ARLINGTON, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela manager Fernando Batista urged his players to stay grounded on Thursday as they seek a place in the Copa America semifinals for only the second time in the country's history.

The Vinotinto reached the competition's last eight by finishing top of Group B with victories over Ecuador, Mexico and Jamaica.

But Batista has implored his players to keep their emotions in check ahead of Friday's quarterfinal against Canada at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

"We had an almost ideal group stage and qualified for the quarterfinals but we still haven't achieved anything," Batista told a news conference. "Canada are playing well and the margin for error is small."

"Now we start a new tournament. What was done in the group stage now has nothing to do with what is to come."

Victory over Canada would set up a semifinal berth against either Ecuador or reigning champions Argentina.

The only other time the Vinotinto have reached the last four of the continental tournament was at the 2011 edition in Argentina, when a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay denied them a place in the final.

"We have objectives and we are taking it little by little," Batista said. "What we experienced in the first phase is all very nice, but it is over, we have to keep our feet on the ground.

"Concentration from the first minute is key. There is no need to concede free-kicks in dangerous situations against a team like Canada." Enditem

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