The quarterfinals of the Copa America get underway on Thursday when the United States host Ecuador. Half of the contestants have been eliminated, leaving the world with eight contestants that have varying abilities to win this tournament. Three games have already been enough to see the advantages and disadvantages of each contestant. Here is a ranking of the top remaining contenders of this year's Copa America.

8. Venezuela

Venezuela had a solid group performance and really showed its poise on defense. The team plays solidly on the counter as well.

Point of Concern - They play Argentina in the first knockout game, essentially putting them in an unfavorable situation from the off. The Argentine offense may simply be too much for Venezuela's defense to bear.


7. Ecuador

Ecuador has a shown an ability to score a lot of goals through a fast paced and direct attack. Jefferson Montero looks like a man on a mission every time the ball is at his feet. This might be one of the more exciting teams to watch right now.

Point of Concern - The defense has creaked at times, particularly against Peru.

6. USA

The host nation has been solid thus far, getting over a tough defeat against Colombia and showing grit and determination in its following two games. This team's defense has been stalwart since the Colombia debacle and Clint Dempsey has arguably been the player of the tournament.

Point of concern - Michael Bradley has been disastrous for the second straight major tournament (the other being the World Cup). He is the midfield general and needs to step up his game if the Americans are to make a deep run.

5. Peru

Peru has managed to get to this point by winning all three games. Goalie Pedro Gallese was the hero in the final game, shutting down Brazil on his own while the forwards have scored timely goals.

Point of concern - Peru has not really dominated any team thus far. The Haiti game was a struggle despite being an easy one for Brazil and Ecuador. The Ecuador win featured a rather tough finish with Peru looking overwhelmed defensively and the Brazil game was the result of some high end goaltending. Is Peru really lucky or are they true contenders? The Colombia game will give us the answer.

4. Chile

Chile's attack fires on all cylinders with quick and direct passing and high pressure that helps regain possession. Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal have both been vicious in this tournament, helping the defending champs get this far.

Point of the concern - The defense has always been a weakness and has been exposed here in the air. Moreover, the team lacks the gusto of last year's tournament and could struggle to find its best form away from home.

3. Colombia

Los Cafeteros imploded in the final game thanks to some poor decisions from Jose Pekerman. Before that however the team had looked much like the 2014 iteration that stole viewers' hearts. James Rodriguez, Edwin Cardona and Juan Cuadrado have been a terrific attacking trio behind Carlos Bacca, making this side lethal. The defense has also looked solid throughout.

Point of concern - Colombia has dropped its intensity in latter stages of its first two games, ceding the control to the opposition. Colombia has had 2-0 leads in both cases so it may simply be complacency settling in. Can the team play a full 90 minutes

2. Mexico

El Tri has been terrific thus far in the tournament, winning its group with strong flowing soccer and a dynamic attack that only one other team has been able to match. The team is getting scoring from a diverse range of options. The defense has not been too shabby either.

Point of concern - The lack of consistency in goal could create an issue moving forward.

1. Argentina

It comes down to one person - Lionel Messi. Despite only playing for 30 minutes in the opening round, the Barcelona superstar was a complete monster for his country, scoring three goals and creating one. Messi was given rest in the opening round, securing that he wouldn't burn out before the knockout rounds as in years past. He is a man on a mission and he alone can carry Argentina as the favorites to win it all.

Point of concern - Is this team too tired for another deep run? That has not looked the case thus far but it didn't in the last two tournaments either until it was too late.

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