Havana, Jun 16 (IANS): The quarter-finals of the 2016 Copa America football tournament are surely full of suspense and excitement as the last eight teams are either tournament favorites or dark horses that toppled traditional powers during the group stage.

The eight teams alive include an outstanding Argentina, while Mexico and Chile, two strong candidates, will eliminate each other, and a careful look is recommended at Colombia and the United States.

The first quarter-final will be on Thursday when the US will face Ecuador. On Friday, a South American high-voltage game will be held between ascending Peru and the Colombian team led by James Rodriguez.

On Saturday, Mexico and Chile will play in Santa Clara, while Argentina and Venezuela will face each other in Foxborough Stadium near Boston.

The favourite teams include Argentina, with the showman Lionel Messi and a powerful team ready to win Copa America, after the elimination of both Uruguay and Brazil.

Mexico, who play like being home thanks to the thousands of Mexican fans in the US territory, have remained undefeated since the leadership of Colombia coach Juan Carlos Osorio.

Chile, on the other hand, have been unstable but are the current champion.