Monday had the Group D games. Argentina had a great win against Chile. The score was 2-1 and it was a really entertaining game. Both teams pushed forward and played attacking and aggressive soccer from the get-go. Messi did not play due to a back bruise, although it is hopeful that he will be available for the next game. Argentina did not miss him. They have plenty of talent and after having seen everyone play, I think they are the favorites to win the tournament. Not that Chile was poor. They looked dangerous and very exciting for the whole game. If any of the first round games was boring, this was the opposite and the reason that fans enjoy international soccer.
Panama beat Bolivia in the other group D game. It also was a pretty good game. I would have predicted a bit more of a dull defensive struggle, but both teams gave a full throat performance and Panama was able to breakthrough and get a really well deserved 2-1 win through a brace from Blas Perez. This puts Panama tied for top of the group with Argentina. As the rest of the first round progresses we will see if they can keep that lofty status.
Tonight, the U.S. plays Costa Rica. After losing to Colombia, there is no margin for error. The Americans can beat Costa Rica, but the pressure will be extreme. I am not even sure I will be able to watch the game. Gotta love sports.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Sunday, June 5, 2016
First 4 Games
So Groups A & B have had their first 2 games. Lets look at them
USA vs Columbia- The U.S. lost the opening game 2-0. This is about the worst result we could get and very disappointing. It is not however the end of the world. In my opinion the U.S. looked very good. They played very well and yet they lost. How does this happen? First the horrible mistake on the corner kick. Geoff Cameron lost his mark and left him wide open at the penalty spot. You just can't do that. I said that our defense was capable, but that they also made mistakes. This was the mistake and it is not acceptable. The Second goal was the PK that resulted from the really harsh call on Yeldin. These things happen, but is still stings. It is one of the frustrating aspects of soccer that luck is so obviously a part of the game, and that goal was lucky. It also allowed the Colombians to pack in on defense and make it virtually impossible for the U.S. to score. Once the game was 2-0, it was a good bet that it would remain 2-0, and it did. Hopefully the USA does not change much in the way they played. I thought it was attractive and interesting and I really feel they had the better of the play, They just need to go out and win the next to games, which they can, but mistakes have to be avoided and they need to make their own luck.
Costa Rica vs Paraguay- This game ended in a 0-0 draw. This is by far the best result for the U.S. It puts our destiny back in our own hands. If we win both games we will advance, and if we win 1 and tie the other...we might advance. The game itself was very boring and later on it got rough. There were fouls galore and Watson, the Costa Rican defender was sent off in stoppage time with a straight red card on a harsh tackle. There is not much to report as defense and lack of imagination were the main points. Neither team looked very good and the U.S. should feel confident that they can get the result that they need on Tuesday.
Brazil vs Ecuador- This game was disappointing. There were a few flashes of talent here and their. One can see that Brazil has some real play makers on the team, but seldom was the play put together in any meaningful way. It was as if they were waiting around for the game to start. Well the game almost ended for them when late in the second half, a low cross/shot from Ecuador was misplayed at the near post and the ball slipped into the net for what should have been a goal. Instead the Brazilians were saved by a bad call from the linesman who decided that the ball had crossed the end-line before it was struck and as such was out for a goal kick.In soccer, like Hockey, the entire ball must be across the line before the ball is out. You can follow the link to thttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoKpRJ-ggKYhe video and you decide.
Peru vs Haiti- This game went about according to form. Peru was the better team all game and deserved the 1-0 win, but they did not look that enthusiastic. They clearly had a better sense of space and made Haiti work for every possession, but after watching the game, one wonders if either team will be able to secure a point against the other two teams in the group, Ecuador and Brazil. My prediction seems safe at this point.
Today's Games:
Mexico vs Uruguay, and Jamaica vs Venezuela
The Mexico game should be really fun to watch.
