Hosts Brazil dominate quarter-final best XI after Copa America shootout success
There were just two goals scored across four nervy Copa America quarter-final clashes as Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru booked their spots in the semi-finals of the competition...
Goalkeeper: Roberto Fernandez (Paraguay) - 7.74 rating
Paraguay were unlucky not to make the semi-finals of the Copa America as they crashed out of the competition on penalties at the hands of hosts Brazil. It was largely down to the performance of goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez that they came so close to knocking Brazil out as the 31-year-old made eight saves, more than any other shotstopper in the quarter-finals, to return a WhoScored rating of 7.74.
Right-back: Dani Alves (Brazil) - 7.74 rating
Also landing a WhoScored rating of 7.74 from Brazil’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay, Dani Alves is the first of four Selecao players to feature in the best XI from the Copa America quarter-finals. The experienced right-back pushed forward with aplomb as he made four successful dribbles, and created one goalscoring chance, while four tackles helped him secure his spot in this side.
Centre-back: Yerry Mina (Colombia) - 8.38 rating
Despite Colombia’s exit at the hands of Chile, Yerry Mina was still a fine performer in the 0-0 draw with La Roja. The Everton centre-back gained the WhoScored man of the match award with a 8.38 rating as he won eight aerial duels, made seven clearances, three tackles and one interception in a fine rearguard display.
Centre-back: Jose Gimenez (Uruguay) - 7.75 rating
Partnering Mina at the heart of the defence is Uruguay’s Jose Gimenez. The Atletico star has seen his stock soar at the Copa America with a series of fine displays, even as La Albiceleste exited the competition at Peru's expense. No less, the 24-year-old can take solace from a performance that saw him land a WhoScored rating of 7.75 as he won four aerial duels, made three tackles, three interceptions and two clearances.
Left-back: Filipe Luis (Brazil) - 7.46 rating
Filipe Luis lasted just 45 minutes against Paraguay before being hooked for Alex Sandro, but in his first half performance, he did enough to make the cut in this XI with a WhoScored rating of 7.46. In his 45 minutes, Luis made three tackles, three key passes and three dribbles to feature in this side.
Right midfield: Gabriel Jesus (Brazil) - 7.46 rating
Like Luis, Gabriel Jesus also gained a WhoScored rating of 7.46 as he impressed in an unfamiliar right wing role. He may have failed to have a direct hand in a goal in normal or extra time, but it wasn’t for want of trying as he made two shots and two key passes, while six successful dribbles was more than any other player in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Central midfield: Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay) - 7.76 rating
Young Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was central to Uruguay’s progression to the quarter-finals of the Copa America and earned a WhoScored rating of 7.76 from their meeting with Peru, despite their exit. Indeed, he chipped in with three tackles and two interceptions and got forward well too as he completed two dribbles.
Central midfield: Coutinho (Brazil) - 8.15 rating
Rounding off the Brazil contingent is midfielder Coutinho, who picked up the man of the match award from their penalty shootout win over Paraguay. The Barcelona star routinely chanced his luck in the meeting as he mustered more shots (7) than any other player in the quarter-finals. Additional returns of two tackles, four dribbles and one key pass yielded a WhoScored rating of 8.15.
Left midfield: Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Uruguay) - 8.45 rating
Completing the midfield and the Uruguay contingent is our player of the round Giorgian de Arrascaeta. The 25-year-old gained a WhoScored rating of 8.45 against Peru as he created more goalscoring chances (4) than any other player in the quarter-finals of the competition, while five dribbles helped him land the individual gong.
Striker: Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 7.30 rating
Argentina were the only side to hit the back of the net in the quarter-finals of the Copa America and it’s little shock that the two striker berths are occupied by Argentine stars, with Lionel Messi first up. The Barcelona sensation may have endured a tough Copa America, but his unwavering confidence saw him have three shots against Venezuela and had his teammates boasted their shooting boots, he’d have had an assist in the win too as he made three key passes to land a WhoScored rating of 7.30.
Striker: Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) - 8.02 rating
Partnering Messi in attack is compatriot Lautaro Martinez, who scored his second Copa America goal and fourth in his last four Argentina appearances in the 2-0 win over Venezuela. The Inter star netted the goal that set Argentina on their way into the semi-finals and set up a crunch clash with Brazil and he could’ve had a second just after half time having struck the woodwork. His one goal came from three shots, while three key passes and one dribble returned a WhoScored rating of 8.02.
