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Copa America 2019, Quarter Finals : Preview, Match Details and Kick-Off-Time

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After 13 days of group stage activity in Brazil, which included a blended sack of value and entertainment, Copa America is at long last ready for the quarterfinal stage and the guarantee of knockout, pull out all the stops or-return home South American drama.

Make no mistake about it: this is when the tournament truly begins.

Prior to the beginning of the competition, in light of how these countries were playing, the accord was that each team had vulnerabilities. Taking a gander at the last eight standing, the notion remains.

This shouldn’t imply that there aren’t groups that look superior to other people, however.

After a moderate begin, Brazil gave moments of true brilliance in its 5-0 demolition of Peru, and Carlos Queiroz’s Colombia awed subsequent to winning the majority of its group matches without yielding an goal. The reality remains, however, that nobody looks strong. The 46th version of Copa America is ready and taking.

Brazil vs Paraguay

Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET; Arena do Gremio, Porto Alegre

As recently mentioned, Brazil failed to amaze in its initial two matches, yet against Peru, the excellence of Brazilian flair and offensive inventiveness was in plain view. Simply, Joga Bonito reemerged. The uplifting news for the Seleção is that this squad is presently using the majority of its weapons, as scoring opportunities are originating from all over. Everton Soares, most likely the youthful player of competition up until now, has been awesome on the left wing, as the 23-year-old aggressor has caused destruction, both as a supplier and objective scorer. It will be a stun in the event that he doesn’t move to Europe from Gremio in July. Be that as it may, the man who is genuinely crucial right now is Barcelona’s Arthur, assuming the role of designer in the midfield. Mentor Tite should make sense of who will secure his playmaking midfielder after Casemiro will miss this match because of suspension.

Paraguay, in the mean time, should feel amazingly fortunate it even made it this far as it just increased two points in the group stage. On account of Japan’s draw with Ecuador, however, it figured out how to press through as the subsequent third-place finisher. There’s much grit and assurance with Paraguay, and in Derlis Gonzalez and Miguel Almiron there have been some brilliant assaulting minutes, yet against an in-structure Brazil, it’s hard to see where the goals will originate from.

Venezuela vs Argentina

Friday, 3 p.m. ET; Estadio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

As referenced in our pre-competition power rankings, Venezuela has developed in strength and confidence in the course of the most recent two years, and Rafael Dudamel’s side isn’t just gifted, however it’s protectively trained, having just surrendered one goal in a gathering stage in which it went unbeaten. The 4-5-1 development isn’t just compelling so as to get the best out of the constantly great Salomon Rondon, yet it likewise delivers a strong midfield, ready to contain its rival’s most innovative players.

As for Argentina, the triumph against Qatar was increasingly about getting the job done as opposed to proving doubters wrong as Lionel Scaloni’s side still struggles to provide any kind of fluidity, especially in the midfield. With Lionel Messi, one ought to never underestimate this side, however don’t be astounded if Venezuela disappoints La Albiceleste once again, just like it did in a friendly back in March, when La Vinotinto came out victorious. If Argentina does advance–in the stadium where its 2014 World Cup dream ended in the final–then a tantalizing semifinal showdown vs. rival Brazil could be next.

Colombia vs Chile

Friday, 7 p.m. ET; Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo

Out of any country in the last eight, Reinaldo Rueda’s Chile has been the country that has amazed the most. This was supposed to be the tournament where La Roja, winners of the last two Copa America tournaments, would press the reset button with a transitional squad. Scratch that. It’s been the familiar faces of Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas becoming the dominant focal point in the competition. Rueda, a Colombian, knows too well the stuff to deal with its rival, having managed with the U-20 and senior team somewhere in the range of 2002 and 2006. What’s more, he will likewise know that Colombia hasn’t overlooked its 2-0 misfortune to Chile in the semifinal stage phase of 2016’s Copa America Centenario.

Chile will expect to be physical against its rival, diminish the number of crosses and limited the field, hoping to disturb the wide play. But this strategy is easier said than done, because this Colombian side is extremely dangerous and, most importantly, it’s deep. Only Juan Cuadrado has started all three matches, as Queiroz is a firm believer in creating unity and cohesion amongst every member of the team. However, for all the offensive capability, the Portuguese director has brought something new: organization. At the point when Colombia doesn’t have the ball, it looks sure and guaranteed of its shape, and that could be the distinction as it enters the knockout stage.

