Every four years, a continent joins together for a party that attracts world football’s spotlight. In 10 days, what promises to be the best Copa América in history will begin in Chile!
Lionel Messi, Neymar, Alexis Sánchez, James Rodríguez, Arturo Vidal, Edinson Cavani, Paolo Guerrero, Sergio Agüero, Thiago Silva, Carlos Tevez and Radamel Falcao will all be taking part, but the quality on display does not stop there. Almost all participating teams have players that feature for some of the planet’s biggest clubs.
Furthermore, the tournament arrives following a terrific showing from the South American nations at World Cup 2014 as five of the continent’s six qualifiers progressed beyond the group stage in Brazil. Mexico, who will take part in the competition in Chile at the invitation of CONMEBOL, also advanced to the second round at last year’s event.
In Brazil, we saw Colombia shine like never before and a Chile side powerful enough to defeat, and progress at the expense of, defending champions Spain, only suffering elimination on penalties at the hands of the hosts. Uruguay, too, came through a difficult group and the Seleção, despite their traumatic exit, reached the semi-finals. Argentina, meanwhile, went all the way to the final for the first time in 24 years, ending the competition as runners-up.
But it was not just the performances on the pitch that proved enchanting. The fantastic support from the stands for all the Latin American countries, with vibrant colours, emphatic songs and ‘A cappella’ national anthems thrilled football fans around the world.
The same World Cup that evokes such great memories, however, also adds an ingredient of pressure that will make the Copa América all the more interesting.
Starting with Brazil, who need to recover their prestige in the first official competition after the historic 7-1 defeat to Germany. Dunga, recalled for a second spell at the helm, led the Seleção to glory in 2007 and has encouraged the fans with his promising start as coach, with captain Neymar leading the way with dazzling displays.
Argentina, too, have changed their coach. Gerardo Martino has taken the reins from Alejandro Sabella and also has a task in his remit: to end la Albiceleste’s barren run of 22 years without a major honour. An already powerful attack has been added to with Carlos Tevez reintegrated into the team.Uruguay, on the other hand, will be without striker Luis Suárez who is suspended for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. But the determination and tradition of la Celeste, who have won more Copa América titles than any other nation and are defending champions, could prevail once again.
Also deserving of attention are Chile. In front of their own fans, the best generation of players in the country’s history will be looking to win the competition for the first time. They possess a team including Claudio Bravo, Gary Medel, Vidal and Alexis and are no longer afraid of any opponent. Will playing at home be a benefit or increase the pressure?
Peru and Venezuela, both of whom surprised in the 2011 edition by finishing third and fourth respectively, a renovated Ecuador, the rookie invitee Jamaica and Bolivia and Paraguay squads looking to improve their nation’s standing; there are 12 candidates, but only one will lift the trophy at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago on July 4.
All this with stadiums from Antofagasta in the north to Temuco in the south that are packed to the rafters. The majority of fans will, of course, be Chileans, but supporters of all countries have secured their tickets and are counting down the hours to what promises to be the best Copa América of all time.
Bron: ca2015.com
