Mexico seek another prize scalp as they take on Brazil

Brazil have to make a 2,000-kilometre trip North to Piura for the match as they pay the price for Wednesday’s shock 2-1 loss to Paraguay. Meanwhile, Paraguay will take Brazil’s place against Uruguay in the southern city of Tacna after pipping them for first place in Group C. However, their young team might find the Uruguayans too experienced and wily.

Uruguay, who will be without captain Paolo Montero who has a groin strain, have enjoyed a revival at the Copa after a poor run of results in the World Cup qualifiers and are again playing with their famous tenacity.

Hosts Peru face Argentina in Chiclayo on Saturday and this time will try not gift their opponents a two-goal lead as they did in their first stage matches against Bolivia and Colombia. Peru fought back to draw 2-2 each time but are unlikely to be let off the hook by Argentina.

This time, Peru will be without suspended striker Jefferson Farfan and captain Claudio Pizarro, who is out of the tournament with a head injury.

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano, who has become a fixture in the side at the age of 20, is suspended and Fabricio Coloccini is standing by to take his place.

Colombia complete the lineup when they face outsiders Costa Rica in Trujillo on Saturday in a match which pits Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto against his native country.