USA vs Columbia- The U.S. lost the opening game 2-0. This is about the worst result we could get and very disappointing. It is not however the end of the world. In my opinion the U.S. looked very good. They played very well and yet they lost. How does this happen? First the horrible mistake on the corner kick. Geoff Cameron lost his mark and left him wide open at the penalty spot. You just can't do that. I said that our defense was capable, but that they also made mistakes. This was the mistake and it is not acceptable. The Second goal was the PK that resulted from the really harsh call on Yeldin. These things happen, but is still stings. It is one of the frustrating aspects of soccer that luck is so obviously a part of the game, and that goal was lucky. It also allowed the Colombians to pack in on defense and make it virtually impossible for the U.S. to score. Once the game was 2-0, it was a good bet that it would remain 2-0, and it did. Hopefully the USA does not change much in the way they played. I thought it was attractive and interesting and I really feel they had the better of the play, They just need to go out and win the next to games, which they can, but mistakes have to be avoided and they need to make their own luck.
Costa Rica vs Paraguay- This game ended in a 0-0 draw. This is by far the best result for the U.S. It puts our destiny back in our own hands. If we win both games we will advance, and if we win 1 and tie the other...we might advance. The game itself was very boring and later on it got rough. There were fouls galore and Watson, the Costa Rican defender was sent off in stoppage time with a straight red card on a harsh tackle. There is not much to report as defense and lack of imagination were the main points. Neither team looked very good and the U.S. should feel confident that they can get the result that they need on Tuesday.
Brazil vs Ecuador- This game was disappointing. There were a few flashes of talent here and their. One can see that Brazil has some real play makers on the team, but seldom was the play put together in any meaningful way. It was as if they were waiting around for the game to start. Well the game almost ended for them when late in the second half, a low cross/shot from Ecuador was misplayed at the near post and the ball slipped into the net for what should have been a goal. Instead the Brazilians were saved by a bad call from the linesman who decided that the ball had crossed the end-line before it was struck and as such was out for a goal kick.In soccer, like Hockey, the entire ball must be across the line before the ball is out. You can follow the link to thttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoKpRJ-ggKYhe video and you decide.
Peru vs Haiti- This game went about according to form. Peru was the better team all game and deserved the 1-0 win, but they did not look that enthusiastic. They clearly had a better sense of space and made Haiti work for every possession, but after watching the game, one wonders if either team will be able to secure a point against the other two teams in the group, Ecuador and Brazil. My prediction seems safe at this point.
Today's Games:
Mexico vs Uruguay, and Jamaica vs Venezuela
The Mexico game should be really fun to watch.
Friday, June 3, 2016
The Tournament Begins
So here are some thoughts as the tournament gets started.
1. Brazil had another player back out of the tournament. Luiz Gustavo, who plays for Wolfsberg in Germany has left the team for personal reasons. This makes 6 players who have left for one reason or another. This is not perhaps great news for Brazil fans, but I think it makes the team dangerous and exciting. Most countries could never absorb the loss of that many players, but Brazil has world class players that no one has ever heard of. We could see something very special from this group of young unknowns with nothing to lose.
2. Colombian defensive starter was arrested this week on assault charges. After an all night drinking binge Pablo Armero got into a fight with the mother of his children at a Miami hotel and he ended up in jail. It remains to be seen if he will be on the roster for Colombia when the tournament gets underway today. He has been a starter for every tournament of the last 6 years, but is not on the team at the moment.
3. Christian Pulisic does not need to be a star for the U.S. this summer. Yes he has great potential. Yes he could be the future, but he does not need to be. He is only 17. He will probably get some playing time. He might even start a game, but fans need to realize, soccer is fickle. He could be on the pitch for 60-90-even 120 minutes and do nothing amazing. This does not mean he is not going to be great. It just means he had an O.K. tournament, not a great one. Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, and yet if you look at his play for Argentina over the last 2 World Cups and you will see O.K. performances, nothing special. Sometimes these tournaments play out this way. If we see great and amazing things from Pulisic, I will be the first to cheer, but lets not hold him to some horrible standard for which is is likely to fall. Christian will be here for years.
