Marcelo Bielsa vehemently defended Uruguay's players after they clashed with Colombia fans following their Copa America semi-final defeat.

La Celeste's hopes of landing a record-breaking 16th title were ended by a 1-0 loss in Charlotte on Wednesday, and they will subsequently face Canada in Saturday's third-place playoff.

After the match, footage shared on social media showed La Celeste players climbing into the stands at the Bank of America Stadium when family members were caught up in violence involving Colombia supporters.

CONMEBOL has opened an investigation into the incident but, when asked whether he feared facing sanctions, Bielsa insisted his players should receive an apology rather than punishment.

"How can you not defend your mother, your sister, a baby?!" he angrily told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "If they did not do it, they would have been condemned by all of us. 

"The sanction does not have to be for the footballers, but for those who forced them to act like that. This is a witch hunt. It is a shame.

"You should have asked me if we have received an apology, not if I fear sanctions. Here, the message was we cannot defend your family, and we cannot allow them to flee. What sanction are they talking to me about?!"

Defender Sebastian Caceres concurred with Bielsa that he and his team-mates responded in an instinctive manner.

"What happened after the game is something that anyone would have done," he said. "I went up to check that my family was OK, and I tried to take a team-mate with me so that it wouldn't continue."

Jesse Marsch hopes Canada's memorable Copa America debut changes the trajectory of football in the country, as they look to cap their campaign with a bronze medal against Uruguay.

Canada's first appearance at the tournament saw them reach the semi-finals, a memorable penalty shoot-out victory over Venezuela teeing up a meeting with Argentina.

Marsch's team gave a solid account of themselves against the holders but were beaten 2-0 with Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi on target, sending them into Saturday's third-place play-off.

Marsch, who was only appointed a few weeks before the tournament began, hopes their campaign will be a catalyst for further improvement ahead of a home World Cup in 2026.

"We want to inspire the nation," Marsch said one day after Canada's semi-final defeat. "We want to develop the sport in this country.

"We want people to remember this as a moment in time that changed the trajectory of what this sport is in Canada.

"We're establishing things at some high levels. But in order to be a real team that can hold up to the biggest moments and biggest matches, there's more work to be done.

"Physically, mentally, intellectually, we've got to find a way to develop players faster."

Marsch added he will make changes to his lineup in North Carolina, with Alphonso Davies a doubt after he suffered an injury to his left foot.

Marsch will come up against his Leeds United predecessor Marcelo Bielsa on Saturday, after his much-fancied Uruguay side were beaten 1-0 by 10-man Colombia in their own semi-final.

Daniel Munoz was sent off on the stroke of half-time after Jefferson Lerma had headed Colombia into the lead, but Uruguay were outshot seven to six while a man up despite enjoying 73% of the possession.

Bielsa believes La Celeste would have been better off against a full complement, saying: "When they have 11, Colombia are a team that plays to play, and so are we. 

"In that context, we created scoring chances and the ones we conceded were generated by some concessions from us. 

"Eleven against eleven, for us, it was easier to attack, and we had to defend. In the second half, playing with an extra man, it was much more difficult to attack, and we practically didn't have to defend."

Uruguay's defeat was marred by scenes of crowd violence involving the families of some Celeste players at full-time, prompting CONMEBOL to open an investigation. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Canada – Jonathan David

Canada had 25 touches in Argentina's penalty area in their semi-final, 12 more than the world champions, yet they only managed five shots from inside the box to their opponents' seven.

If they are to cap a historic campaign with a medal, they may need David to make some of those openings count.

David has underperformed his expected goals figures at this tournament, netting once from chances valued at 1.58 xG. No Canada player has attempted more than his seven shots, three of which have hit the target.

Uruguay – Darwin Nunez

Nunez has attempted more shots (20) than any other player at this edition of the Copa America, with his total of 2.59 xG only bettered by Argentina's Lautaro Martinez (2.91).

