For the second time in a decade, the celebrated Copa America event is coming to the U.S. The event, which is ready to be staged this summer season, could possibly be the ultimate act of famous person Lionel Messi in his nation’s colours. Whether it is, he’ll have an opportunity to shut out his worldwide profession by successful a 3rd consecutive trophy with Argentina — and doing it within the metropolis the place he now resides. The Copa America closing can be performed in Miami on July 14.
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On Thursday, Messi and Argentina realized their path to a different trophy — as did each different crew hoping to knock off the defending Copa America champions. It didn’t occur with out a little bit of confusion in the course of the closing pot of the draw, when a 3rd CONCACAF crew was erroneously drawn into the U.S.’s group (solely two groups from CONCACAF had been allowed in anyone group). That ultimately led to groups swapping into totally different teams, nevertheless it was dealt with with sufficient confusion that even the official Copa America X account first despatched out an incorrect graphic.
¡Así quedaron conformados los grupos de la CONMEBOL #CA2024! 🏆
Assim estão formados os grupos da CONMEBOL #CA2024! 🤩
Here is how the CONMEBOL closing draw for #CA2024 formed up! ⚽ #VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente #RockingTheContinent pic.twitter.com/lm1ZtcbAfM
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) December 8, 2023
With the draw now set, our knowledgeable panel of Felipe Cardenas, Paul Tenorio and Melanie Anzidei share their ideas on the event forward.
Who had the most effective draw?
Felipe Cardenas: After speaking to some journalists from Argentina, the consensus is that the defending Copa America champions obtained a positive draw. Chile and Peru are each in poor kind and the previous lately fired their supervisor. If Canada qualifies, they’ll fall into Group A and at the very least make it fascinating. In South America, Canada remains to be considered as a darling aspect, a harmful underdog with a bodily model of soccer. However Argentina ought to be very pleased with their group.
Paul Tenorio: I discover it onerous to argue in opposition to the U.S. on this state of affairs. Sure, they pulled Uruguay of their group as an alternative of one of many weaker choices within the second pot, however their opponents from Pots 3 and 4 — Panama and Bolivia — are each groups that the U.S. will really feel assured it could and will beat. It units as much as be the right problem for the U.S. as a result of it brings all totally different layers of stress for a gaggle that’s thought of to be probably the most proficient males’s nationwide crew ever: residing as much as expectations, navigating video games as a favourite and taking part in in opposition to an Uruguay crew that at the moment sits second in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.
USMNT has been handed a beneficial draw (Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos)
Cardenas: Inside that context, Uruguay obtained an incredible draw. They’ll enter the event as true contenders. In South America, Bielsa’s aspect can be anticipated to waltz via the group.
Melanie Anzidei: I additionally would say Argentina, although having a supposedly simpler path to the ultimate might not at all times be in a crew’s greatest curiosity. Argentina dealing with Chile within the group stage could possibly be a blessing in disguise — even when Argentina loses, this can be the fireplace they should get via the event, like how they used their loss to Saudi Arabia within the World Cup to propel them.
Who had the worst draw?
Cardenas: Mexico. Group B is as near a “group of demise” as there may be, and whereas that’s a little bit of a stretch, there isn’t a clear favourite between El Tri, Ecuador, Venezuela and Jamaica. Mexico can be a house crew in each match, however as we effectively know, that would backfire. Nobody in South America desires to play Venezuela proper now. They’re a assured crew that’s dreaming huge. Ecuador is without doubt one of the most athletic and bodily sides on the continent. And Jamaica will take a seasoned crew to the event trying to spoil the get together. Mexico could possibly be in hassle right here.
Tenorio: If we’re speaking in regards to the Pot 1 groups, I agree it’s in all probability Mexico that has the sneakiest powerful group. Jamaica is best than folks understand, and each Venezuela and Ecuador are taking part in effectively proper now — they sit fourth and fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying proper now. It’s important to really feel a bit for Paraguay, although. Not solely do they get drawn into a gaggle with three CONMEBOL groups, nevertheless it’s Brazil and Colombia, one heavyweight and one other crew taking part in effectively in World Cup qualifying. I hate to say that Costa Rica and Honduras received’t scare anybody, however each could possibly be powerful outs, as effectively.
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Anzidei: I really feel prefer it’s a tricky predicament for america, particularly for those who sit up for who they may face after the group stage. They should face Uruguay, who only a few weeks in the past topped the defending World Champions, Argentina. And in the event that they transfer on, they are going to probably face Brazil, and even Colombia. It is going to make for some good soccer to observe, in the event that they advance.
