The Copa America 2021 group phase delivered plenty of emotions, butthe most exciting part of the competitiongot even more interesting. Eight teams have made it to the knockout stages looking to make their way into the grand final in Río de Janeiro.
However, only two remain in contention and the soccer world is eager to watch a thrilling final.Brazil seem to be favorites to win the title for the second time in a row, but they will have stiff competition asArgentina are also seeking the continental trophy to end a longdrought.
The knockout stages have seen many exciting matchups that have had drama until the very end. With the Copa America 2021 final looming around, here we’ll take a look at what the tie-breaker criteria will be if the matchremainstied after regular time.
Copa America 2021: What wasthe tie-breaker criteria in the knockout stages?
The Copa America 2021 knockout stages have begunin the quarterfinals. In this round andthe semifinals, when a matchfinishedtied after 90 minutes the winner wasdecided by a penalty shoot-out.
In the quarterfinals, we’ve seen Colombia and Peru moving onto the next round through the penalty kicks. In the semifinals, Argentina knocked out Los Cafeteros in a dramatic penalty shoot-out with Emiliano Martínez saving three kicks.
The third-place gameto be played between Colombia and Peru will be decided in the same way if it’s still level after regular time.
Copa America 2021: What will be the tie-breaker in the final?
On the other hand, the Copa America 2021 finaltie-breaker will be different. If the score remains tied at the end of regular time, the game will continue to extra time with two periods of 15 minutes each. Should things remain level after those extra 30 minutes, the tournament winners willbe decided on penalties.
Chile were the last team to win the Copa America final on penalties in 2016. (Getty)
The last Copa America final that was decided from the penalty spot took place in 2016when Chile defeated Argentina for the second straight year. In 2015, La Roja havebeaten La Albiceleste in the same manner at home.
