Arthur and Coutinho advance to Copa América semis

Brazil are through to the semi-finals of the Copa América but did it the hard way, beating Paraguay on penalties after the game had ended without score. The host nation also had to play from the 58^th minute onwards with a man less following the sending off of Fabián Balbuena. Arthur and Coutinho of Barça were on for the whole game, the matter converting one of the penalties.

Arthur: "Qualification boosts confidence"

Midfielder Arthur spoke to the media after the game, saying that "we created a lot of chances. The fans were right behind us and we fought hard to the end … This qualification was a boost for our confidence. Now we can relax and start thinking about our next game.”

Time for Messi, Arturo and Suárez

And that next game could well be against Leo Messi and Argentina, who will be looking to join Brazil in the first semi-final with a win against Venezuela in tonight’s quarter final (4.00pm local time, 9.00pm CEST).

Arturo Vidal’s Chile face Colombia on Saturday (8.00pm local time, 1.00am CEST) and on Sunday its Uruguay and Luis Suárez against Peru (4.00pm local time, 9.00pm CEST).

So there is still a strong chance of all five of our players appearing in the final four.