Uruguay can be powerful opponents (Fernando Gens/image alliance by way of Getty Photos)
How do you’re feeling in regards to the USMNT’s path? How far do they should go for it to be thought of a profitable event for them?
Tenorio: When the U.S. final performed in a Copa America, the Centenario in 2016, it superior to the semifinal. Issues fell nearly as completely from them as may have been imagined in that event. Regardless of shedding its opening group recreation to Colombia, the U.S. received its subsequent two video games and noticed Costa Rica upset Colombia within the group stage. That allowed the U.S. to emerge as group winners. Within the different group, Brazil shockingly drew Ecuador, 0-0, after which misplaced to Peru within the group finale to drop to 3rd. That arrange a U.S.-Ecuador recreation within the knockout stage, which the U.S. received, 2-1. They fell to Lionel Messi and Argentina, 4-0, within the semifinal.
The trail this time is fascinating. As soon as once more they face a robust CONMEBOL opponent, and as soon as once more they’ve two different group video games they are going to be anticipated to win. However within the knockout stage, Colombia and Brazil await as potential opponents — each can be higher than the Ecuador squad from 2016.
Nonetheless, for it to be thought of a profitable event, I feel the U.S. must get to a semifinal. Possibly they may keep away from a backlash in the event that they get to the knockout stage and lose to Brazil, however taking part in at residence with heavy expectations means this crew must do one thing particular to have the event actually really feel like a hit. A semifinal is absolutely the naked minimal customary of doing “one thing particular.” If we’re going to actually name this a Golden Technology, it begins right here.
Cardenas: The expectation for the U.S. ought to be to make the ultimate. Full cease. They’ll be on residence soil, taking part in for sellout crowds. Now, taking part in effectively all through the event, advancing to the knockout rounds and defeating at the very least one big-time South American crew could be a profitable event. However the one means for this era of American gamers to make progress is for them to be judged on the identical degree as the highest groups on this Copa America.
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Anzidei: They must make it to the semifinal, at the very least, to have a profitable marketing campaign. A closing could be nice, however feels unlikely. They’re up in opposition to too many heavyweights with metaphorically an excessive amount of to lose in a Copa America. As a lot as they’re competing at residence, that is the Copa America — and america should still be, in a means, an outsider on this competitors.
Can Messi and Argentina win all of it once more?
Cardenas: Argentina is the most effective crew on this planet. And meaning they’re head and shoulders above each single nationwide crew in South America. So sure, Messi can win a second straight Copa America. The trail to the ultimate received’t be a gauntlet, however nothing that Argentina does comes straightforward. Each event they play is a dramatic, tear-filled journey towards a closing. This Argentina crew isn’t unbeatable, however they’ve Messi they usually’ll be on a mission to make historical past once more.
Argentina received Copa America in 2021 (Alexandre Schneider/Getty Photos)
Anzidei: It might be a exceptional feat that Messi and La Scaloneta will completely attempt to accomplish. That, although, would require unity on the pitch in addition to behind the scenes — and, as Felipe reported this week, it doesn’t appear issues are all sunshine and rainbows for supervisor Lionel Scaloni, whose future with this crew is unsure. The 2016 Copa America and Messi’s temporary departure from the nationwide crew is a reminder of how terribly unsuitable issues can go for this crew when the Argentine federation’s home isn’t so as.
However this crew performs greatest once they’re taking part in for somebody, and on the World Cup in Qatar this crew performed for Messi. This time, I imagine that individual can be Angel Di Maria, whose game-winning purpose in opposition to Brazil within the 2021 Copa America closing has this squad indebted to him. The legendary winger has stated he plans to retire after this event. What higher ship off as he retires, than one other closing received in opposition to Brazil?
Tenorio: They completely can win all of it once more. Earlier than the draw, Argentina was the favourite within the event. After the draw? I feel they’re stronger favorites. I agree strongly with Melanie’s level above that it’s going to be as a lot or extra about mentality and emotion than the rest, however I additionally assume Messi is motivated to make it three consecutive trophies — and to do it in his new residence in Miami.
Key dates
- Group stage: June 20 – July 2
- Quarterfinals: July 4 – 6
- Semifinals: July 9 – 10
- Remaining: July 14
Which group matches are you most excited to see?
