After averaging four goals a game in the first three days of the competition, the Copa America has quickly gone off the boil. The last three games have produced one goal between them, itself a very dubious penalty won and converted by Robinho.

Much of the blame for this must lie with the competition’s format, which contrives to eliminate only four of the 12 teams in the group stage.

Another problem is that, due to the demands of television, the final matches in each group are played one after the other, rather than simultaneously — thus flying in the face of a standard rule introduced in the rest of the world to stop farces such as West Germany’s notorious 1-0 win over Austria in 1982.

Most teams have therefore gone into their final group game knowing what they need to do to qualify.

On Tuesday, Venezuela and Uruguay met in Group A in Merida, both knowing that a draw would suit them. Venezuela, already qualified, would finish top of the group while Uruguay would qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Not surprisingly, a tame 0-0 was played out amid jeers from the 42,000 crowd.

On Wednesday night, Chile faced Mexico also knowing that a draw would send them through as a third-placed team. (Quick note: there are three groups of four with the top two and the two best third-placed teams going through). A point for the Mexicans, meanwhile, would keep them top. Another 0-0 draw ensued.

With that game out of the way, Brazil also needed a draw against Ecuador, a team who had to win to stay alive. Brazil won 1-0, somewhat fortuitously.

Thursday’s matches are likely to be even more of a damp squib as the eight quarter-finalists have already been decided. When Paraguay and Argentina meet in Barquismeto, it will merely be to decide who finishes first and second. And Colombia and United States, both eliminated, will be playing for a consolation win.

Is it time for a change in format?

Brian Homewood is in Venezuela to cover the Copa America