4. Mexico is considered by many a favorite to win the Copa. It could happen. They will be playing in front of what are in all sense home crowds. The fans of the Mexican team are rabid and ready for some international success. They have been on great form, not allowing a goal in the last 6 games. They have a star in Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who seems poised to be the goal scorer every champion needs. The stars seem to have aligned. That is a scary place for the team to be. They have everything to lose. I think they stumble under the weight, but we will see.
1. Brazil had another player back out of the tournament. Luiz Gustavo, who plays for Wolfsberg in Germany has left the team for personal reasons. This makes 6 players who have left for one reason or another. This is not perhaps great news for Brazil fans, but I think it makes the team dangerous and exciting. Most countries could never absorb the loss of that many players, but Brazil has world class players that no one has ever heard of. We could see something very special from this group of young unknowns with nothing to lose.
2. Colombian defensive starter was arrested this week on assault charges. After an all night drinking binge Pablo Armero got into a fight with the mother of his children at a Miami hotel and he ended up in jail. It remains to be seen if he will be on the roster for Colombia when the tournament gets underway today. He has been a starter for every tournament of the last 6 years, but is not on the team at the moment.
3. Christian Pulisic does not need to be a star for the U.S. this summer. Yes he has great potential. Yes he could be the future, but he does not need to be. He is only 17. He will probably get some playing time. He might even start a game, but fans need to realize, soccer is fickle. He could be on the pitch for 60-90-even 120 minutes and do nothing amazing. This does not mean he is not going to be great. It just means he had an O.K. tournament, not a great one. Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, and yet if you look at his play for Argentina over the last 2 World Cups and you will see O.K. performances, nothing special. Sometimes these tournaments play out this way. If we see great and amazing things from Pulisic, I will be the first to cheer, but lets not hold him to some horrible standard for which is is likely to fall. Christian will be here for years.
4. Mexico is considered by many a favorite to win the Copa. It could happen. They will be playing in front of what are in all sense home crowds. The fans of the Mexican team are rabid and ready for some international success. They have been on great form, not allowing a goal in the last 6 games. They have a star in Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who seems poised to be the goal scorer every champion needs. The stars seem to have aligned. That is a scary place for the team to be. They have everything to lose. I think they stumble under the weight, but we will see.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Group A and the USA's Group of death
Finally we get to Group A. This is the group containing the USA. It is considered by almost all the experts to be the group of death, a tired phrase that seems to come out for every tournament every year. Lets look at the teams
Costa Rica- Costa Rica were the darlings of the 2014 WC. They made it past the group stage for the first time ever and even beat Greece in the knockout stage and made it to the quarter finals, where they lost to Holland on penalty kicks. They are perhaps the most successful team in the history of Central America and the current Central American champions. Los Ticos will have plenty of fan support for the games and always play well in the U.S. They have some talented players who play in MLS and England, but they will miss the star of the team, Real Madrid goalie Keylor Navas, who is out due to injury. In his absence Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz will have to take up the slack on the offensive side. This is a real blow for Costa Rica because keeping a clean slate was always their best chance of advancing, still they will be a tough out.
Paraguay- While not in peak form, Paraguay is a always dangerous team. They have been getting draws in WC qualifying and are led by Coach Ramon Diaz, who was a great Argentinian footballer with tons and tons of international experience. The team only has 5 European based players and most of the team will not be anyone that US fans have heard of, but they are not to be taken lightly. They play up to the level of their opponent and almost never get blown out. Still, they are perhaps physically a bit out matched and the rougher play of the bigger squads will give them trouble, especially on set plays and corner kicks.