While the Liverpool man has two goals to his name, they both came in the group stage, and he has only hit the target with five of his 20 attempts.

Among all players to net at this year's tournament, only three have a worse shot accuracy than Nunez's 33% (excluding blocks), but a profitable game here could even put him back in the race for the Golden Boot. 

MATCH PREDICTION: URUGUAY WIN

Uruguay have participated in the third-place play-off at the Copa America on three previous occasions, beating Colombia 2-1 in 2004, drawing 2-2 with Honduras in 2001 (then losing on penalties) and suffering a 3-1 defeat to Mexico in 2007.

A victory in North Carolina would make this Uruguay's joint-second best Copa campaign of the 21st century, after they won the title in 2011.

They have only lost four of their 15 Copa America matches against Concacaf opponents, though they are winless in their last three such games in the knockout rounds, losing 3-1 to Mexico in the the 2007 third-place match, and drawing 2-2 with Honduras in the 2001 edition after losing 2-1 to Mexico in the semi-finals.

Canada are aiming to become the third Concacaf country to finish third in the competition after Mexico (1997, 1999 and 2007) and Honduras (2001). 

A victory would make this the second-best campaign by a non-CONMEBOL Copa America debutant nation, after Mexico took silver on their 1993 bow. However, Marsch's men are big outsiders.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY 

Canada – 13.2%

Uruguay – 70%

Draw – 16.8%

Lionel Scaloni has not ruled out trying to "convince" Angel Di María to reverse his Argentina retirement decision after the 2024 Copa America.

The 36-year-old announced in November that the tournament in the United States would mark the last time he represents his country.

Di Maria earned his 144th cap for Argentina in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Canada as La Albiceleste reached a sixth Copa final in eight editions.

And having played in four of Argentina's five games en route to this latest final, starting three of those, Di Maria continues to show his importance to the world champions.

Ahead of what is scheduled to be Di Maria's final Argentina game on Sunday, against either Colombia or Uruguay, Scaloni told reporters: "You know how I feel about Angel.

"We don't want to retire him earlier than needed. We don't want to feel melancholy. We have to let him play, and then we'll see if we can convince him or not to stay with us.

"But so far, he's here, and he has to be allowed to enjoy this moment."

Nicolas Otamendi is also set to bow out of the international scene after next weekend's final, while uncertainty surrounds whether Lionel Messi will stay on.

All three played a part as Argentina saw off Canada at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to remain on course for a third major title in three years.

Canada had the better of the early exchanges, but Julian Alvarez's 22nd-minute opener was added to by Messi from close range early in the second half.

"It is extremely tough to reach another final," Scaloni said. "It is tough because we know how hard it is to get there.

"The bar has been set very high. Everyone thought it was going to be a bed of roses and it wasn't like that at all. Canada proved it by being a very difficult opponent."

Jesse Marsch is "very proud" of what his Canada players achieved in the 2024 Copa America as their tournament ended with defeat to Argentina.

The competition debutants finished second to Argentina in Group A before defeating Venezuela on penalties in the quarter-finals.

After defying the odds to reach the last four, Canada's dream run was ended on Tuesday as they lost 2-0 to Argentina in New Jersey.

Canada will co-host the next World Cup along with the United States and Mexico, with that tournament now very much in Marsch's sight.

"What I said to the team afterwards is I know that they're very disappointed, but I'm very proud of them," Marsch told reporters. 

"We've put together some incredible performances and we're just starting our process. We need to find a way to expand our player pool. 

"We need to continue to challenge our group to come together and be able to perform in moments like this.

"But in general, we've had a wonderful five-six weeks together and it's gone way better than any of us could have scripted. 

"There's still a lot of work to do, but we've built a really good foundation."

Marsch only took over as Canada head coach two months ago but his style of play was already clear to see across the tournament.

Canada now have a third-place play-off against either Colombia or Uruguay to come on Saturday, with Marsch planning on making changes.

