Copa America 2011 Updates: Predicting Each Quarterfinal Match of the Tournament

The playoff picture is set for the Copa America 2011, as the group stages are in the book and the quarterfinals will soon be underway.

Lionel Messi, Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero, Alexandre Pato, and Alexis Sanchez are just a few of the world-class talents that this year's tournament boasts. Aguero leads the tournament with three goals to his name.

With the quarterfinals picture now set, here are the predictions for every quarterfinals matchup in the Copa America 2011 tournament.

Chile vs. Venezuela, Chile Wins a Close One

Alexis Sanchez and Humberto Suazo should have their way with the defense of Venezuela.

Yet soccer fans must take note that this Venezuelan team is a much improved squad from the team that failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

They move on to the next round with five points in the group stage, equaling Brazil's five points. Venezuela also managed to keep a 0-0 draw with the Brazilians in the first game of the tournament.

When it's all said and done, expect a 2-1 victory for the Chileans, as they should find themselves in the semifinals.

Brazil vs. Paraguay, Brazil Continues on

Brazil and Paraguay is arguably one of the more intriguing matchups of the first round, as Paraguay is as tough a team in South America as any.

Brazil started the tournament off slow, yet it seemed the team began to develop a rhythm in their last match against Ecuador. They go into the elimination round with a 4-2 over Ecuador in Cordoba. Alexandre Pato scored two goals, while up and coming star Neymar chipped in two goals for his team as well.

Paraguay are a tough team that makes the most of their goal scoring opportunities. In a game against a weaker Venezuela side, Paraguay had little opportunities to score in the match, yet they would net three goals in the process.

Brazil has the star-power, while Paraguay silently boasts its fair share of talent. In a match for the ages, expect Brazil to top Paraguay 3-1 in La Plata.

Peru vs. Colombia, Colombia Sneaks Past Peru

Two years ago, this matchup is not a contest, with Colombia getting the best of the Peruvian side.

Peru features a much improved squad and could give the Colombians a run for their money. Don't be surprised if Peru manages to pull of a victory in the match.

Colombia features a tough defensive-minded team with offensive firepower in Falcao Garcia, who has two goals for the team in the tournament.

Colombia and Peru will have to battle it out for the entire 90 minutes, as Colombia comes up with a second half goal to move on, winning 1-0.

Argentina vs. Uruguay, Uruguay Upsets Messi and the Argentina Squad

Lionel Messi and the Argentina team feature some of the best talent in the world, as they are arguably the best, most complete squad this tournament has to offer.

This Argentina team is also the host country of the tournament, playing strongly to their advantage.

As Argentina has not been playing the football they are capable of playing, there is potential for an upset in this match. The two sides know each other well and will play a tough match.

If players like Messi, Carlos Tevez, and Aguero can come out and net some early goals, Argentina could run away with this match. Yet as this team has shown their struggles, Uruguay could make a statement in this match.

They also feature some offensive fire-power of their own, with Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan, and Alvaro Pereira up front. Pereira has netted two goals in the tournament in two appearances so far.

It will be a tough match, as the key for Uruguay will be to keep the Argentina forwards under check for the first half of the game. If Messi and the offense get hot, it will be no contest.

This game should be a 1-1 game, with Uruguay getting a goal in extra time to win 2-1.

The Semifinals Picture

The semifinals looks to be a strong one in this Copa America 2011, as the previous predictions will lead to the following semifinal picture:

Chile vs. Brazil

Uruguay vs. Colombia