Columbia- The best player in the group is undoubtedly the Colombian Striker James (pronounced Ham-ez) Rodriguez. He plays for Real Madrid, and while he was not able to have a breakout season for the Spanish side, he seems to always bring his A game when he plays for his country. Assisting him will be talented winger Curridado and the 19yr old Moreno who has been called the most talented young player in South America. The U.S. has a longstanding loosing record against the South American powerhouse, although we did famously beat them in the 94 WC. They have brought a younger overall team than they displayed in 2014. So far the team has not gelled, but the pieces are there and the betting odds are that they will win the group.
U.S.A.- So what are the chances for the United States to advance from this group? Well despite some excitement at the last WC, the U.S. has by most experts opinions under performed the last 3 years. Last years Gold Cup was a prime example. The U.S. finished 4th in a tournament that they really could have won. The lost summer of soccer almost cost Klinseman his job. 2016 is looking better and the 23 man roster is made up of a mix of veterans like Dempsey and Bradley, and young players Bobby Wood, Darlington Nagbe and 17 year old Christian Pulisic. I have always said that bringing young players to tournaments was a good idea. They tend to play better than veterans who often get nervous and play tight. The kids do not know to be afraid. I will talk team strategy tomorrow before kick-off, but Klinseman has said his expectation for the team is to make the semi finals. This is doable, but it would not be a huge surprise for the team to fail to get out of such a tough group either. If that were to happen, it might really be the coaches head this time.
Group Winner- Columbia
Group Runner-up- U.S.A.
Costa Rica- Costa Rica were the darlings of the 2014 WC. They made it past the group stage for the first time ever and even beat Greece in the knockout stage and made it to the quarter finals, where they lost to Holland on penalty kicks. They are perhaps the most successful team in the history of Central America and the current Central American champions. Los Ticos will have plenty of fan support for the games and always play well in the U.S. They have some talented players who play in MLS and England, but they will miss the star of the team, Real Madrid goalie Keylor Navas, who is out due to injury. In his absence Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz will have to take up the slack on the offensive side. This is a real blow for Costa Rica because keeping a clean slate was always their best chance of advancing, still they will be a tough out.
Paraguay- While not in peak form, Paraguay is a always dangerous team. They have been getting draws in WC qualifying and are led by Coach Ramon Diaz, who was a great Argentinian footballer with tons and tons of international experience. The team only has 5 European based players and most of the team will not be anyone that US fans have heard of, but they are not to be taken lightly. They play up to the level of their opponent and almost never get blown out. Still, they are perhaps physically a bit out matched and the rougher play of the bigger squads will give them trouble, especially on set plays and corner kicks.
Columbia- The best player in the group is undoubtedly the Colombian Striker James (pronounced Ham-ez) Rodriguez. He plays for Real Madrid, and while he was not able to have a breakout season for the Spanish side, he seems to always bring his A game when he plays for his country. Assisting him will be talented winger Curridado and the 19yr old Moreno who has been called the most talented young player in South America. The U.S. has a longstanding loosing record against the South American powerhouse, although we did famously beat them in the 94 WC. They have brought a younger overall team than they displayed in 2014. So far the team has not gelled, but the pieces are there and the betting odds are that they will win the group.
U.S.A.- So what are the chances for the United States to advance from this group? Well despite some excitement at the last WC, the U.S. has by most experts opinions under performed the last 3 years. Last years Gold Cup was a prime example. The U.S. finished 4th in a tournament that they really could have won. The lost summer of soccer almost cost Klinseman his job. 2016 is looking better and the 23 man roster is made up of a mix of veterans like Dempsey and Bradley, and young players Bobby Wood, Darlington Nagbe and 17 year old Christian Pulisic. I have always said that bringing young players to tournaments was a good idea. They tend to play better than veterans who often get nervous and play tight. The kids do not know to be afraid. I will talk team strategy tomorrow before kick-off, but Klinseman has said his expectation for the team is to make the semi finals. This is doable, but it would not be a huge surprise for the team to fail to get out of such a tough group either. If that were to happen, it might really be the coaches head this time.
Group Winner- Columbia
Group Runner-up- U.S.A.
