The 44th edition of the Copa America kicks off on Thursday 11 June in Chile, with Argentina and Brazil the usual two favourites for the competition. Brazil will be looking to restore some pride after their devastating 7-1 exit on home soil at the hands of Germany in last summer’s World Cup, whilst Argentina are looking to win it for the first time since 1993.
Four years ago in Argentina, Uruguay became the record holders when they marched to their 15th success, thrashing Paraguay 3-0 in the final. Peru and Venezuela were the losing semi-finalists after Brazil and Argentina both exited at the quarter-final stage. Who are your picks for winning the 2015 Copa America? Will it be Argentina or Brazil? Or will Uruguay spring another surprise? Here is a look at the realistic contenders to winning the final on 4 July in Santiago:
Argentina
With the form that Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero have shown in recent months, Argentina are undoubtedly the favourites to end their 22-year run without lifting the trophy. Nahuel Guzman is pushing Sergio Romero for the starting spot in goal with the latter only making 10 appearances for Sampdoria in Serie A this past season. The World Cup first choice for Argentina played only three league games for Monaco during 2013-14 so that doesn’t seem to prevent him representing his country. Argentina had one of the best defences in the knockout stages of the World Cup under Alejandro Sabella after making a shaky start.
Their squad this summer includes Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo, Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi and Manchester City’s duo of Martin Demichelis and Pablo Zabaleta. It’s up to whether Tata Martino can organise them. The defence will get good protection from Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia in midfield and it will be interesting to see how both Angel Di Maria and Erik Lamela perform given they’ve not lived up to their expectations in the Premier League. Paris Saint-Germain’s Javier Pastore is also in the squad but the 25-year-old has never been a regular at international level. Without doubt the best attack in the tournament by a long way, Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain are all available for the head coach.
The former two are playing in the Champions League final in Berlin on 6 June – seven days before Argentina’s opener against Paraguay – an opportunity to give them a rest and rotate the squad. The two doubts we have over this Argentina squad is that the country often fails to live up to expectations, and secondly is the head coach. Martino did a poor job with Barcelona – what’s he like back in his own continent?
Brazil
Dunga is back in charge of Brazil with the responsibility of bringing success in Chile and building the squad to compete in Russia 2018. Many changes have been made from Felipe Scolari’s World Cup squad but have they improved? 32-year-old Jefferson is the only goalkeeper in the squad to have played at senior international level and even then he only has 16 caps. Fiorentina’s Neto is included.
The experienced Thiago Silva and David Luiz are expected to be the centre-back partnership for Brazil. Bayern Munich’s Dante is not included in the squad, but the highly rated Marquinhos of PSG, and Atletico Madrid’s Miranda are both options for Dunga. Real Madrid-bound Danilo is in the squad, but no Dani Alves. The midfield is relatively inexperienced at international level and have few goals between them. 1899 Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmano could be one to watch if he gets his chance, as would be Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho. The Premier League is also represented by Chelsea’s hardworking Willian and Manchester City defensive midfielder Fernandinho. 23-year-old Neymar is the country’s captain in attack.
Currently on 43 goals, he’s already in the top 10 of Brazil’s all-time top goalscorers. Robinho could reach 100 caps during the tournament whilst the underrated Diego Tardelli has been given a chance by Dunga. Brazil will need to be at their best and hope the likes of Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay underperform if they’re to go all the way in Chile. Neymar certainly has the ability to be the difference maker but opponents who can shut him down will know there aren’t too many goalscorers in this side.
Colombia
Quarter-finalists in Brazil last summer, Colombia were eliminated by the hosts after an exciting run in the World Cup. Jose Pekerman remains in charge of the Tri Colours who should not be overlooked as they look to add to their only previous success in this tournament in 2001. Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina got his chance in the Premier League after the turn of the year and his fine form should give him confidence going into the Copa America. Mario Yepes is the only absentee from the back four that played in the World Cup.
He was a key part of that defence though. Pekerman has changed the defence in recent friendlies though so we could see the likes of Pedro Franco, Darwin Andrade and Jeison Murillo play this summer. James Rodriguez is the key man in the midfield. He ran the show in midfield and ended as the tournament’s top goalscorer. Juan Cuadrado offers pace down the right whilst both Carlos Sanchez and Edwin Valencia offer steel in the middle. Radamel Falcao has been handed the captain’s armband and did score for his country in March.
If he gets the supply he can score goals – something he saw little of at Manchester United this past season. Colombia have a wealth of talented strikers – Carlos Bacca heads into the tournament off of a two-goal Europa League final performances, whilst Jackson Martinez has been scoring regularly for FC Porto and Teofilo Gutierrez is well-known for scoring goals in South America. None of these countries have played a competitive game since the World Cup and despite Colombia winning their last six friendlies, they haven’t been against challenging opposition. They’re certainly strong contenders to go all the way though, make no mistake about that.
Uruguay
The defending champions are our fourth pick for the Copa America. They still have their 2011-winning head coach, Oscar Tabarez in charge and have a number of talented players throughout the squad. Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was one of the top goalkeepers in the world when he headed to Galatasaray after the 2011. A dip in concentration sees him making silly mistakes but he remains a good shot stopper and the country’s first choice. Atletico Madrid pair Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez offer two good options in the middle of defence. Sebastian Coates is another option after a good end of season performance with Sunderland in the Premier League.
Alvaro Pereira, Maxi Pereira and Jorge Fucile are three experienced full-backs in the squad. Tabarez brings an experienced midfield with him, including Atletico Madrid’s Cristian Rodriguez and Torino’s Alvaro Gonzalez. Nicolas Lodeiro is in the squad – a once highly-rated player, now 26 looking to leave an impact in football. Luis Suarez is a massive loss for the defending champions having been suspended for his bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini. Edinson Cavani will lead the line for Uruguay, who also have the pacey Abel Hernandez as an option.
Uruguay are on the borderline of long shots in this competition but with their experienced head coach in charge we should not overlook them even if their star striker is suspended. They often come with a solid defence and midfield, but will certainly need to improve on their performance from 12 months ago if they’re to go all the way in Chile.
