What is the Copa America?

   This summer the Copa America comes to the United States. It is the 45th playing and 100th anniversary of this tournament that pits the nations of North, South, and Central America against one another. Due to the minimal history of the game in the U.S., we do not have a storied past in this tournament and we have never hosted.
  There are 16 teams set out in 4 groups playing in 10 cities around the country. The tournament runs from June 3-26. The USA plays on the first day, June 3rd, against Columbia in Santa Clara and the final will be held on the 26th in Met-life stadium in East Rutherford N.J.
  I will be going over the 4 groups and the match-ups that they present this week, along with my picks, but for now here is a list of the teams.


  The top 2 teams in each group advance to the quarter finals. You can see from the draw that the USA is by no means assured of advancing, although they need to believe they can, and the bookmakers have them just ahead of Costa Rica and Paraguay.
  Every game will be carried on TV on Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2. Since the tournament is on our turf, we have the advantage of the games being played at near normal times. None of the 4am kick offs that international soccer sometimes submits us to.
  So clear out some time, and wash your lucky jersey and lets get ready to watch some soccer. Remember, what the lesson of 5000-1 Leicester, Champions of English Football has taught us, anything is possible.
  I.......I BELIEVE...I BELIEVE THAT....I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN WIN!!!