Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani is the player who most disappointed in Copa America Centenario group stage. With Luis Suarez injured, he was the benchmark of La Celeste’s attack, but he left empty-handed after playing three games against Mexico, Venezuela and Jamaica in group C of the tournament.
Cavani ran and fought but never established himself as the leader of Uruguay’s front line, he never did what he does best: score goals.
Edinson Cavani had the clearest chance to save Uruguay’s tournament against Venezuela, but incredibly the PSG forward squandered it.
Cavani could not even give assistance. He was virtually gone and spent more time arguing with the referees than troubling to his opponent’s back line. With his future at stake, Cavani could not prove his worth in this Copa America Centenario.
In fact, Cavani has participated in three Copa America editions (2011, 2015 and 2016), 10 games in total, and has not scored a goal in any.
However, Cavani was not the only one who did not respond to soccer fans’ expectations. All of the Brazilian national team was very bad. Without Neymar and Thiago Silva, Brazil lacked a leader on the field. It was thought that Willian would perform better, but he did not. Brazil manager Dunga was fired after crashing out of the Copa America against Peru.
For Paraguay, national team veteran goalkeeper Justo Villar and forward Derlis Gonzalez disappointed too. Gonzalez was one of those called to head Paraguaya’s next generation. Paraguay played so awful than manager Ramon Diaz resigned for poor performance immediately after group stage ended for them.
Bolivian midfielders Jhasmani Campos and Juan Carlos Arce failed with the Bolivia national team, which has been struggling in recent years.
If we look at CONCACAF national teams participating in this event, Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz, who had a great World Cup in Brazil 2014, was far from his best in this Copa America Centenario. Also, Panamanian forward Luis Tejada failed to display his soccer virtues.
Fortunately for these disappointments. They will get some rest, return to their respective teams and hopefully come back to their national teams in better shape to qualify for Russia 2018.