Uruguay vs Peru

Saturday, 3 p.m. ET; Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Subsequent to beating Chile 1-0 Monday and winning its group, Uruguay enters this matchup with well-known certainty. Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Seattle Sounders star Nicolas Lodeiro have been in great structure, scoring a joined five goals in the group stage. There have been, be that as it may, slips of fixation, as its 2-2 result against an extremely youthful Japanese side featured question marks at the back. Uruguay is solid, however it’s not indestructible.

Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez realizes that his team’s most grounded asset, its mindset, is the one trademark that is missing from Peru. The 5-0 loss to Brazil was an ideal case of how Ricardo Gareca’s side breaks down under pressure. If Peru has any chance of winning this game, it has to equal Uruguay’s tenacity and do-or-die approach. Changes to the squad should be made, as Jefferson Farfan left the competition because of knee damage that required prompt treatment. After failing to impress in training and dealing with disciplinary issues, Andre Carrillo has not started for La Blanquirroja so far in the competition, but the winger now has a great chance to prove to his manager that he is the one that can help his team reach the final four.

Mark David is a writer best known for his science fiction, but over the course of his life he published more than sixty books of fiction and non-fiction, including children's books, poetry, short stories, essays, and young-adult fiction. He publishes news on apstersmedia.com related to the science.

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India Takes 1-0 Lead as Gill’s 87 and Rana’s Three-Wicket Haul Sink England

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India Takes 1-0 Lead as Gill’s 87 and Rana’s Three-Wicket Haul Sink England

India started their three-match ODI series against England on a winning note, securing a four-wicket victory in the first match at VCA Stadium on Thursday. The win was powered by Shubman Gill’s 87-run knock and a three-wicket haul from debutant Harshit Rana.

England’s Innings: A Strong Start but a Sluggish Finish

After winning the toss, England skipper Jos Buttler opted to bat first. Openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett gave their team a flying start, adding 73 runs in just 53 balls. Salt was particularly aggressive, smashing 43 off 26 deliveries, including three sixes and five boundaries. However, a mix-up between the wickets led to his unfortunate run-out.

England then suffered a setback, losing two wickets in quick succession. Harshit Rana struck on his debut, dismissing Duckett (32) with a brilliant diving catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Soon after, Harry Brook was dismissed for a three-ball duck, reducing England to 77/3.

Veteran batter Joe Root (19) tried to stabilize the innings alongside Buttler, but Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW before he could make a significant impact.

Buttler and Bethell’s Effort Goes in Vain

Despite the setbacks, Jos Buttler played a responsible innings, scoring 52 off 67 balls, marking his first ODI half-century in India. He stitched a crucial partnership with Jacob Bethell, who contributed 51 off 64 deliveries, including three fours and a six.

However, once Buttler fell to Axar Patel in the 33rd over, England collapsed from 170/4 to 206/7. Rana sent Liam Livingstone (5) back to the pavilion, and Mohammed Shami cleaned up Brydon Carse (10). Jadeja then struck again, dismissing Bethell LBW, leaving England all out for 248 in 47.4 overs.

India’s Bowlers Shine

  • Harshit Rana (3/53) made an impressive debut.
  • Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) was economical and deadly.
  • Mohammed Shami (1/38) kept the pressure on.

India’s Chase: Gill Anchors the Innings

Chasing 249, India had a shaky start. Yashasvi Jaiswal, playing his maiden ODI, was caught behind for 15 off 22 balls. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s poor form continued, as he departed for just 2 runs.

Despite early setbacks, Shreyas Iyer took charge with a 31-ball half-century. His 59-run knock, featuring two sixes and nine boundaries, shifted momentum in India’s favor. He also shared a 94-run stand with Gill in just 64 balls, accelerating India’s chase.

Gill and Patel Take India Home

After Iyer’s dismissal, Axar Patel was promoted to No. 5, forming a 108-run partnership with Gill. Patel played a composed innings, scoring his maiden ODI fifty (52 runs off 58 balls).

Gill, on the other hand, paced his innings brilliantly. Battling cramps, he played some exquisite shots, hitting 14 boundaries in his 87-run innings off 96 balls. Unfortunately, he missed out on a century when Saqib Mahmood cramped him for room, leading to a catch at mid-on.

Despite his departure, India comfortably chased the target in 38.4 overs, winning with 11.2 overs to spare.

Series Status and Next Match

With this win, India leads the three-match series 1-0. The second ODI will be played in Cuttack on Sunday, where England will look to bounce back.

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NFC Secures Pro Bowl Games Victory with Flag Football Win Over AFC

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NFC Secures Pro Bowl Games Victory with Flag Football Win Over AFC

For the third year in a row, the NFC dominated the Pro Bowl Games and showcased its strength in flag football.