"I'm trying to really build and develop every single player in this pool so that we can have a real 26-man squad when it comes to 2026," he said.

"So the match on Saturday will also be vital for that because we'll make some changes. 

"We'll get some new faces on the pitch and challenge them to be able to see if they can hold up in these kinds of matches."

Canada started the better against Argentina at the MetLife Stadium and squandered chances prior to Julian Alvarez's 22nd-minute opener.

Lionel Messi added a second for the reigning world champions early in the second half, but Canada can still be pleased with their run.

"They're the best team in the world, but we had our chances in the beginning of the game," midfielder Stephen Eustaquio told TSN.

"If we scored one of our chances, the story of the game would probably have been different. 

"To get here, the last four of the Copa America, it's a big achievement."

Lionel Messi wants to continue enjoying his football with Argentina while he can after helping his nation reach another Copa America final.

The Inter Miami forward netted early in the second half of Tuesday's 2-0 win over Canada as Argentina reached a sixth final in eight editions.

Julian Alvarez had earlier given the reigning champions a first-half lead at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey against a valiant Canadian side.

Messi's international future remains unclear, while team-mate Angel di Maria will definitely call time on his Argentina career after this tournament.

Speaking to TyC Sports after setting up a final with either Uruguay or Colombia, Messi said: "Let's enjoy what we are experiencing as a group.

"I'm living it as I have been living everything lately - enjoying it and being aware, as it happens to Fideo (Di Maria) and Ota (Nicolas Otamendi), that these are the last battles.

"It is not easy to be in a final again, to compete again to be champions."

Argentina weathered an early storm against Canada before Alvarez's ninth international goal gave them the lead with 22 minutes played.

Messi then extended his side's lead six minutes into the second period when turning home Enzo Fernandez's goal-bound effort from close range.

La Albiceleste now have a third major title in three years in their sights, having won the Copa America in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.

Whether Messi will still be part of the squad for the 2024 World Cup remains uncertain, but head coach Lionel Scaloni wants him part of the group in some capacity.

"We have to let him be and we will never be the ones to close the door," Scaloni said when asked about Messi's international future.

"He can be with our team for as long as he wants to be. And if he wants to retire but still come and hang around with us, it would be great."

Colombia and Uruguay meet in Wednesday's second semi-final at Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina.

Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi secured Argentina's passage to the Copa America final following a 2-0 victory over Canada at the MetLife Stadium. 

The defending champions weathered an early storm and took the lead through Alvarez's ninth international goal in the 22nd minute. 

Messi put the game beyond Canada's grasp early in the second half, turning home Enzo Fernandez's goal-bound effort from close range. 

Argentina will face the winner of tomorrow's semi-final clash between Uruguay and Colombia in Miami this weekend. 

Canada started immediately on the front foot, startling their opponents early on as Jacob Shaffelburg was presented with two opportunities, but unable to test Emiliano Martinez on both occasions. 

Largely a passenger in the opening 10 minutes, Messi was given his first sight of goal but could not find the target with his effort from outside the area. 

Despite La Albiceleste's lacklustre opening, a moment of individual quality sparked the contest into life. 

Rodrigo De Paul was allowed time deep in midfield, picking out the run of Alvarez before taking a touch and prodding the ball beyond Maxime Crepeau for his second goal of the tournament - his first also came against Canada in their opening group game. 

Argentina's grip tightened on the contest and they almost doubled their lead when an uncharacteristic mistake by Alphonso Davies was almost punished by Angel Di Maria, with Messi going close again before the interval. 

Lionel Scaloni's side would increase their lead six minutes into the second half, with Messi netting his 109th international goal after turning home inside the area, which was eventually given following a VAR review for offside.

Alvarez almost doubled his tally following an exquisite pass from Di Maria, only to see his effort repelled by Crepeau with the goal at his mercy. 