Anzidei: The USA versus Uruguay at Arrowhead on July 1 — as a result of this would be the final check for the USMNT. How will they fare in opposition to a Copa America favourite? Will they upset the CONMEBOL big inside Arrowhead, one of many loudest stadiums on this planet, days earlier than July 4? After which there’s Argentina versus Chile at MetLife on June 25, as a result of it is a poetic rematch between two Copa America rivals. The final time these two groups performed right here, Messi infamously stop the nationwide crew after falling to Chile for a second 12 months in a row. This match may give Messi a storybook ending to shut one of many least favourite chapters of his profession.
Tenorio: I agree with each video games above, however for me it’s the U.S.-Uruguay recreation. After masking the World Cup in Qatar, there may be simply one thing particular about these huge video games. U.S.-England had such an incredible buzz, after which there was the do-or-die feeling across the U.S.-Iran recreation. Contemplating the U.S. performs Uruguay in its group finale, it may have BOTH components coming into that matchup: a prime opponent and check, in addition to the stress of needing a consequence. Additionally, I do know that is dishonest as a result of the query is about group video games, however I’m salivating over a attainable Argentina-Mexico knockout recreation in Houston/Dallas if Argentina wins the group and Mexico finishes second or vice versa.
Brazil have been misfiring of late (Marco Galvão/Eurasia Sport Photos/Getty Photos)
Cardenas: Chile and Peru are struggling proper now, however they don’t like one another, in any respect. El Clásico del Pacífico is at all times a battle and this model will hopefully stay as much as that. In the meantime, Brazil versus Colombia is changing into a enjoyable rivalry in South America. The 2 sides have a number of respect for one another and have related kinds of play. Colombia lately defeated Brazil in a World Cup qualifier for the primary time ever. That recreation may resolve the winner of Group D. Can’t wait.
Which gamers do you count on to face out (apart from Messi)?
Tenorio: Darwin Núñez. The ahead has scored 5 objectives in six World Cup qualifiers underneath Marcelo Bielsa. He’s completely flying. Uruguay will come into this event with actual perception that they’ll win it, and it’s a gaggle the place Núñez ought to be capable to thrive.
Cardenas: This could possibly be a very lengthy listing. Argentina’s Julian Alvarez, Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo, Brazil’s Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. There are a number of proficient gamers on this event.
Tenorio: However you’re going with a Colombian, aren’t you?
Cardenas: After all! Liverpool’s Luis Diaz is a top-20 greatest participant on this planet proper now. He might be unplayable on his greatest days. He’ll be Colombia’s principal hazard man and one of many event’s marquee gamers.
Anzidei: I used to be additionally going to say Núñez, after his purpose in opposition to Argentina in World Cup qualifying. There’s one thing about this Uruguayan crew. You may argue they’re all value protecting an in depth eye on, with some potential surprises.
🐆 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚…
Nico De La Cruz lo habilitó, Darwin aceleró, hizo la pausa y silenció el Estadio. #ElEquipoQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/8lD1jdBrl1
— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) November 17, 2023
What are your predictions for semifinalists and champion?
Tenorio: Man, that is powerful. Each event has upsets within the group and knockout stage. However it’s powerful to guess in opposition to the favorites right here. I’m sitting subsequent to Felipe right here in Miami making an attempt to persuade him Colombia can win the group, however he’s obtained me nervous for that upset decide. So I’ll say Brazil tops Group D and faces the U.S. and wins that recreation, whereas Uruguay tops Colombia. I’ve Argentina getting via to the semifinals together with Mexico, using the house discipline benefit. After which it’s Argentina-Brazil in an epic closing in Miami, with Messi and Di Maria successful yet another collectively.
Sure, I’m mainly going chalk. What a wimp.
Cardenas: Sure, I’m very nervous about Colombia’s probabilities. Right here’s the factor about each Copa America: they’re unpredictable, they’re messy and the highest sides aren’t at all times assured a spot within the closing 4. I feel this version of the event can be pretty easy, although.
My semifinalists: Argentina-Mexico; Uruguay-United States. The place’s Brazil? If the U.S. goes to get a signature win underneath Berhalter, beating a struggling Brazil aspect could possibly be that second.
Champion: Uruguay — Bielsa turns into a legend in a 3rd South American nation after establishing himself in Argentina and changing into an icon in Chile.
Anzidei: I’ll by no means say out loud that Argentina will win all of it, however that appears the plain reply. I’ve a sense both Uruguay or Brazil may see this via all the best way, too. However such as you stated, Felipe, it’s actually anybody’s event. Did we actually count on Chile to win two in a row once they did?
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(Picture: Gustavo Pagano/Getty Photos)
