Copa America 2024: Uruguay vs Brazil tips and predictions - Underdogs could edge tactical battle

Uruguay’s reward for winning all three group stage matches is a surprise meeting with a faltering Brazil side in the quarter-finals of Copa America.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side beat Panama 3-1, Bolivia 5-0 and the United States 1-0 to extend their impressive revival to 10 wins and three draws from 15 matches under his leadership.

In October and November of 2023, the Selecao secured consecutive 2-0 victories over Brazil and Argentina, with Darwin Nunez opening the scoring in each match.

Brazil’s defeat to their quarter-final opponents was the first of three consecutive losses in World Cup qualifying, a poor run of form which has extended to this tournament.

Their failure to score against CONCACAF minnow Costa Rica was a damaging start and while they did thump Paraguay 4-1, Colombia held them to a 1-1 draw to condemn them to second place.

In a further blow to Dorival Junior’s side, Vinicius Junior will serve a suspension for yellow card accumulation, limiting Selecao Canarinho’s attacking options.

Given that Uruguay have looked extremely compact, disciplined and hard to break down under Bielsa, VIni’s ability to unbalance defences and operate in small spaces could have been key.

On the other hand, Brazil’s direct attacking style and constant movement will put Uruguay’s fitness and Bielsa’s man-marking system to the test.

More than just a match between two potential tournament winners, it’s a truly fascinating tactical battle. You can make a case for either side, but we’re leaning towards Uruguay.

Circling back to Vinicius’ absence, the lack of penetration may limit Brazil to crosses and shots from distance, providing a solid platform for Nunez and co to hurt them on the break.

 

Key stats

- Uruguay are unbeaten in seven matches at Copa America
- Uruguay won the most recent meeting, 2-0, in October
- Brazil have failed to win eight of their last 11 matches
- There have been under 2.5 goals in six of Brazil’s last seven Copa matches

 

Suggested bets

Uruguay: Draw no bet

Under 2.5 goals