Canada's efforts in pulling a goal back were dented when captain Davies was forced off with an injury with 20 minutes remaining, but continued to push for a way back into the contest. 

Tani Oluwaseyi came the closest for Jesse Marsch's side, heading narrowly wide of Martinez's goal as Argentina saw out the triumph as they edge close to a record-breaking 16th Copa America title. 

Alvarez the man of the moment for Argentina

Alvarez has made a name for being a big game player for Manchester City, and that form has seemingly transpired to international level for Lionel Scaloni's side. 

His ninth international goal saw him become the fourth player to score in both the Copa America and World Cup semi-finals, alongside Messi, Romario and Diego Forlan. 

With Messi expected to call time on his international career following the conclusion of the tournament, Alvarez 

But the Argentina captain continued to showcase his class on the international stage, with Canada the 38th different opponent Messi has scored against while playing for La Albiceleste - his 21st different opposition in competitive outings. 

Canada's fairytale Copa run comes to an end

Having already faced Argentina in the group stages of the competition, Marsch was under no illusion about the size of the task in front of him and can be proud of his side's efforts against the defending Copa America chances. 

But again, their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly and, against the best teams, it is something you are unable to get away with. 

Having managed nine shots during the game, Canada mustered just two on target. Five of those efforts also came from inside the area and failed to trouble Martinez. 

While their tournament may be over, Marsch has solid foundations to build on for the future with the 2026 World Cup now the goal for Canada. 

Despite injury concerns, Lionel Scaloni is adamant that Lionel Messi is fit to play in their Copa America semi-final against Canada.

The Argentina captain sustained a hamstring injury in their second group game against Chile, forcing him out of the following match against Peru.

However, Messi returned for their quarter-final meeting with Ecuador, notably missing the first spot-kick in the penalty shootout, which they won thanks to two Emiliano Martinez saves.

After Messi admitted he "trained with fear" ahead of his return from injury against La Tricolor, Scaloni has brushed off any worries about his star man's fitness.

"99% of the time, [Messi] is fit to play," Scaloni said. "It's never happened to me that he's not fit to play.

"Every time he's come out on the pitch, he's fit to play. For [Canada], he's fit to play, without a doubt.

"It's a very easy decision for me, because it's a very frank decision, that if he's fine, he plays; and if he's not fine, he plays the last 30 minutes. It's that easy.

"It's true that that won't ever weigh on me. I know what he can give us even if he's not in optimal condition. I wouldn't make the grave mistake of not putting him on the pitch knowing that he gives us a lot, so that's indisputable."

Argentina opened their Copa America title defence with a 2-0 victory over Canada on June 20.

Scaloni acknowledged the benefit of that first meeting, though conceded Jesse Marsch was unlikely to take the same approach in a bid to reach the final.

"Canada has players who are physically strong and also technically good, with a coach who has conveyed an aggressive way of playing," he added.

"They have made things difficult for all teams. Physically, it's difficult to match them, but with our assets, we hope to play the game on our side.

"All coaches take notes to correct mistakes and hurt our opponents. Each coach will have to do something different. We will try to have the ball and stop them from playing their game."

Canada must produce the performance of their lives to have any chance of upsetting holders Argentina to reach the Copa America final, acknowledges Jesse Marsch.

Marsch's team will face the World Cup winners for a final berth at the MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, having overcome Venezuela in a penalty shoot-out in the last eight.

They are just the fourth CONCACAF team to reach the Copa semi-finals and the third to do so on their debut, after Mexico (1993 runners-up), Honduras (third in 2001) and the United States (third in 1995).

They face the sternest of tests next up, however, having already lost to Lionel Messi and the rest of Argentina's stars in their opening group-stage game.

Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez were on target in that match as Lionel Scaloni's team triumphed 2-0 in Atlanta, rifling off 19 shots worth 3.02 expected goals (xG) to Canada's 10 (1.16 xG).

While Canada have won plenty of admirers on their run to the last four, Marsch knows they need to step up further on Tuesday.

