- Colombia has three players in the Best XI of the phase: James Rodríguez, Richard Ríos, and Davinson Sánchez.
- Semifinalists Canada, Argentina, and Uruguay are also represented among the best of the Quarterfinals.
The Quarterfinals kicked off the knockout stage of this CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™, where four teams continue to fight for the continental title – and another four bid farewell to the competition. The qualified teams Argentina, Canada, Colombia, and Uruguay relied on decisive performances from some of their players to advance to the Semifinals, they were recognized in the selection of the Best XI Team of the Week for the recently concluded phase.
Despite the significant presence of teams still in the competition, players from Venezuela, Ecuador, and Brazil also had their efforts recognized in the best of the Quarterfinals.
Check out the chosen team:
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez – Argentina
Dibu was tested early in the match against Ecuador, preventing a great chance from Jeremy Sarmiento just 15 minutes into the game. The Argentine goalkeeper had a relatively calm 90 minutes, despite Enner Valencia missing a penalty, and once again showed why he is one of the most feared goalkeepers in penalty shootouts: he saved consecutive penalties from Ángel Mena and Alan Minda to be the hero of La Albiceleste's qualification to the Semifinals.
Right Back: Jon Aramburu – Venezuela
The Venezuelan defender was one of the biggest highlights of La Vinotinto's historic campaign at this CONMEBOL Copa América™, and it was no different in the match against Canada. Aramburu had a great performance in the Quarterfinals, with an incredible 11 tackles, 2 blocked shots, 2 interceptions, and the assist for Salomón Rondón's record goal in the tournament.
Center Back: Davinson Sánchez – Colombia
The impressive attack is just one of the secrets to Colombia's success in this CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™, as the defensive work has been equally commendable. At the center of it is Davinson Sánchez, who not only scored in this edition during the Group Stage but also had a dominant performance against Panama: 4 tackles, 5 ground duels won, 2 blocked shots, and 33 of 45 passes completed (73% success rate).
Center Back: Lisandro Martínez – Argentina
Licha Martínez could not have chosen a better moment to score his first career goal for the Argentine national team: he did it against Ecuador, in a difficult CONMEBOL Copa América™ Quarterfinal match. The corner deflected by Alexis Mac Allister was utilized well by the defender, who headed it in powerfully to open the scoring against Ecuador. He finished his 78 minutes on the field with 2 tackles, 5 successful long balls, and completed all 45 passes attempted (100% accuracy).
Left Back: Piero Hincapié – Ecuador
Originally a center back, Hincapié was used more as a left back during this CONMEBOL Copa América™ and maintained a great level until the end. He was combative throughout, with two tackles, 4 ground duels won, and 76% pass accuracy against Argentina, showing why he is already one of the great names in La Tri currently.
Midfielder: Manuel Ugarte – Uruguay
Federico Valverde's partner in the midfield demonstrated the same fighting spirit to tackle opponents in the midfield. Ugarte made 3 tackles, won 5 ground duels, and completed 90% of his passes (28 out of 31 attempted), in addition to converting the decisive penalty that put Uruguay into another Semifinal of the CONMEBOL Copa América™.
Midfielder: Richard Ríos – Colombia
Richard Rios is another example of the balance Colombia has on the fields in the United States, and what he can offer to Néstor Lorenzo's team. In the Quarterfinals, the Palmeiras midfielder contributed both defensively (2 interceptions, 3 ground duels won) and offensively (88% pass accuracy, 1 key pass), crowning a great performance with a beautiful goal from a shot outside the area.
Midfielder: James Rodríguez – Colombia
James has been having a brilliant CONMEBOL Copa América™ so far, but continues to show that he wants to achieve even more for the Colombian national team. Los Cafeteros' number 10 reached 5 assists in the tournament – a record tied for a single edition, alongside Lionel Messi (2021) – with two assists in his team's 5-0 win over Panama, in addition to converting a penalty himself, scoring his first goal of this tournament. He had 4 successful crosses, 48 actions with the ball, and an 84% pass completion rate to crown a masterful performance.
Forward: Raphinha – Brazil
Raphinha left everything on the field during Brazil's tough match against Uruguay at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas: the winger took on the responsibility of leading an attack that did not include the suspended Vinícius Júnior, with the two most dangerous shots against Sergio Rochet. He made a key pass, won two ground duels against the strong Uruguayan defense, and did not stop trying for a moment he was on the field. He was substituted at the end of the match.
Forward: Jacob Shaffelburg – Canada
The direct and fast play of the Canadian national team is largely due to what Shaffelburg can offer. The 24-year-old winger impressed the continent with his runs and movement in the Group Stage, and also with the goal he scored against Venezuela to put Canada ahead in the Quarterfinals. He had another shot in the match, won 4 ground duels, and created the best chance during the 90 minutes, in a counterattack that left Jonathan David face-to-face with the opposing goalkeeper but David failed to capitalize.
Forward: Salomón Rondón – Venezuela
Venezuela can always count on its captain and top scorer in the most challenging moments, and Salomón Rondón delivered once again. He scored a goal of pure opportunism, taking advantage of a far-out Crépeau to finish with a lob from almost 40 meters away. He made history by becoming Venezuela's top scorer in the continental national team tournament, in addition to dominating in the air (winning 7 out of 8 duels) and taking 5 shots in total.
CONMEBOL.COM / Opta
