No, the tectonic plates did not radically shift overnight. Qatar and Japan are still in Asia and members of the continent’s football confederation. However, the two countries will play the Copa America in Brazil, from June 14 to July 7. They were invited by the South American Confederation (CONMEBOL) to participate in the tournament, as has been the custom since 1993.
CONMEBOL initially aimed high. But France, Spain and Portugal in particular declined the invitation. It is therefore the finalists of the 2019 Asian Cup (won by Qatar) who will finally travel to the country of football.
The Gold Cup at the same time
But why bring in foreign countries? Because CONMEBOL has only 10 members (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela). A bit tight to achieve a competition that is held. In comparison, 55 teams are currently vying for a qualification for the next Euro 2020 (which will be played at 24). With 12 participants, the South American confederation can at least divide the teams into 3 groups.
Since 1993, 8 foreign selections have participated in the Copa America. All are part of CONCACAF, the confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean, except… Japan, already invited in 1999. On the podium of the most assiduous countries, we find Mexico (10 participations), the Costa Rica (5) and the United States (4).
But this year, there will be no American country for agenda issues. The Gold Cup, the equivalent of the Copa America organized by CONCACAF, takes place from June 15 to July 7. CONMEBOL therefore had to turn to countries that were free in the coming days.
Qatar against Messi
It will be a big first for Qatar. The future organizer of the 2022 World Cup, invited well before his title of Asian champion, will thus continue his gradual establishment in world football. On condition of not being ridiculous in Group B. A complicated mission: Qatar will face Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay. The task will not be any easier for Japan who will face Uruguay, Chile and Ecuador in Group C.
The two countries will try to emulate Mexico, the only guest to have reached (and lost) the final in 1993 and 2001. In the worst case, Qatar may try again next year. The country will again participate in the competition alongside Australia. This time, he will be as “reigning Asian champion”, announced Alejandro Dominguez, president of CONMBEBOL.
Not sure, however, that the country will be well received this year by the Brazilian public. It was on a Qatari tackle that Neymar was injured recently in a friendly match, depriving the country’s star of the competition on his land.
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