The group stages of the South American Championship served to eliminate two teams - Ecuador and Uruguay - and to sort the remaining 8 into their knockout round bracket:
We're going to go through all 7 knockout games here, so the 4 quarter-finals, the 2 semi-finals and the 1 final. At the end, we'll find out who the inaugural South American champion is!
Quarter-finals
Brazil vs Venezuela
Venezuela's reward for being the lowest qualifier in Group B is to draw the tournament favourites, Brazil. Still, Brazil were less imperious in the group stage than they were in DWC qualifying, most notably losing to Bolivia in their opening match.
Brazil started strongly, and had the lead within 14 minutes as Geromel headed in a free kick. They continued their good start, Dani Alves forcing Mario Santilli into a good stop and Gabriel Barbosa nearly scoring from the corner. Venezuela threatened at the other end, somehow failing to score from a chaotic goalmouth scramble. But Brazil got daylight between the teams when Dani Alves did his best Roberto Carlos impression by getting a huge amount of curl on a long-range free kick, finding the top corner. At the break, things seem straightforward for Brazil.
Quarter-finals
Brazil vs Venezuela
Venezuela's reward for being the lowest qualifier in Group B is to draw the tournament favourites, Brazil. Still, Brazil were less imperious in the group stage than they were in DWC qualifying, most notably losing to Bolivia in their opening match.
Brazil started strongly, and had the lead within 14 minutes as Geromel headed in a free kick. They continued their good start, Dani Alves forcing Mario Santilli into a good stop and Gabriel Barbosa nearly scoring from the corner. Venezuela threatened at the other end, somehow failing to score from a chaotic goalmouth scramble. But Brazil got daylight between the teams when Dani Alves did his best Roberto Carlos impression by getting a huge amount of curl on a long-range free kick, finding the top corner. At the break, things seem straightforward for Brazil.
Brazil held Venezuela at arm's length in the second half, and grabbed another spectacular goal as Bruno Guimaraes hit a sensational strike into the top corner. The rest of the half was fairly uneventful as Brazil were happy to see the match out.
Bolivia vs Colombia
Bolivia did well to finish 2nd in a tough group, although the honour is dubious, as they face Colombia, a side ranked higher than them. Colombia slightly struggled through the group stage, only winning one match, and both sides are DWC qualifiers this year.
Both sides looked quite sparky in attack, getting into good positions only to be denied by the lino's flag. In the 25th minute Juan Guillermo Domínquez cut inside from the left, beating a couple of Bolivian defenders and sliding it to Germán Cano, who finished into the far corner! This was enough for Colombia to lead at the break.
Bolivia did well to finish 2nd in a tough group, although the honour is dubious, as they face Colombia, a side ranked higher than them. Colombia slightly struggled through the group stage, only winning one match, and both sides are DWC qualifiers this year.
Both sides looked quite sparky in attack, getting into good positions only to be denied by the lino's flag. In the 25th minute Juan Guillermo Domínquez cut inside from the left, beating a couple of Bolivian defenders and sliding it to Germán Cano, who finished into the far corner! This was enough for Colombia to lead at the break.
Bolivia's build-up has been okay, but there was little creativity in the final third. Instead, they mainly threatened at set pieces, and Jorge Pereyra Díaz should have scored from a corner, but Wuilker Farinez made a great save. Not to be outdone, Carlos Lampe produced an excellent block to deny Cano at the other end. Despite having the bulk of possession, Bolivia struggled to break Colombia down, and ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat.
Paraguay vs Chile
Like Bolivia, Paraguay have been rewarded for winning their group by drawing a higher-ranked side, this time Chile. Chile were the first team to qualify for the knockout stages, albeit whilst blowing hot and cold. Paraguay won all of their group games except that against Argentina.
This match presented a big clash of styles, with Paraguay adopting a prosaic 4-4-2 whilst Chile go with their customary high-tempo 5-2-3. Chile were able to push Paraguay back, with Esteban Paredes heading an early warning over the bar. At the other end, Joaquín Larrivey clipped the bar with a header from a free kick. The trend of headed chances continued, and this time it brought a goal as Paredes nodded a Jonathan Zacaría cross into the bottom corner! Advantage Chile at the break.
It only took 182 seconds of the second half for Paredes to finish off a quick Chile move to double his and his team's tally. And they seized complete control of the tie as Martín Silva could only parry Jaime Valdés' back to Pablo Moucho who made it three. Chile are sometimes exciting at both ends of the pitch, but this time they were assured in defence and any Paraguayan comeback looked unlikely. Instead, another Chile goal looked more likely as Mouche drew Silva into a good save in the 78th minute. 3 minutes later Mouche again broke into the box, and this time he drew it back for Paredes to complete his hat trick, and complete a perfect 4-0 win for Chile.
Paraguay vs Chile
Like Bolivia, Paraguay have been rewarded for winning their group by drawing a higher-ranked side, this time Chile. Chile were the first team to qualify for the knockout stages, albeit whilst blowing hot and cold. Paraguay won all of their group games except that against Argentina.