One week before the Kansas City Chiefs sought their third straight Super Bowl title, the NFC achieved its own three-peat, beating the AFC 76-63 in all events, including a 56-50 victory in the flag football matchup on Sunday.

Flag football’s dominance continues


Since the Pro Bowl switched to flag football in 2023, the NFC has gone undefeated in the new format.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff led the charge, earning Offensive MVP honors after completing 11 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns.

On defense, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. made a huge impact in his first Pro Bowl, intercepting New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and returning him eight yards for a touchdown, earning him the Defensive MVP award.

A competitive leap with a big incentive

The shift to flag football has increased competition as players are not as concerned about injury risks compared to the previous tackle format.

However, a financial incentive also played a role in the NFC’s determination to win.

“We prepared to win,” exclaimed Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. “They told us what the price was, and I thought, ‘Maybe we should do something more.'”

Each member of the winning team took home $92,000, while the member of the losing team received $46,000.

A winning formula for the future of the Pro Bowl


After years of debate over the format of the Pro Bowl as a result of the declining intensity of tackle football, the flag football model appears to have revived the event.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, who has played in both versions, has expressed a clear preference for flag football.

“I like this more because it gives the fans a chance to see our faces and who we are off the field,” Baker said. “We compete, but we keep it very civil.”

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold agreed: “Vlag is a lot of fun, especially after the season where the guys have been kind of chill for three weeks. It’s good to make a game like this.”

Skills Battle Highlights


In Sunday’s additional skills challenges, the NFC continued its dominance by winning the relays and tug-of-war competitions, while the AFC vouched for a victory in the “Point Perfect” event.

With three consecutive Pro Bowl victories, the NFC has cemented itself as the team to beat in the new era of flag football.

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Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration After Ravens’ Playoff Exit Against the Bills

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Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration After Ravens' Playoff Exit Against the Bills

After another disappointing playoff exit, Lamar Jackson made it clear he wouldn’t pin the Baltimore Ravens’ 27-25 AFC Divisional loss to the Buffalo Bills on Mark Andrews’ dropped pass during a critical late-game 2-point conversion.

Instead, the reigning NFL MVP channeled his frustration toward the Ravens’ three uncharacteristic turnovers.

“Every time we’re in situations like this, turnovers play a role,” Jackson said, slapping one hand against the other. “We can’t have that, and that’s why we lost the game. You can see it — we’re moving the ball beautifully, but we need to hold on to the ball. I’m sorry for my language, but this is frustrating. I’m tired of it.”

Despite the turnovers — including two by Jackson — the Ravens had a chance to force overtime in the fourth quarter. Jackson connected with Isaiah Likely for a 24-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-25 with just 1:33 remaining.

On the ensuing 2-point conversion, Jackson’s pass hit Andrews in the chest, but the ball slipped through his hands as he fell backward in the end zone.

“There’s no one with more heart or fight than Mark,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “We wouldn’t even be in this position without him. Destiny is shaped by how you handle moments like these, and Mark will respond with resilience.”

Andrews declined to speak with reporters following a game in which he made rare mistakes. Before Sunday, he hadn’t dropped a pass since Week 6. Against the Bills, he dropped two, including the pivotal 2-point conversion, and fumbled near midfield during the fourth quarter — only the second fumble of his career.

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton defended his teammate. “One play doesn’t define anyone,” he said. “Mark is the all-time-leading touchdown receiver in Ravens history. For anyone to criticize him is unfair. He’s been a consistent leader and workhorse for this team.”

Jackson also offered words of support for Andrews. “I’m just as hurt as Mark,” he said. “This loss isn’t on him. It’s a team effort. Everyone played a role. Mark has been incredible all season, and sometimes things just don’t go our way. We need to figure it out as a team.”

Jackson, however, wasn’t immune to errors. After throwing a career-low four interceptions all season, he threw one early in the game and fumbled on the following possession while scrambling under pressure. It was an uncharacteristically erratic performance, marking his fourth postseason game with both an interception and a fumble.

“Protecting the ball is the top priority, and I didn’t do that,” Jackson admitted. “As the leader, I need to set the example, and I didn’t deliver today. That’s on me.”

The Ravens have yet to win back-to-back playoff games during Jackson’s seven seasons as their starter. Now, he’ll face another offseason with the elusive Super Bowl remaining just out of reach.

“I have to get past this because we’re so close,” Jackson said. “I’m tired of being right there. We need to seal the deal, punch that ticket, and get it done. It starts with getting better in the offseason.”

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