The Copa America group stage was wrapped up this week, with eight of the 10 starting nations moving into the quarter-finals.
The first match of the gameweek saw Ecuador put an end to Brazil's perfect start to the tournament, as they earned a commendable point in a 1-1 draw to confirm their fourth-placed finish and a place in the final eight, while the Selecao finished at the top of the group regardless.
That result meant Peru were guaranteed to qualify, but they defeated Venezuela 1-0 nonetheless to move into second place and condemn their opponents to elimination.
In the other group, Bolivia's fate was already sealed going into the final game, and they succumbed to their fourth defeat of the group stage as they were thrashed 4-1 by Argentina, confirming La Albiceleste's first-placed finish.
Finally, Uruguay continued their improvement with a 1-0 win over Paraguay to pip their opponents to second spot in group A, seeing Eduardo Berizzo's men finish an impressive group stage in third spot.
Here, Sports Mole selects its Copa America Team of the Week from the latest round of fixtures.
DEFENCE
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There were several impressive goalkeeping performances this week, but it is Paraguay's Antony Silva who pips the likes of Franco Armani and Pedro Gallese to the starting spot between the sticks after his eye-catching performance in their clash with Uruguay, despite his nation falling to a defeat in that game.
The 37-year-old defied his years with a monumental showing between the sticks, producing several impressive saves to keep his side in the game, including a particularly eye-catching stop from close-range to deny Giorgian De Arrascaeta in the first half, while it took an Edinson Cavani penalty to beat the Paraguayan stopper.
Kicking off the back four is Brazilian right-back Emerson, who majorly impressed in his first start of the tournament despite their somewhat disappointing draw with Ecuador, catching eyes with five clearances, three interceptions and three tackles while linking up well to be a threat down the right flank.
Alongside him in the first centre-back spot is his compatriot Eder Militao, who put the Selecao ahead with an excellent header, rising highest in a crowded box to find the far top corner, while putting in a solid defensive display with five clearances, two interceptions and six successful duels out of seven attempts.
The goal Brazil conceded was no reflection on the Real Madrid star either, as Ecuador took advantage of a difference in the defensive line between Marquinhos and Danilo to chip a ball in behind for Angel Mena to finish.
Militao's centre-back partner in this side is Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez, who was a rock at the back for La Albiceleste in their dominant 4-1 win over Bolivia, recording seven clearances and winning three aerial duels while showing excellent ability on the ball. The 23-year-old put up his most impressive international performance of his career to date, cementing his spot in the back four for the quarter-finals.
Rounding off the defence is fellow Argentinian Marcos Acuna, who again shone for his nation with another excellent performance on the left-hand side of their back four, constantly threatening the Bolivia back line with his positive runs, while lofting five crosses into the box. His connections with the likes of Lionel Messi meant they always had a numbers advantage in the opposition half, helping La Albiceleste to a dominant 4-0 victory.
MIDFIELD
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In the first of three midfield spots is Uruguay and Juventus star Rodrigo Bentancur, who truly showed his class in their hard-fought victory over Paraguay, ensuring they stayed on top of the same throughout with constant ball recoveries, runs and advanced passes. In a functional but unremarkable showing from La Celeste, it was his midfield effort that was crucial in seeing out the win, standing out above his teammates with a dynamic performance and showing his true quality after doubts following an underwhelming domestic season in Italy.
In the centre of the midfield three, offering cover to the back four, is Peru lynchpin Yoshimar Yotun, who continued his strong tournament with another solid performance in their 1-0 win over Venezuela to confirm a second-placed finish in the group. The 31-year-old made his 102nd international appearance, and he was as crucial as ever, shielding the back four to help his side to a clean sheet and a victory with his outstanding ability to break up play and put his side back on the front foot.
The final midfield spot goes to experienced Ecuador man Jhegson Mendez, who was arguably the main reason for their draw with Brazil, as he did not allow the Selecao attackers any time or space to punish his nation's defence. The likes of Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino in the centre of the Brazilian attack were kept extremely quiet throughout, not being allowed to trouble Hernan Galindez between the sticks, and that was largely down to the work of Mendez who was a constant nuisance, harassing the skilful attack of the pre-tournament favourites and dealing with them more effectively than anyone else has in the Copa America so far.
ATTACK
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After he hit his second goal of the tournament to fire his nation to a crucial win, Peru winger Andre Carrillo makes it into the Team of the Week for the first time, as he pounced on a loose ball from a corner and made no mistake in smashing it home. Aside from that goal, the Al Hilal man was a constant thorn in the side of Venezuela, causing problems throughout the game with his dribbling and link-up play with the rest of the front line, helping him pip the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Giorgian De Arrascaeta to this spot on the right flank.
Lionel Messi again takes the spot in the middle of the front three in this side, despite operating slightly deeper and supporting main forward Sergio Aguero in their recent 4-1 win over Bolivia. The Barcelona talisman again inspired his nation to victory with a converted penalty and a fantastic lofted finish as well as setting Alejandro Gomez up for the opener with an eye-catching chipped ball in the box, catching out the Bolivian defence. Even with some below-par Argentina performances in the group stage, Messi has stood out in the tournament and the final round of group fixtures was no different as he was the star of the show in Cuiaba.
Rounding off this side is Messi's teammate Alejandro Gomez, who took advantage of the spectacular assist from Messi to slot the ball home and put his nation ahead inside 10 minutes, and the Sevilla attacker would not slow down, constantly creating problems for Bolivia, including winning the penalty which Messi finished to double La Albiceleste's lead, all but securing the points at that stage.
SPORTS MOLE'S COPA AMERICA TEAM OF THE WEEK
Sports Mole's Copa America team of the week (4-3-3): Silva; Emerson, Militao, Martinez, Acuna; Bentancur, Yotun, Mendez; Carrillo, Messi, Gomez
Sam Varley
