Giants struggle during group phase

The group phase of the Copa America Centenario, taking place in the U.S., has become a dangerous minefield for the region's biggest teams.

Two perennial contenders, Uruguay and Brazil, failed to qualify for the quarter-finals. Uruguay lost to both Mexico and Venezuela while Brazil lost to Peru and could only manage a draw against Ecuador.

Of the favorites, only Argentina lived up to expectations, winning all three group matches against Chile, Panama and Bolivia.

Brazil's early elimination continued the team's woeful run of luck after being overpowered at home by Germany, with a humiliating score of 7-1, in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.

In an easy group, its demolition of Haiti by 7-1 was encouraging but the five-time world champions floundered against Ecuador and Peru.

Brazilian coach Dunga has been sacked for overseeing the worst ever performance by Brazil at the Copa America.

Uruguay, which has won the tournament 15 times, also disappointed, which coach Oscar Tabarez blamed on the lack of key players such as Barcelona's Luis Suarez, who is out with an injury.

Other former champions Paraguay and Costa Rica have also been eliminated. Paraguay also got rid of their coach, Ramon Diaz, after their exit for only securing three wins in 20 games.

Alongside Argentina, who are now firmly established as favorites, Colombia and Mexico are believing in their chances. However, Lionel Messi, considered to be the best player in the world, will be desperate to add a major international title to his trophy cabinet.

Despite losing to Costa Rica on Saturday, Colombia managed to secure its qualification in second place, which will not exactly spur confidence.

However, Mexico has enjoyed a better time, defeating Uruguay and Jamaica and drawing with Venezuela. After a solid first phase, the men in green believe in their chances of clinching their first ever Copa America title.

Of the other teams, Chile and the U.S. have the talent to ruin anybody's day but will have to improve if they want to continue their run past the quarter-finals.

Ecuador has also seized the moment by qualifying from their group and eliminating Brazil.

Finally, Peru and Venezuela, two unexpected quarter-finalists, are now seeking to take the next step to be seen among the best teams in the Americas, although their future progress will be challenging.

The quarter-finals will see Venezuela face Argentina, the U.S. face Ecuador, Colombia take on Peru and Mexico play against Chile. Endit