"Argentina will have to be the best match we've ever played and it still might not be enough," he said. "But whatever. We're going to go for it."

Captain Alphonso Davies echoed those sentiments but pointed out Canada had given Argentina a scare in their earlier game, saying: "It's going to take everything. We played them in the group stage and we played well but didn't get the win we wanted."

Argentina boss Scaloni hit out at the quality of the pitch after that earlier meeting at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Messi says the surfaces have had an impact throughout the tournament.

"The pitch always has an influence. It's a reality that the pitches aren't good," he told reporters, as quoted by The Athletic.

"I think the best one was the one in Miami, which was good from what you saw from the outside at least. It's natural and that's already different. Of course, it has an influence."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Argentina – Alexis Mac Allister 

Mac Allister assisted Lisandro Martinez's opener versus Ecuador in the last eight, then held his nerve from the spot as the world champions triumphed in a shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.

The Liverpool midfielder has two assists at this year's tournament. Since such data began in 2011, only Lionel Messi (in 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2021) has ever provided three or more assists for Argentina at a single edition of the Copa America. 

Mac Allister has completed 122 of his 135 passes at this tournament, with 70 of those being played in the opposition half. With Canada likely to sit deep, it could fall on him to keep things ticking over and provide service for Messi and his fellow attackers.

Canada – Maxime Crepeau

Crepeau was forced into six saves in Canada's Copa America opener versus Argentina, and he could be busy again here.

However, he has been in excellent form throughout this tournament, conceding three goals from 4.95 expected goals on target (xGoT) faced, with only Claudio Bravo (3.66 goals prevented) and Rafael Romo (2.36) overperforming their underlying goalkeeping statistics by a greater margin.

Only Sergio Rochet and Emiliano Martinez (three each) have bettered his two clean sheets at this tournament. He will have his work cut out to keep another, though.

MATCH PREDICTION: ARGENTINA WIN

Argentina have now reached the semi-finals at seven of their last eight major tournaments, with the 2018 World Cup being the only exception.

They have won their last 10 matches against CONCACAF opponents in official competitions, not conceding a goal in any of their last six such games.

Additionally, the defending champions have reached the last four at five of the last seven editions of the Copa America, and only two of them – Colombia in 2004 and Chile in 2019 – failed to make the final. The omens, then, are not good for Canada.

It will be the fifth time Argentina have faced the same opponents twice at a single edition of the Copa America since the current format was introduced in 1993. Two of the previous four instances included a semi-final meeting (Colombia in 1993 and Paraguay in 2015), with the other two including the final (Mexico in 1993 and Chile in 2016).

La Albiceleste did, however, only win one of those four editions, lifting the trophy in 1993, then waiting 28 years to reclaim their place as South America's finest in 2021.

They are assigned an 84% chance of reaching the final by the Opta supercomputer, with Canada out to cause one of the greatest upsets in the history of the competition.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Argentina – 76.7%

Canada – 9.8%

Draw – 13.6%

Venezuela head coach Fernando Batista has branded their Copa America quarter-final exit as "part of the process" after losing on penalties to Canada.

La Vinotinto enjoyed a perfect group stage, winning all three of their games to top Group B while conceding just one goal.

They fought back to force the shootout on Friday, with Salomon Rondon scoring a stunning long-range effort to cancel out Jacob Shaffelburg's early opener.

However, Wilker Angel missed his spot-kick when it went to sudden death, and Canada, making their tournament debut, went into the semi-finals.

Batista has remained positive though, saying his team will use this tournament as a springboard to try and qualify for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

"This is a long process," Batista said.

"We have a huge dream that we're going for. All Venezuelans want to qualify for the World Cup.

"And the Copa America gave us a possibility of strengthening our squad."

Jesse Marsch has praised Canada for their "willingness" during a "fast learning curve" after they booked a place in the Copa America semi-final.