Group B predictions
We are now on to Group B. Lets look at the 4 teams and my predictions.
Brazil- Obviously the favorite in this group, Brazil should have no difficulty advancing. It was just announced today that Kaka would be unfit and not on the roster. For some countries, this would be a huge blow, and it might effect the scoring ability of the team in the subsequent rounds, but will mean almost nothing in Group B. Brazil's biggest foe is itself. They have all the talent ion the world, yet they sometimes fail to work together as a team and they seem at odds with the direction that the team should take. This is not surprising in a country so diverse. Not winning the WC two years ago was a huge blow to the country, but now is the time to get over that loss and start focusing on what they can do to be ready for Russia in 2018. Playing well, and perhaps winning this tournament would go a long way in repairing those old wounds.
Ecuador- This team was one of the warm up games for the U.S. What viewers saw in that game is what can be expected from the team. They play solid if not exciting soccer. They have a few quality players that need to be watched, but they do not pose the ever present danger of other South American teams. They, along with Venezuela, are the only 2 S.A. teams to never win the Copa America. This year, they are winless in 4 games, although they have a a little success in their WC qualifying campaign, having beaten Argentina away last fall. They play through the middle of the field more than most. Watch for a high set from the central defense to depossess teams with hard tackles and then work a quick counter. They are not very strong on set plays and could give up goals here. Speed out wide is also lacking.
Haiti- The tiny country of Haiti has a strong football heritage, but sheer lack of population makes it hard for the squad to compete on the international level. Still, they will attempt to play a fresh and innovative brand of football under the guidance of French coach Patrice Neveu. Quick passing and overlapping runs have been the tradition and they will hope to use their speed around the flank of Ecuador and Peru. If Haiti can get lucky on defense, they could easily pull in a goal on a set piece where they are dangerous. Still, it would have to be considered a big upset if they were to make it to the second round.
Peru- Peru have won the Copa America twice, although once was back in 1939, and the other time was in 1975. Those were the golden eras of Peruvian football. Currently FIFA has them ranked 39th, although as recently as 2013 they were ranked in the top 20. The smart money is that they will be the team to qualify out of this group after Brazil. The Peru squad are quick off the ball and work together to make things happen. They will not lose shape and they will keep their game plan. The danger for them is usually that they are susceptible to getting knocked off the ball by bigger and stronger teams. In their favor, the Group B field is not that physically imposing. Neither Haiti nor Ecuador poses a huge threat.
Group B winner - Brazil
Group B runnerup - Peru
Brazil- Obviously the favorite in this group, Brazil should have no difficulty advancing. It was just announced today that Kaka would be unfit and not on the roster. For some countries, this would be a huge blow, and it might effect the scoring ability of the team in the subsequent rounds, but will mean almost nothing in Group B. Brazil's biggest foe is itself. They have all the talent ion the world, yet they sometimes fail to work together as a team and they seem at odds with the direction that the team should take. This is not surprising in a country so diverse. Not winning the WC two years ago was a huge blow to the country, but now is the time to get over that loss and start focusing on what they can do to be ready for Russia in 2018. Playing well, and perhaps winning this tournament would go a long way in repairing those old wounds.
Ecuador- This team was one of the warm up games for the U.S. What viewers saw in that game is what can be expected from the team. They play solid if not exciting soccer. They have a few quality players that need to be watched, but they do not pose the ever present danger of other South American teams. They, along with Venezuela, are the only 2 S.A. teams to never win the Copa America. This year, they are winless in 4 games, although they have a a little success in their WC qualifying campaign, having beaten Argentina away last fall. They play through the middle of the field more than most. Watch for a high set from the central defense to depossess teams with hard tackles and then work a quick counter. They are not very strong on set plays and could give up goals here. Speed out wide is also lacking.