This match presented a big clash of styles, with Paraguay adopting a prosaic 4-4-2 whilst Chile go with their customary high-tempo 5-2-3. Chile were able to push Paraguay back, with Esteban Paredes heading an early warning over the bar. At the other end, Joaquín Larrivey clipped the bar with a header from a free kick. The trend of headed chances continued, and this time it brought a goal as Paredes nodded a Jonathan Zacaría cross into the bottom corner! Advantage Chile at the break.
It only took 182 seconds of the second half for Paredes to finish off a quick Chile move to double his and his team's tally. And they seized complete control of the tie as Martín Silva could only parry Jaime Valdés' back to Pablo Moucho who made it three. Chile are sometimes exciting at both ends of the pitch, but this time they were assured in defence and any Paraguayan comeback looked unlikely. Instead, another Chile goal looked more likely as Mouche drew Silva into a good save in the 78th minute. 3 minutes later Mouche again broke into the box, and this time he drew it back for Paredes to complete his hat trick, and complete a perfect 4-0 win for Chile.
Argentina vs Peru
Peru were involved in some thrilling games in Group A, and as a result they qualified for this round on goals scored. They face Group B winners Argentina, who took the most points of any team in the group stages.
It was a remarkable start, as Argentina's Nicólas Domínguez headed in two goals in the first two minutes, one from a corner and one from a free kick. However, Peru swiftly got one back - also from a set piece - as Alberto Rodríguez fired home following a minor scramble after a free kick. Argentina reacted well, and restored their two-goal lead in the 14th minute as Fabrizio Angileri's cross found Eduardo Salvio at the far post for an easy finish. And 10 minutes later they had another as Lisandro López (the striker) scored Argentina's fourth header from a Lucas Pratto delivery. And it just kept getting worse for Peru as Lisandro and Pratto added another pair of headers (I think the FM20 match engine likes headers). This made it 6-1 by half time!
Peru stemmed the tide in the second half, but lost Alejandro Hohberg to a red card on the hour mark. Surprisingly, the next goal was Peru's as Emanuel Herrera arced a free kick into the top corner. And they held out for the rest of the match too. But that's hardly likely to put a dent in Argentina's confidence after a riotous 6-2 win.
Peru were involved in some thrilling games in Group A, and as a result they qualified for this round on goals scored. They face Group B winners Argentina, who took the most points of any team in the group stages.
It was a remarkable start, as Argentina's Nicólas Domínguez headed in two goals in the first two minutes, one from a corner and one from a free kick. However, Peru swiftly got one back - also from a set piece - as Alberto Rodríguez fired home following a minor scramble after a free kick. Argentina reacted well, and restored their two-goal lead in the 14th minute as Fabrizio Angileri's cross found Eduardo Salvio at the far post for an easy finish. And 10 minutes later they had another as Lisandro López (the striker) scored Argentina's fourth header from a Lucas Pratto delivery. And it just kept getting worse for Peru as Lisandro and Pratto added another pair of headers (I think the FM20 match engine likes headers). This made it 6-1 by half time!
Peru stemmed the tide in the second half, but lost Alejandro Hohberg to a red card on the hour mark. Surprisingly, the next goal was Peru's as Emanuel Herrera arced a free kick into the top corner. And they held out for the rest of the match too. But that's hardly likely to put a dent in Argentina's confidence after a riotous 6-2 win.
Semi finals
Brazil vs Colombia
Can Colombia stop Brazil? The favourites seemed to step it up for the knockout stages in their last game, whilst Colombia scrapped their way to a narrow win over Bolivia.
Colombia's narrow diamond formation may protect the middle, but it gives a lot of space for Brazil's elite full backs Dani Alves and Filipe Luís. And it was the latter who crossed for Gabriel Barbosa to nod Brazil into a 6th-minute lead. However, centre back Geromel had his pocket picked by Cano, who raced through and levelled! But it didn't take long for Brazil to restore their lead, as they were given a penalty which Dani Alves put away. And it was fitting that his full back colleague Filipe Luís who added breathing space with a fearsome long-range free kick that Wuilker Farinez failed to keep out. Filipe Luís' magnificent game continued as his solo run and shot lead to an easy rebound goal for Gabriel Barbosa. A brilliant Brazilian half of football.
Brazil vs Colombia
Can Colombia stop Brazil? The favourites seemed to step it up for the knockout stages in their last game, whilst Colombia scrapped their way to a narrow win over Bolivia.
Colombia's narrow diamond formation may protect the middle, but it gives a lot of space for Brazil's elite full backs Dani Alves and Filipe Luís. And it was the latter who crossed for Gabriel Barbosa to nod Brazil into a 6th-minute lead. However, centre back Geromel had his pocket picked by Cano, who raced through and levelled! But it didn't take long for Brazil to restore their lead, as they were given a penalty which Dani Alves put away. And it was fitting that his full back colleague Filipe Luís who added breathing space with a fearsome long-range free kick that Wuilker Farinez failed to keep out. Filipe Luís' magnificent game continued as his solo run and shot lead to an easy rebound goal for Gabriel Barbosa. A brilliant Brazilian half of football.
