the quarter-finals, marking a significant achievement in their Copa America debut.
In terms of predictability, Venezuela has the edge due to its solid defensive record and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The absence of Machís and Canada's offensive struggles could tip the scales in favor of Venezuela, who will be looking to maintain their undefeated streak and advance to the semifinals.
However, Canada's resilience and determination should not be underestimated, and their ability to take advantage of opportunities in a knockout scenario could present a challenge to Venezuela's aspirations for Copa America 2024.