Haiti- The tiny country of Haiti has a strong football heritage, but sheer lack of population makes it hard for the squad to compete on the international level. Still, they will attempt to play a fresh and innovative brand of football under the guidance of French coach Patrice Neveu. Quick passing and overlapping runs have been the tradition and they will hope to use their speed around the flank of Ecuador and Peru. If Haiti can get lucky on defense, they could easily pull in a goal on a set piece where they are dangerous. Still, it would have to be considered a big upset if they were to make it to the second round.
Peru- Peru have won the Copa America twice, although once was back in 1939, and the other time was in 1975. Those were the golden eras of Peruvian football. Currently FIFA has them ranked 39th, although as recently as 2013 they were ranked in the top 20. The smart money is that they will be the team to qualify out of this group after Brazil. The Peru squad are quick off the ball and work together to make things happen. They will not lose shape and they will keep their game plan. The danger for them is usually that they are susceptible to getting knocked off the ball by bigger and stronger teams. In their favor, the Group B field is not that physically imposing. Neither Haiti nor Ecuador poses a huge threat.
Group B winner - Brazil
Group B runnerup - Peru
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Group C Copa America breakdown
So the breakdown continues. Group C is considered by many to be the easisest group for the #1 seed, which in this case is Uruguay. Lets take a a look.
Mexico- Most soccer fans in the U.S. are familiar with Mexico. They are our neighbors and our chief rivals. In fact, there are players on the U.S. team who play in the Mexican league and vice versa. Mexico has had a tumultuous last few years, with coaching changes and player issues that have frustrated the soccer mad fans of the team. In the World cup a couple years ago, they hit a good stride and were a difficult out for the Dutch squad in the second round. This years team is built with a number of younger players. They have ability around the pitch and show a creative flair, however when it comes to scoring, they will be relying on Chicherito who although only 29, seems as if he has been on the squad for ever. He can at times appear unstoppable, but at other times he disappears, and the same can be said for the whole team. One issue that they will not have is fan support. With the huge number of Mexican Americans in the U.S., every game will be a home game for the Tri-colors. We will see how far that support carries them.
Uruguay- The favorite from the group is Uruguay. They have a long tradition in world soccer and a number of very successful international players that belies the countries small size. Most fans are familiar with Suarez who plays in Europe for the powerhouse Barcelona. He is not the only top flight player on the team and only some sort of really poor play should stand in the way of the team advancing. That being said, they have not had great form lately in WC qualifying, and it is always possible that they could tune out and fall victim to any team. In fact that is why we play the games. Any team in the 16 team tournament could defeat any other. Still, look for Uruguay to play solid boring defense punctuated with a few moments of great creativity that will propel them to the next round.
Jamaica- Our CONCACAF partners Jamaica are the 3rd team in the group. The team is punctuated with MLS players and many of the names will be familiar, Barnes, Morgan. In fact, Jamaica defeated the U.S. last year at the Gold Cup, during the lost summer of U.S. soccer. Suffice to say, that was a high point for them and they have not played quite as well lately, but they do posses an athleticism and an opportunistic edge that give them a punchers chance. To be truthful, this is a tough group for Jamaica. The two favorites, Mexico and Uruguay play a rough and solid defensive style that will prove very difficult for the Jamaicans to break down. Other team in the tournament would be a better match-up, but it is what it is.
Venezuela- The 4th team in Group C is Venezuela. Like all the South American sides, they have experience and talent, but that talent has never resulted in the kind of world success that one might expect. In fact, they appear to be on a downward spiral in the same way that the countries economy is headed. . The team is led by Salomon Rondon, who plays for the English side West Brom, and center back Vizcarrando, who plays for the French side Nantes. Perhaps, the extreme distress that the country is suffering is probably impossible for the team to ignore. Maybe they can take the tournament as a break and an attempt to forget, if only for a couple weeks, the issues that face them back home.
