The Copa America begins on the night of Friday to Saturday in Brazil. Even deprived of Neymar, the Seleçao is rightly considered the big favorite of the tournament, but Argentina and Uruguay are in ambush.
It’s boiling in Brazil. From June 14 to July 7, the largest Latin American country will host the 46th edition of the Copa America, the international tournament between the national teams of South America. Qatar and Japan, invited, also participate.
For the French public, the matches will be to follow in the evening or even at night time. The opening match between Brazil and Bolivia will kick off on the night of Friday June 14 to Saturday June 15 at 2:30 a.m.
What is the format of the competition?
The twelve teams are divided into three pools. Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru are in Group A. Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay and Qatar in Group B. Uruguay, Ecuador, Japan and Chile in C The two best nations of each group qualify for the quarter-finals, as well as the two best thirds who will be defined according to the following criteria: points, goal difference, number of goals scored.
Who is favorite?
Brazil can boast of being the favorite of this Copa America, despite its poor performance in recent international competitions. He remains on nine victories and a draw in ten matches played since the quarter-final of the 2018 World Cup lost against Belgium (0-2). Being at home seems to be a significant bonus: the Seleçao has won the four editions organized in its stadiums (1919, 1922, 1949, 1989).
The package of Neymar on injury poses some uncertainties in the offensive animation. This absence could nonetheless decompress this team, which has sometimes shown dependence on its ex-captain and who probably does not need the media pressure linked to the rape case. For the rest, the Seleçao has a complete and quality workforce, at all levels (Alisson, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Alex Sandro, Casemiro, Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, among others).
Who are the outsiders?
Uruguay, quarter-finalist of the last World Cup, is considered the nation best placed to compete with Brazil. The selection, victorious in 2011, can rely on Edinson Cavani and especially a Luis Suarez in full possession of his means after taking the time to treat an injury at the end of the season. Behind them, players such as Lucas Torreira progress and give even more volume to this Celeste still led by veteran Oscar Tabarez (72).
Argentina is also expected at the turn. His last victory dates back to 1993 and remains on two defeats in the final against Chile (2016, 2015). All the supporters are counting on Lionel Messi, back after an ephemeral international retirement. But despite formidable offensive weapons on paper (Di Maria, Agüero, Dybala), the Albiceleste still asks many questions. For example, its defensive sector, whose glaring shortcomings were obvious at the World Cup in Russia, still lacks certainty.
Who are the players to watch?
Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the attraction of this Copa America. With 36 goals in La Liga, the five-time Ballon d’Or finished top scorer in Europe. At almost 32 years old (June 24), he hopes to lift a first trophy with his country. “I want to win something with the selection and I will continue to try. And I will play all the important competitions”, he keeps hammering.
Roberto Firmino (27) will, meanwhile, be able to compete in his first international competition with the status of European champion. Just winner of the Champions League with Liverpool, he will have to take on the role of leader of the orphan Brazilian attack of Neymar. Richarlison, his young teammate, author of five goals in ten appearances in the Auriverde tunic, could be of great help to him.
Finally, Takefusa Kubo could reveal itself in the eyes of the general public. The young Japanese attacking midfielder (18), skilled in his dribbling, is considered the “Japanese Messi”. Passed by Barça, watched by several major European clubs such as PSG and Manchester City, this FC Tokyo nugget has just signed up with Real Madrid. He made his international debut on June 9, against El Salvador (Japan’s 2-0 victory).
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