July. 01. 2011. 06:38 am 22 notes

Copa America Begins Today!

Opening Match:

July. 01. 2011. 06:43 am

Copa America: Group Stage & Schedules

July. 01. 2011. 06:46 am 2 notes

Copa America Primer: Group A

Just some quick info on each team to get you caught up before the the tournament later today.

Courtesy of ESPN

GROUP A

Argentina

Coach: Sergio Batista

Captain: Javier Mascherano

Copa America best: Winners (14)

It has been a long time since Argentina last lifted a major title - 18 years to be precise. Now given the chance to break their duck on home soil, La Albiceleste would become the outright leaders in Copa America history if they were to pick up the title again. With Maradona’s efforts at the World Cup behind them, Batista intends to get his side to play like Barcelona to get the best out of World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and he has one of the competition’s most talented squads at his disposal.

One to Watch: Sergio Aguero. With Messi hogging the limelight, Aguero may not get much of a chance to shine, however as he is currently seeking a move away from Atletico Madrid, he will be keen to impress.
Prediction: Winners.

Bolivia, Colombia, & Costa Rica after the break.

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July. 01. 2011. 06:50 am 2 notes

Copa America Primer: Group B

Courtesy of ESPN

GROUP B

Brazil

Coach: Mano Menezes

Captain: Lucio
Copa America best: Winners (8)

With the chance to win their fifth Copa America in six editions, Brazil are keen to tighten their stranglehold on the competition, but have never won it on Argentine soil. With defensive football proving unpopular under Dunga, Menezes promised to attack when put in charge after the World Cup but the counter-attacking style has failed to win over the fans thus far. In Neymar, they have potentially the best player in the competition, but Brazil may suffer from the enormous expectation that is (and always has been) upon them.

One to Watch: Ganso: The Santos midfielder has been likened to fellow countryman Kaka and is set to move to Italy this summer, but his price may rise with a commanding performance in the tournament if he can step out from the shadow of club team-mate Neymar.
Prediction: Finalists

Ecuador, Paraguay, & Venezuela after the break.

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July. 01. 2011. 06:52 am 8 notes

Copa America Primer: Group C

Courtesy of ESPN

GROUP C

Chile

Coach: Claudio Borghi

Captain: Claudio Bravo

Copa America best: Finalists (4)

Despite Marcelo Bielsa’s resignation, Chile’s fortunes are on the up after a World Cup campaign that saw them win over a lot of neutral supporters. Playing attractive, attacking football with the pace and skills of Alexis Sanchez and Matias Fernandez on show in a high-tempo approach, Borghi could bring something different with a 3-4-1-2 or 3-5-2. He will also have to do something about the defensive issues surrounding the side if they are to repeat their successes in South Africa.

One to Watch: Alexis Sanchez: The man at the centre of a bidding war between Europe’s elite clubs must justify the enormous price tag placed upon him, but with pace, dribbling skills and a good finishing touch, he may well do so.
Prediction: Semi-finals.

Mexico, Peru, & Uruguay after the break.

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July. 02. 2011. 07:18 am 19 notes

Footy Polyvore Sets: Copa America Part 1

Argentina:

Brazil:

July. 03. 2011. 08:30 am 5 notes

Copa America: Brazil vs Venezuela

Watch the match live here.