Mexico- Most soccer fans in the U.S. are familiar with Mexico. They are our neighbors and our chief rivals. In fact, there are players on the U.S. team who play in the Mexican league and vice versa. Mexico has had a tumultuous last few years, with coaching changes and player issues that have frustrated the soccer mad fans of the team. In the World cup a couple years ago, they hit a good stride and were a difficult out for the Dutch squad in the second round. This years team is built with a number of younger players. They have ability around the pitch and show a creative flair, however when it comes to scoring, they will be relying on Chicherito who although only 29, seems as if he has been on the squad for ever. He can at times appear unstoppable, but at other times he disappears, and the same can be said for the whole team. One issue that they will not have is fan support. With the huge number of Mexican Americans in the U.S., every game will be a home game for the Tri-colors. We will see how far that support carries them.
Uruguay- The favorite from the group is Uruguay. They have a long tradition in world soccer and a number of very successful international players that belies the countries small size. Most fans are familiar with Suarez who plays in Europe for the powerhouse Barcelona. He is not the only top flight player on the team and only some sort of really poor play should stand in the way of the team advancing. That being said, they have not had great form lately in WC qualifying, and it is always possible that they could tune out and fall victim to any team. In fact that is why we play the games. Any team in the 16 team tournament could defeat any other. Still, look for Uruguay to play solid boring defense punctuated with a few moments of great creativity that will propel them to the next round.
Jamaica- Our CONCACAF partners Jamaica are the 3rd team in the group. The team is punctuated with MLS players and many of the names will be familiar, Barnes, Morgan. In fact, Jamaica defeated the U.S. last year at the Gold Cup, during the lost summer of U.S. soccer. Suffice to say, that was a high point for them and they have not played quite as well lately, but they do posses an athleticism and an opportunistic edge that give them a punchers chance. To be truthful, this is a tough group for Jamaica. The two favorites, Mexico and Uruguay play a rough and solid defensive style that will prove very difficult for the Jamaicans to break down. Other team in the tournament would be a better match-up, but it is what it is.
Venezuela- The 4th team in Group C is Venezuela. Like all the South American sides, they have experience and talent, but that talent has never resulted in the kind of world success that one might expect. In fact, they appear to be on a downward spiral in the same way that the countries economy is headed. . The team is led by Salomon Rondon, who plays for the English side West Brom, and center back Vizcarrando, who plays for the French side Nantes. Perhaps, the extreme distress that the country is suffering is probably impossible for the team to ignore. Maybe they can take the tournament as a break and an attempt to forget, if only for a couple weeks, the issues that face them back home.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Group D
The Copa America starts on Friday June 3rd. Lets take a look the 4 groups and what team we can expect to advance. We will start with Group D
Argentina- Obviously the La Albicelesti are the favorites to win the group and one of the favorites to win the tournament. Much has been made of the question as to whether or not they are bringing their A team. I do not put much stock into this concern. The goal of a team like Argentina is of course to Win the World Cup, as such, a mid cycle tournament like this can in some respects be seen as a building block for the up coming 2018 WC in Russia. New players need to be developed and that is what we will see from Argentina, a mix of new players and veterans. The best player on the planet, Lionel Messi, is at the tournament. He was slightly injured in a warm-up game this week. It appears to be just a bruise, but one might expect that he will only play sparingly in the early rounds as his participation is probably not required for the team to advance to the next round. I would be more concerned by his somewhat weak play the last half of the La Liga season. He was not his goal scoring self, and the pressure is mounting for Argentina to win a title of any sort while the proclaimed best player on the planet" is at his prime. We will see if the pressure works for or against them.
Chile- Chile are sometimes a forgotten team of South American football, of course up against the reputations of Brazil, Argentina and Columbia, it is not surprising. Still, they are a savvy side with many European based players and a strong team identity. Chili took advantage of some disarray among other teams and won its first South American Championship last year. The success they had came under the leadership of Coach Jorge Sampaoli. Sampaoli resigned in December. The new coach, Juan Antonnio Pizzi, is still trying to find an identity to the team. Team play and team spirit are not as necessary for powerhouse sides, but a team like Chili wins and looses together. Will the players come together under the new coach, or revert to also rans of world football?
