Prediction: Canada vs Uruguay

Verdict: Uruguay win

Best odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Canada will face Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America third-place playoff at Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina on Saturday night.

While the Reds experienced semi-final heartbreak against Argentina, La Celeste were defeated in their last-four match by Colombia.

Canada

Canada’s aspirations of becoming only the second CONCACAF team, after Mexico, to reach the Copa America final were dashed at the semi-final stage on Tuesday with a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Argentina.

Following a penalty shootout win over Venezuela in the quarterfinals, the Reds faced a familiar fate against La Albiceleste, suffering a two-goal loss similar to their opening group-stage match against them three weeks prior. Goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi, scored on either side of half time, ended Canada’s remarkable tournament debut.

Despite the setback, head coach Jesse Marsch expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating their campaign went much better than anyone would’ve hoped for. Canada advanced further than fellow CONCACAF teams Mexico and host nation USA, as well as five-time world champions Brazil.

Marsch is happy about the future prospects for Canada, who aim to build on this successful Copa America run as they prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup, with the obvious goal of advancing beyond the group stage.

Ranked 48th by FIFA, Canada now turn their focus to securing third place at the Copa America. They will face Uruguay, a team they previously lost to 2-0 in a friendly match in September 2022.

Team News

Canada’s only injury concern is Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan, who recently underwent surgery after breaking his tibia in training. As a result, Jacob Shaffelburg is likely to continue on the left flank. However, Marsch might consider advancing Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies from left-back, with the versatile Richie Laryea possibly stepping into that position.

Cyle Larin (29) and Jonathan David (27), Canada’s top two all-time record goalscorers, are expected to maintain their partnership in attack. Meanwhile, midfielders Jonathan Osorio and Samuel Piette will be vying for a spot in the starting XI, potentially replacing Ismael Kone and Stephen Eustaquio.

Uruguay

After cruising through the group stage with a flawless record, scoring nine goals and conceding just one, Uruguay demonstrated their defensive resilience by defeating Brazil on penalties in the quarterfinals. However, they suffered a 1-0 defeat to a determined Colombia, who played the entire second half with 10 men, in a fiery semifinal clash on Wednesday.

Jefferson Lerma gave Colombia a 39th-minute lead before his Crystal Palace teammate Daniel Munoz was sent off in first-half stoppage time. Despite the numerical advantage, Uruguay managed only two shots on target from 11 attempts and failed to score for the second consecutive game, following the goalless draw with Brazil in the previous round.

The match ended in chaos, with Darwin Nunez leading a climb into the stands to confront supporters. Uruguayan players claimed they were defending their friends and families amid the heated altercation. COMNEBOL issued a statement condemning the “acts of violence,” and a full-scale investigation is underway.

Uruguay had hoped to capture a record 16th Copa America title and set up a final showdown with fellow 15-time champions Argentina. Instead, Marcelo Bielsa’s team must prepare for their 15th third-place playoff.

Ranked 14th in the world by FIFA, La Celeste have a strong record in third-place play-offs, winning nine of their previous 15. However, they have lost three of their last four.

Team News

Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo is unavailable due to a muscle injury, and Rodrigo Bentancur is doubtful after leaving the field in tears with a leg injury during the first half against Colombia.

Guillermo Varela and Nicolas de la Cruz are both suspended and will miss Sunday’s match. Darwin Nunez might also face a ban following his involvement in the post-match brawl with supporters after the Colombia defeat, according to multiple reports, though the issue is unlikely to be resolved so quickly.

Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, Luis Suarez (68 goals), could be given a start up front if Nunez is suspended. Additionally, Nahitan Nandez is set to return at right-back after serving his suspension in the semifinals.

Conclusion

Both teams will be eager to conclude their Copa America campaigns on a positive note following their heartbreaking semi-final losses earlier this week.

Despite not being at full strength, Uruguay will be considered the favorites for Sunday’s clash. Bielsa has sufficient quality in his squad to guide his team to victory over Canada, who are expected to continue their progress through future tournaments.

Verdict: Uruguay win

Best odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: ZetBet