Les Rouges earned a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Venezuela after Salomon Rondon had cancelled out Jacob Shaffelburg's opener as the match finished 1-1 in normal time.

Maxime Crepeau then saved two penalties before it went to sudden death, and Ismael Kone scored the decisive spot-kick to send them into the next round.

After a poor string of results at the start of Marsch's tenure, Canada were tipped to make an early exit during their maiden Copa America.

However, they have defied the odds, and the American credited the spirit of his squad for pushing them forward.

"All the things that I know about them now, I sensed back then; their commitment, their desire, their willingness to learn," Marsch said.

"All of that has led to bigger belief and self-confidence.

"It's a very athletic team. It's a very fast team. I've tried to build in the right kind of aggression for them to go after opponents, to go after big games and to believe in how we're building this.

"Their commitment to try to learn, their belief in what I'm doing with them is very, very high. They're capable because they're athletic, because they're strong, because they're young.

"We've seen an incredibly fast learning curve, but it's because they're excited about playing this way, and they're excited about what we're trying to achieve together."

Captain Alphonso Davies was one of the players who stepped up during the shoot-out as he picked out the top corner with the penultimate penalty, knowing a miss would have sent them home.

After seeing a tame penalty saved in a defeat against Belgium in the 2022 World Cup, Davies was pleased to replace that memory with something more positive.

"Obviously, I had flashbacks to the World Cup, but I did not let that get to me. I knew where I wanted to go before I walked up to the ball," Davies told Canadian broadcaster TSN.

"It's going to take everything. We played them in the group stage. We played well but didn't get the win we wanted."

Canada will face Argentina in the semi-final at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, having lost their tournament opener to the Albiceleste 2-0.

Ismael Kone sent Canada to their first Copa America semi-final as they overcame Venezuela 4-3 in a penalty shootout to edge a classic encounter. 

Jacob Shaffelburg opened the scoring for Canada, only for Salomon Rondon to net a stunning long-range equaliser to take the quarter-final the distance. 

With 32 shots shared between the two sides, penalties would decide who would face Argentina at the MetLife Stadium next week. 

The decisive miss came from Wilker Angel, with Kone's stuttering run up allowing him to coolly slot the ball beyond Rafael Romo to secure the victory. 

Despite the nerves of playing in their first-ever knockout fixture at the Copa America, it was Canada who would strike the decisive blow early on in Texas.

Having seen appeals for a penalty waved away moments earlier, Shaffelburg dusted himself down to open the scoring, squeezing home Jonathan David's cross at the near post in the 13th minute. 

Jesse Marsch's side had opportunities to double their advantage, as Shaffelburg saw his effort saved while David fluffed his lines with only Romo to beat as a pulsating first half came to a close. 

Canada's dominance continued after the break but Cyle Larin was unable to hit the target, and their wastefulness in front of goal was punished spectacularly. 

A long ball up front saw Rondon win a tussle with Moise Bombito, taking aim from just inside the Canada half to lob Maxime Crepeau for a goal of the tournament contender. 

David continued to threaten for Canada, chipping the ball in behind for Tani Oluwaseyi who could only find the roof of the net in the final chance of normal time. 

Both sides would miss two spot-kicks as the encounter reached sudden death, but Angel saw his effort saved by Crepeau, handing the responsibility over to Kone, who clinched a landmark victory for Marsch's side. 

Venezuela's young guns can be proud of their efforts

Fernando Batista can count his team unlucky following their gut-wrenching exit from the tournament, but his young squad can take pride in their performances at the tournament. 

Venezuela battled an onslaught of Canada pressure, but fought back with their own attacking talents, with Rondon's strike their fourth consecutive goal at the Copa America, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of five games in June 2015. 

However, hopes of reaching a first semi-final since 2011 were dashed. 

Nevertheless, Venezuela can leave the tournament with their heads held high, having equalled their highest goal tally (seven) in a single edition of the tournament. 

