While it was still uncertain a few days ago, the Copa América (June 13 – July 13), equivalent to the Euro football, opens on Sunday, June 13. Health crisis, favorites, schedule, here are the five things to know before the start of the competition, Sunday, June 13, at theMané Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.
2021, the “Corona Cup”
While it is one of the continents most affected by the health crisis, South America has finally maintained the Copa América. Not without difficulty, since the edition has several times come close to cancellation. Initially organized jointly between Argentina and Colombia, the two organizers finally withdrew, due to the pandemic in Argentina and after riots and political demonstrations in Colombia. Brazil finally reached out to the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), organizer of the competition, to take up the torch. A gesture considered political, intended to show a form of “normality” in a country which records the second highest number of deaths linked to Covid on its territory. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro even said “mourn the dead of Covid-19” but wished “continue to live”. More annoying for the competition: contaminations. Bolivia and Venezuela, even before the opening match, already have positive cases in their selections. Twelve members of the Venezuelan delegation, including eight players, tested positive for the coronavirus, compromising the start of their tournament. On the Bolivian side, four members have tested positive, including three players.
One month of competition on the program
Like the Euro, which began on Friday, June 11 in 11 European cities, South America is also preparing to experience its month of football. On the program, ten selections, divided into two groups of five: group A, called the “South Zone” (Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay), and group B, called the “North Zone” (Brazil , Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and Ecuador). Brazil and Venezuela will face each other in the opening match, at theMané Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.
Is very close
Football is already throbbing ⚽ in these CONMEBOL headquarters @CopaAmerica !
We remind you of the scenarios where the matches will be played ️ #VibraElContinente pic.twitter.com/XdfmowXW8a
— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) June 12, 2021
Ten teams competing, a first since 1991
Only ten selections are vying for the title. The lowest number of participants for 30 years. Since the 1991 edition in Chile, the Copa América has normally hosted 12 teams, with the exception of the 2016 edition, organized in the United States for the centenary of the competition. Recently, the Conmebol had even chosen to invite nations to participate in the competition alongside the South American selections (Qatar and Japan in 2019). This year, Qatar and Australia have finally withdrawn due to scheduling problems after the interruption of competitions in 2020. Ten selections therefore face each other, with the common objective of avoiding the last qualifying place in their respective group. . As for the first four of each group, they will take the direction of the quarter-finals. The first of each group will face the last of the opposite group, and the second face the third for a place in the last four. The final is scheduled for Sunday July 11.
Neymar’s Brazil as a favorite
After being unfavorable to the holding of the tournament five days before the opening, the Seleçao finally reversed their position, without much conviction. The title holders appeared in good shape. With a Neymar of great evenings against Paraguay (2-0) on June 9, Brazil won its sixth victory in qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup. Author of a goal and an assist, the Paris Saint-Germain striker, injured in the previous edition of the Copa América, scored his 66th goal for the Brazilian jersey. Led by Andenor Tite, coach since 2016, the Seleçao have been undefeated since November 15, 2019, after a defeat against Argentina.
Messi and Argentina are waiting for the miracle
The other favorite of the tournament is Argentina. Army of Lionel Messi, star of FC Barcelona, the Albiceleste will try to bury its old demons in Copa América. Despite his four Champions Leagues, six Golden Balls and the status that goes with it, the 34-year-old Argentine has still not managed to win a title in the selection. He will therefore try to ward off the fate that persists against him in the Copa América, with three finals lost in 2007, 2015 and 2016, the last two on penalties against Chile. Argentines have not been sacred since 1993.
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