THE quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa America are upon and two underdogs will face off for the opportunity to play in a rare semi-final on Saturday morning when Venezuela take on Canada.
Venezuela have been sensational so far and won three out of three matches in the group stages. They overcame Ecuador, Jamaica and Mexico to come through Group B as winners.
Canada have also been impressive, managing to come out of Group A as runners-up, but their best work has come in defence. Their only defeat at the tournament so far came against Lionel Messi's Argentina, a result you can perhaps forgive them for.
Who will progress to the semi-finals on Saturday in Texas? Here's what we think.
How the bookies view it: Venezuela to edge it
Venezuela have seemingly swayed the bookies with their impressive performances at the Copa America as they come into this one as favourites. A Venezuela victory inside 90 minutes is priced at 6/4 with BetFred while a Canada win is priced at 9/5. The bookies consider a draw, and therefore Extra Time, as a serious possibility here at 15/8.
Recent head-to-head: All square
Venezuela and Canada have only played each other twice before which shouldn't come as a huge shock given that this is the first time Canada have played in the Copa America. Both of those previous matches, which took place in 2007 and 2010, ended all square with the first match finishing 2-2 and the second one finishing 1-1.
Players to watch: Can Rondon reach the promised land?
Venezuela are looking to reach the semi-final of the Copa America for the first time in history and who better to fire them there than their record goalscorer, Salomon Rondon? The former West Brom, Newcastle and Everton man now plays his club football in Mexico but is still producing the goods for his country.
Rondon has started both of Venezuela's last two matches at the tournament and he has scored a goal in each of them, helping them to maximum points in the group stages. He will face a defence that has kept a clean sheet in their last two matches so he will certainly be tested on Saturday morning.
Canada, meanwhile, will be hoping that Jonathan David lives up to his billing. The Lille striker, who is being linked with a move to the Premier League, has scored Canada's only goal at the Copa America so far but don't be surprised to see him kick on now the stakes have been raised.
Predicted lineups
Venezuela will welcome back Nahuel Ferraresi and Miguel Navarro to the starting XI after both men were rest in their final group game to avoid any risk of a booking suspension. However, Darwin Machis did pick up his second booking of the tournament on matchday three so he will sit this one out.
Canada will be without Tajon Buchanan after the winger broke his tibia in training. Buchanan is expected to miss at least four months of action.
Venezuela: Romo – Aramburu, Ferraresi, Y. Osorio, Navarro – Herrera, Martinez – Bello, Casseres, Soteldo – Rondon
Canada: Crepeau – Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies – Eustaquio, Kone – Ahmed, David, Laryea – Larin
Anything else catch the eye?
As previously mentioned, Canada have only managed to score one goal in the tournament so far and they are struggling to click at the top of the pitch. It's difficult to envisage them suddenly becoming a potent force in front of goal, therefore, Canada to score under 1.5 goals at 4/11 is a great bet with Betfred.
This Copa America match between Venezuela and Canada will be played on Jul 6, 2024 and kick off at 02:00. Check below for our tipsters best Venezuela vs Canada prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