Canada through, but must improve in front of goal

Marsch said he wanted to build something special with Canada, and his side's run in the Copa America has been nothing short of sensational. 

Canada started brightly through Shaffelburg's early strike, with all three of his international strikes coming in knockout matches. However, it should have been more. 

From their 16 shots on goal, only seven were on target, with 12 of their efforts coming inside the box. Marsch's side underperformed their expected goals (xG) by 0.84, and had four total big chances compared to Venezuela's 0. 

Despite those underlying statistics, Canada will be hopeful of keeping their fairytale run in the competition alive against Argentina, who they lost to in the group stage of the competition. 

Jesse Marsch believes Canada can build something special as they prepare for their Copa America quarter-final against Venezuela.

Canada are playing in their maiden Copa America and finished second in Group A behind defending champions Argentina after a win over Peru and a draw with Chile following their opening-day defeat to Albiceleste.

They now know that beating the Group B winners will set them up for a rematch against Argentina in the semi-finals if they win on Friday.

Marsch says he knew it was going to be tough when he took the job earlier this year, but has praised the “positive” support that has spurred the team forward.

"I was thinking, 'Why did I take this job with those three opponents [coming] up?'" Marsch said. "I knew when I took the job that the schedule was going to be very difficult, and by the way – put Peru and Chile in there as well – the first five opponents I knew were going to be very difficult.

"But I thought that it would give us a chance to create really high standards for how we wanted to play and that these games would show the players that we need to uphold ourselves to very high standards. I felt that if we could execute, then we could have some success.

"There's real excitement in Canada about the team and the way we've played. That comes with, I think, a real hunger to keep this thing moving forward."

"I'll tell you: I'm glad I'm here, man. Because the people that I work with and the players that I work with, the things that we know that we can achieve together, the support that we have from inside the country, the support system for this entire national team is so positive.

"So, I think it gives us a real chance to develop something and build something and be ready for a big tournament come 2026."

Canada have done better than their 2026 World Cup co-hosts USA, who crashed out in the group stage after winning just one match in Group C.

Asked about his home country's performance at the tournament, Marsch admitted he was disappointed by what he saw.

"I'd like to say that I'm only focused on what we're doing here in Canada, but obviously, I'm paying attention to the U.S. men's national team as I always do, and like you, I'm sad," he added.

"I'm disappointed with the performances, the lack of discipline. There are a lot of things that I think we've tried to embody about the game in the U.S., and we've always believed in this group of players."

Fernando Batista acknowledged Venezuela's perfect Copa America group-stage record is no longer relevant, as his side prepare to face Canada in the quarter-finals.

La Vinotinto won their opening three matches at the tournament for the first time in their history, as they soared to the top of Group B with victories over Ecuador, Jamaica and Mexico.

Only Uruguay (nine) scored more goals during the group phase than Venezuela (six), who are now aiming to reach only their second Copa America semi-final (matching their performance of 2011).

While Batista was delighted by his side's early exploits in the United States, he insists they must put it behind them in their quest for victory over Canada.

"It's all very nice what we experienced in the first round, but it's over now," he told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"Nothing has been achieved yet. We are a growing team that knows that the next final is tomorrow.

"There's still a long way to go, and what's over is over. Now, a new tournament starts, because you can't rely on a draw or a previous result."

"Defensively, Canada are strong and aggressive, and they have a lot of strength in midfield," he added.

"The idea is to try to win in the 90 or 95 minutes of the game. Obviously, we practise penalties, but it's not our objective."

Jesse Marsch believes Canada can mount "something special" as they aim to build towards the 2026 World Cup, starting with the Copa America.

Marsch's team somewhat surprisingly made it through Group A behind Argentina, at the expense of Chile, who won back-to-back Copa America titles as recently as 2015 and 2016.

In their maiden Copa America, Canada will now go up against Group B winners Venezuela for a place in the last four.

