After a disappointing start to the tournament, when the hosts were jeered by their own fans in dull draws against Bolivia and Colombia, Argentina came to life in their final group game, albeit against a weak Costa Rica outfit.

Nevertheless the 3-0 victory, inspired by Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero, has given the locals hope that they can fulfil their pre-tournament favourites’ tag and go on to lift the trophy.

They come up against a talented Uruguay outfit in the last eight (Argentina 8/15, Uruguay 5/1, the draw 13/5 – match prices) so progress is by no means guaranteed but any side with Messi, Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria, Gabriel Milito and Gonzalo Higuain in it should be feared and, as long as they now click into gear, the competition is still theirs to lose.

Uruguay

The quarter-final showdown against the hosts is Uruguay’s ‘punishment’ for also beginning the competition slowly, as draws against Peru and Chile were eventually followed up with a slender 1-0 victory over Mexico – who themselves struggled badly in Group B to finish bottom of the pile with no points.

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has failed to show the sort of form that, at times, lit up the Premier League in the second half of last season and he has managed just one goal so far, in the opening draw with Peru.

Equally, Diego Forlan – who was voted the best player at last summer’s World Cup – has been strangely subdued and has yet to find the back of the net.

However, they possess some real talent in the squad, not least in the aforementioned duo, and also with the likes of Alvaro Gonzalez, Sebastián Eguren and experienced defender Maxi Periera so, like Argentina, they can be a real force if they play to their potential.

Sadly for Uruguay it looks as though their tournament is about to come to an end, though, as the hosts will probably have a little too much for them in the big clash between the two on Saturday.

Chile

Chile topped their group, ahead of Uruguay, and are showing in Argentina that their impressive performance in South Africa 12 months ago was no fluke (Chile 4/7, Venezuela 9/2, the draw 9/2 – match prices).

In Alexis Sanchez they have one of the most coveted forwards in world football with all the top sides throughout Europe, including Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea, clamouring for his signature.

And his performances so far prove he does have the talent to match the hype.

Sanchez has bagged one goal but has caught the eye for Chile, with much of their best attacking play going through the Udinese star, and he will be vital for them if they are to progress further.

A last-eight clash against Venezuela awaits for Claudio Borghi’s side, so a place in the semis is there for the taking in San Juan on Sunday.

Brazil

In a spooky coincidence, Brazil began the tournament in similar fashion to the way great rivals Argentina started.

The second favourites struggled early on and were stung with criticism from back home with two lethargic draws in their first two games – the second only secured thanks to a last-minute equaliser by Fred against Paraguay.

But the five-times world champions managed to get past Ecuador 4-2 in their final group game to ensure progress into the last eight and now face Paraguay for a place in the semi-finals (Brazil 4/7, Paraguay 9/2, draw 5/2 – match prices).

Despite failing to sparkle so far, the mere fact they are Brazil means they have a chance of winning the tournament and, of course, they have plenty of talent in their side with Dani Alves, Neymar – who scored twice against Paraguay – Lucio, Ramires and Alexandre Pato to name just five.

However, Brazil do appear to lack the star-studded line-up of tournaments gone by this year and winning the Copa America looks like being a tall order for Mano Menezes’ side such is the quality of other sides.

Expect them to make it into the last four but, beyond that, it looks like being a struggle.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.