The Copa America 2021 group phase delivered plenty of emotions, but the most exciting part of the competition got 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 as Argentina are also seeking the continental trophy to end a long drought.

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 match remains tied after regular time.

Copa America 2021: What was the tie-breaker criteria in the knockout stages?

The Copa America 2021 knockout stages have begun in the quarterfinals. In this round and the semifinals, when a match finished tied after 90 minutes the winner was decided 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 game to 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 final tie-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 will be decided on penalties.

The last Copa America final that was decided from the penalty spot took place in 2016 when Chile defeated Argentina for the second straight year. In 2015, La Roja have beaten La Albiceleste in the same manner at home.