Panama- The central American side are no stranger to U.S. soccer fans as they are in CONCACAF, and as such a frequent opponent in World Cup and other qualifying matches. They know how to get the most out of the talent they have in tournaments such as this. One can expect them to pack in the defense, rely on solid goalkeeping and hope for a counter attack goal from fast forwards Tajada and Perez. Making it out of the group stage would be considered a victory , but not an impossibility. It is likely that a win and a tie might be good enough, and this veteran squad has the experience to take advantage of a situation should one present itself.
Bolivia- The Bolivians are in a bit of a turmoil at the moment. They have talent and were actually gaining ground on their South American neighbors until the last year when the wheels seem to have come off the side. They have been struck by the injury bug and are barely able to field a complete roster. As evidenced by their lackluster showing against the U.S. in Saturday nights friendly. In fact, my excitement by how well the U.S. played is tempered by the realization that they did so against a Bolivian team that is not playing well at all. There is little reason too expect that this will change anytime soon, and 3 loses might be the result of the tournament for a recently hopeful soccer nation.
Group D winner- Argentina
Group D runner-up- Chili
Tomorrow- Group C
Argentina- Obviously the La Albicelesti are the favorites to win the group and one of the favorites to win the tournament. Much has been made of the question as to whether or not they are bringing their A team. I do not put much stock into this concern. The goal of a team like Argentina is of course to Win the World Cup, as such, a mid cycle tournament like this can in some respects be seen as a building block for the up coming 2018 WC in Russia. New players need to be developed and that is what we will see from Argentina, a mix of new players and veterans. The best player on the planet, Lionel Messi, is at the tournament. He was slightly injured in a warm-up game this week. It appears to be just a bruise, but one might expect that he will only play sparingly in the early rounds as his participation is probably not required for the team to advance to the next round. I would be more concerned by his somewhat weak play the last half of the La Liga season. He was not his goal scoring self, and the pressure is mounting for Argentina to win a title of any sort while the proclaimed best player on the planet" is at his prime. We will see if the pressure works for or against them.
Chile- Chile are sometimes a forgotten team of South American football, of course up against the reputations of Brazil, Argentina and Columbia, it is not surprising. Still, they are a savvy side with many European based players and a strong team identity. Chili took advantage of some disarray among other teams and won its first South American Championship last year. The success they had came under the leadership of Coach Jorge Sampaoli. Sampaoli resigned in December. The new coach, Juan Antonnio Pizzi, is still trying to find an identity to the team. Team play and team spirit are not as necessary for powerhouse sides, but a team like Chili wins and looses together. Will the players come together under the new coach, or revert to also rans of world football?
Panama- The central American side are no stranger to U.S. soccer fans as they are in CONCACAF, and as such a frequent opponent in World Cup and other qualifying matches. They know how to get the most out of the talent they have in tournaments such as this. One can expect them to pack in the defense, rely on solid goalkeeping and hope for a counter attack goal from fast forwards Tajada and Perez. Making it out of the group stage would be considered a victory , but not an impossibility. It is likely that a win and a tie might be good enough, and this veteran squad has the experience to take advantage of a situation should one present itself.
Bolivia- The Bolivians are in a bit of a turmoil at the moment. They have talent and were actually gaining ground on their South American neighbors until the last year when the wheels seem to have come off the side. They have been struck by the injury bug and are barely able to field a complete roster. As evidenced by their lackluster showing against the U.S. in Saturday nights friendly. In fact, my excitement by how well the U.S. played is tempered by the realization that they did so against a Bolivian team that is not playing well at all. There is little reason too expect that this will change anytime soon, and 3 loses might be the result of the tournament for a recently hopeful soccer nation.
Group D winner- Argentina
Group D runner-up- Chili
Tomorrow- Group C
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)