Brazil continued to dominate the game, as Gabriel Barbosa and Gérson hit the bar with separate chances, but they couldn't add any more. It finished 4-1, which flatters Colombia much more than it flatters Brazil.
Chile vs Argentina
Will Chile deny us the Superclásico final we appear destined for? They were the stand-out team in the quarter-finals, with their high tempo play pulling Paraguay apart. Argentina are a very different proposition, and the only team yet to lose this tournament.
Argentina were far better defensively than Paraguay were, and strictly limited Chile's attacking chances. They themselves struggled to create clear chances as well, with the first half flying by without incident. Juan Fernando Quintero nearly put Argentina ahead with a strong shot that Johnny Herrera just managed to tip onto the crossbar. That was a rare moment of quality in a very uneventful game, and the 90 minutes passed by without a winner, taking us to extra time for the first time this tournament!
In the 101st minute Argentina managed to break through Chile's midfield, and Domínguez played in Ángel Romero down the left. He took it inside and beat Herrera with a fizzing low shot!
Chile vs Argentina
Will Chile deny us the Superclásico final we appear destined for? They were the stand-out team in the quarter-finals, with their high tempo play pulling Paraguay apart. Argentina are a very different proposition, and the only team yet to lose this tournament.
Argentina were far better defensively than Paraguay were, and strictly limited Chile's attacking chances. They themselves struggled to create clear chances as well, with the first half flying by without incident. Juan Fernando Quintero nearly put Argentina ahead with a strong shot that Johnny Herrera just managed to tip onto the crossbar. That was a rare moment of quality in a very uneventful game, and the 90 minutes passed by without a winner, taking us to extra time for the first time this tournament!
In the 101st minute Argentina managed to break through Chile's midfield, and Domínguez played in Ángel Romero down the left. He took it inside and beat Herrera with a fizzing low shot!
In the second half of extra time Chile began to put some pressure on, as Luciano Aued forced a fine save from Franco Armani with a low shot similar to Romero's. This was their best chance, and they couldn't find a leveller, meaning Argentina go through to the final!
Final
Brazil vs Argentina
Like North America (USA vs Mexico) and Oceania (Australia vs New Zealand), the South American Championship has given us the final most would have predicted before the tournament began. Brazil have had all the DWC success for South America, with their final and semi-final appearances, and the extent to which they dominated this year's event. Based on the two country's club sides success, Argentina should be much closer to Brazil than they have been of late, and this final would be a great way to show that they should be considered on the same level.
Both teams have played similar 4-2-3-1 formations this tournament, with both looking to control the game. Argentina are slightly more direct than Brazil, and keener to get stuck into challenges, but generally this will be a battle of two similar teams.
Brazil vs Argentina
Like North America (USA vs Mexico) and Oceania (Australia vs New Zealand), the South American Championship has given us the final most would have predicted before the tournament began. Brazil have had all the DWC success for South America, with their final and semi-final appearances, and the extent to which they dominated this year's event. Based on the two country's club sides success, Argentina should be much closer to Brazil than they have been of late, and this final would be a great way to show that they should be considered on the same level.
Both teams have played similar 4-2-3-1 formations this tournament, with both looking to control the game. Argentina are slightly more direct than Brazil, and keener to get stuck into challenges, but generally this will be a battle of two similar teams.
The opening quarter of the game was very cagey, with Argentina seeing more of the ball but neither team creating anything of note. Eventually, we had something in the 26th minute, as Dani Alves' floated in a lovely cross from a free kick, and Walter Kannemann headed it onto the bar! 10 minutes later Brazil finally opened Argentina up as Gabriel Barbosa found Everton Ribeiro running in from the right. He calmly took it around Armani and slotted it in!
Argentina responded with a very fluent spell of possession, eventually resulting in a 20-yard shot from Quintero which Tiago Volpi pushed around the post. Soon after, Salvio burst down the right but couldn't beat the keeper with his tame shot. Argentina had rallied well, but were dealt a sucker-punch on the stroke of half time as Dani Alves whipped a brilliant free kick past Armani to double the lead!
Neither team make any changes for the second half, but as little action occurred Mauro Zárate eventually came on for Lisandro just after the hour mark. Brazil continued to strangle the life out of the game, and Argentina continued to look blunt. Instead, the next goal nearly came at the other end as Gabriel Barbosa headed a corner narrowly over. From the resulting goal kick Argentina build the play up calmly, and Daniele de Rossi found sub Frank Fabra with a lovely pass. His cross found Salvio who volleyed in to bring it back to 2-1, with 10 minutes to go!
Brazil responded with an Everton Ribeiro shot flashed wide, but crucially they defended well, denying Argentina any more chances. And despite the game being set up for a barnstorming finish, it fizzled out with the final whistle eventually arriving to signal Brazil's triumph!
So, once again the final of a continental championship has delivered the winner we expected. Brazil were outstanding once we got into the knockout stages, and that will give them a lot of confidence going into this summer's Draft World Cup.
The tournaments keep on coming, and next time we will go through the group stage of the Asian Championship!
The tournaments keep on coming, and next time we will go through the group stage of the Asian Championship!