2004 Copa America is coming to Peru2004 Copa America is coming to Peru by Marcus Franz of 1800-Sports From July 6 through July 25, Peru will be hosting the oldest soccer tournament in the world, the 41st edition of Copa America. Copa America has been losing its presence and prestige in the soccer world due to the rise in popularity of many international tournaments that cause some national teams to arrive worn down or without their best players. The Argentina national soccer team did not play in the 2001 Copa America alleging security reasons in Columbia, but in reality it was a wonderful opportunity for the players to rest for an upcoming game. For the 2004 Copa America in Peru, the same problem will be present, the fatigue of players by the over saturation of games. This years tournament is occurring the same year that many national teams are trying to qualify for World Cup 2006. Given these reasons, expectations are not great, and it is very feasible that these national teams will not compete with their best players, due to the wear and tear of so many games. This makes soccer betting on Copa America very lucrative for smart punters. Here is a overview of the each team in their respective groups Have you been looking for the best soccer wagering websites to place your soccer and World Cup bets? Look no further, WagerWeb.com is your place! No Sports wagering site on the Web has spent as much time and money investing into their soccer division! WagerWeb.com has built a solid reputation by offering their customers quick easy deposits, the best customer service in the industry, ultra-fast payouts and incredible bonuses. Visit WagerWeb.com Today and start Winning Big!
Group A Columbia Colombia, the 2001 Copa America champions arrive to this tournament with the wind in their sails, as evidenced by the 5-0 trouncing of Uruguay in Montevideo. Colombia has the confidence and skills to repeat as champions. Peru Peru is host of the tournament and that already gives them a certain level of credibility and a home crowd advantage similar to Portugal in the 2004 Euro Cup. Peru were champions in 1939 and 1975. The Peruvians are currently experiencing the resurgence of soccer greatness. There is no doubt the "Incas" are serious contenders to win this tournament.
Bolivia Bolivia has internal problems, having to do with economics more than anything else. This is a national team that has not even found its game in the 2006 World Cup qualifying matches. Based on this I do not see this team winning Copa America. Venezuela This has been a national team that in the last 10 years has gone from being class clowns to a team that already established its presence when they defeated Uruguay 3-0 in Montevideo. I do not believe that Venezuela will win it all, but I am sure that this team is going to complicate and frustrate many of the favorites along the way.
Group B Ecuador Ecuador have no idea of their potential for this tournament. These are two national teams with highs and lows in spite of having players who play abroad. Nevertheless I do not believe that they are going to be competing for the title nor second place. Argentina Argentina arrives going through tough times, like their early elimination from the Japan-Korea 2002 World Cup. Head coach Marcelo Bielsa was confirmed to continue with his duties, but with the weight of the Argentine public that blames him for the early 202 World Cup departure. The Argentine national team will arrive with their better players, but there are doubts in their soccer and the training of some of the players. A recent 3-0 loss to Brazil has been a bucket of gasoline on the roaring fire of criticism that surrounds the players and the work of Bielsa. Still, Argentina remains one of the favorites to win it all.
Uruguay Uruguay is the other great favorite, along with Brazil and Argentina, but the Uruguayan national team is living in its worse moment. Juan Ramon Carrasco started the World Cup 2006 qualifier as head coach, but the 3-0 loss in Montevideo by Venezuela was his goodbye. Jorge Fossati has assumed head coaching duties and was defeated in Montevideo by Peru 3-0 and then blown out 5-0 by Colombia, leaving the Uruguayan national team on the brink of death. Now the Uruguayan national team has its greatest challenge as they arrive to Copa America, with a public back home that is heavily discrediting its players and coach. Uruguay is a total enigma. Mexico Emphasis must be given to the presence of Mexico because they have been competing with good results.
Group C Brazil Brazil is atop of the favorites to win it all. Not because they are the five time World Cup champions. The "verde-amarelha" national team has a history of playing a different style of soccer with highly skilled players. Paraguay Paraguay won two Copa America tournaments, 1953 and 1979 and has been historically a difficult team to defeat. Add their excellent performances in the qualifying matches for Germany 2006. The "Guaranies" cannot be left out when speaking of possible favorites.
Chile Chile have no idea of their potential for this tournament. These are two national teams with highs and lows in spite of having players who play abroad. Nevertheless I do not believe that they are going to be competing for the title nor second place. Costa Rica Costa Rica is in the process of searching for a new head coach after dismissing Steve Sampsom, who coached team United States National Soccer Team in the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by Japan and Korea. This Copa America arrives for me without any a clear stand out favorite, Brazil and Argentina are more involved with World Cup 2006 qualifiers than this South American tournament, but clearly they are always favorites. Uruguay is a box of surprises; it can win it all or finish in last place. Peru being the host has the support of the home crowd and great possibilities. Argentina was the first champion of Copa America, back in 1910, when Uruguay was the host. Colombia won its first title in 2001 and is prepared to defend that title. Who will be the 2004 Copa America Champion? We will have to wait and see. Checkout our article about
Soccer Gambling.
|
|
© 1800-Sports.com
1998-2008. All rights reserved.
Information contained in this Web site is intended for recreational purposes only. Access to information contained in this Web site is void where prohibited