How can Argentina qualify for Copa America quarter-finals and does 3rd place in each group go through?
Argentina never do it the easy way, and they’re once again staring down the barrel at a group stage elimination at a tournament.
The Albiceleste saved themselves from humiliation against Nigeria at the World Cup and will need to do likewise in their final Copa America group game against Qatar.
But can they go through in third or will a second placed finish be required?
Do third placed teams from each group reach the Copa America quarter finals?
The top two from each of the three groups will automatically qualify for the quarter-final stage.
Those that finish fourth will automatically be eliminated – but third place still has a chance to go through.
The two best teams who finished third will reach the Last 8, which is good news for Lionel Messi after Argentina were humiliated by Colombia in their opening game and did little better in a draw with Paraguay in their second match.
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What if teams are tied on points?
Should two teams, either in the group stage or for the best of the third placed teams, draw level on points – it could be decided by drawing lots.
Goal difference will be the next decider, before it goes to goals scored.
If sides are still level after that, a draw of lots will be determine who goes into the quarter-finals.
What do Argentina have to do to qualify for the Copa America quarter-finals?
Argentina have old rivals Brazil to thank for making their task a lot easier than it might have been.
The Selecao’s 5-0 thrashing of Peru means Lionel Messi and co need only to beat Qatar to qualify for the quarter-finals.
A draw will also be enough if Paraguay lose to Colombia by three goals or more and Japan’s game against Ecuador in Group C ends in a tie.
What are the groups?
GROUP A
- Brazil
- Bolivia
- Venezuela
- Peru
GROUP B
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Paraguay
- Qatar
GROUP C
- Uruguay
- Ecuador
- Japan
- Chile