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
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