And looking ahead to the next World Cup, which Canada will co-host along with the United States and Mexico, Marsch thinks the sky is the limit.

"I was thinking, 'Why did I take this job with those three opponents [coming] up?'" Marsch joked in an interview with FOX Soccer NOW, with his team having played pre-tournament friendlies against the Netherlands and France.

"I knew when I took the job that that the schedule was going to be very difficult, and by the way – put Peru and Chile in there as well – the first five opponents I knew were going to be very difficult. 

"But I thought that it would give us a chance to create really high standards for how we wanted to play and that these games would show the players that we need to uphold ourselves to very high standards. I felt that if we could execute, then we could have some success.

"There's real excitement in Canada about the team and the way we've played. That comes with, I think, a real hunger to keep this thing moving forward."

Canada have fared better than their 2026 World Cup co-hosts USA, who crashed out in the group stage.

"I would love to say I'm just focused on what we’re doing here in Canada, but obviously, I’m paying attention, as always, to the U.S. men's national team and, like you, I’m sad," Marsch added.

"I'm disappointed by the performances, by the lack of discipline. There’s a lot of things that I think we've tried to be about, about the game in the U.S., and we’ve always believed in this group of players.

"I’ll tell you: I'm glad, I'm here, man. Because the people that I work with and the players that I work with, the things that we know that we can achieve together, the support that we have from inside the country, the support system for this entire national team is so positive, so I think it gives us a real chance to develop something and build something and be ready for a big tournament come 2026."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Venezuela - Salomon Rondon

Rondon has scored two goals at this tournament for Venezuela.

Only three players can better Rondon's 1.98 xG across the tournament so far, while the 34-year-old has had 13 shots, which matches the total of the tournament's leading scorer Lautaro Martinez.

Canada - Jonathan David

Canada might have made it through, though they did only score one goal across their three Group A games. They are the fourth team to advance from the group stage in the Copa America despite scoring only one goal, following Mexico in 2001, Uruguay in 2007, and Colombia in 2015.

That came from Jonathan David, who is Canada's key attacker, and if they are to reach the last four, he is likely to be crucial.

MATCH PREDICTION: VENEZUELA WIN

Marsch's confidence is not shared by Opta's model, which fancies Venezuela to win in Arlington.

Venezuela have lost only two of their last 10 matches played in the United States, including friendlies, winning six of those games (D2). Additionally, La Vinotinto kept a clean sheet on seven of those occasions (W5 D2), with Colombia, Italy, and Ecuador being the only teams to score against them.

One more goal will match Venezuela's highest scoring tally in a single edition of the tournament, having scored seven goals in the 1967 and 2011 tournaments.

Venezuela are also unbeaten in their last four matches against teams from CONCACAF in this tournament (W3 D1).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Venezuela - 48.7%

Canada - 26.9%

Draw - 24.4%

Jesse Marsch and his Canada team are not satisfied with their achievements so far after reaching the Copa America quarter-finals.

A goalless draw with 10-man Chile on Saturday was enough to send Marsch's side into the last eight.

Canada finished second in Group A behind Argentina, and will now face either Venezuela, Ecuador or Mexico in the quarters.

The Reds became the third team from outside CONMEBOL to reach the knockout rounds in their first Copa America appearance after Mexico (1993) and Honduras (2001), but former Leeds United boss Marsch is not done yet.

"We are not satisfied. The group is not satisfied. They want to keep going," Marsch said.

"They know, no matter who our next opponent is, it will be a difficult match. But they believe in themselves. We're excited for this next challenge.

"I'm challenging them to grow and get better, to be more savvy professionals, more mature players.

"I've been incredibly impressed by them, from the first training session. I'm enjoying being their coach. I'm proud of this accomplishment. But again, we're not satisfied."

With their numerical advantage, Canada kept Chile at arm's length at Inter&Co Stadium, restricting the two-time Copa America champions to just 0.52 expected goals (xG).