Icons' Copa America Quarter Final Predictions

Well, it had to happen, didn't it? It was only a matter of time before the heavens opened and the Copa America started raining goals but let's be honest: it did have us worried for a while.

The format of the competition means that none of the big guns were ever likely to fall at the first hurdle. With three groups of four, only four teams were to be eliminated before the Quarter Finals. 

As we prophesised before the tournament, the experimental youth sides of Mexico and Costa Rica fell by the wayside. They were joined by a poor Bolivian outfit and an Ecuador in transition.

Hosts Argentina whimpered rather than roared into action, but pint sized cavaliers Leo Messi and Sergio Aguero hit form at just the right time to steer them through to the next round, behind an impressive Colombia. 

Brazil also started poorly. Two consecutive draws had fans calling for the head of coach Mano Menezes. They, too, relied on a much improved final game performance over Venezuela to top the group ahead of their less illustrious opponents (who impressed many). As one of the best performing third placed sides, Paraguay also join the Quarter Finals from Group B.

Group C inarguably provided the best entertainment, namely in the form of an exciting Chile side. They topped the group ahead of Uruguay, who looked good in patches, with Peru qualifying as one of the best third placed sides.

As we reach the business end of the tournament, things will surely start heating up. Along with a host of football journalists and bloggers, we offered our overall tournament predictions two weeks ago. With crunch time looming, we decided we'd venture slightly further into clairvoyant territory and predict the results for the four Quarter Final encounters, scores and all.

Here's how we think the last eight will pan out:

Dan Jamieson
Icons Managing Director
Colombia 2-1 Peru
Argentina 2-2 (Uruguay to win on penalties)
Brazil 0-1 Paraguay
Chile 3-2 Venezuela

Ben Soley
Icons Marketing and Promotions Executive
Colombia 3-0 Peru
Argentina 1-2 
Brazil 2-1 Paraguay
Chile 1-0 Venezuela (AET)

Finbarr Bermingham
Icons Editorial
Colombia 4-1 Peru
Argentina 2-3 Uruguay 
Brazil 3-0 Paraguay
Chile 3-1 Venezuela (AET)

So there you have it, folks. We'll hang up our crystal ball for another day, but be sure to give us your own predictions via Twitter or Facebook.