The stage is set for the biggest international tournament in the United States since the 1994 World Cup finals. The 2016 Copa America Centenario promises Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, James Rodriguez and another chance for both Mexico and the United States to disrupt the accepted international footballing hierarchy. This is your ultimate guide to the ultimate tournament of the Americas, the 2016 Copa America Centenario.
Your Ultimate Guide to the 2016 Copa America Centenario
*All times indicated are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Group A: USA, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Colombia
June 3, 2016: United States versus Colombia - 9:30 PM, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | June 4, 2016: Costa Rica versus Paraguay - 5:00 PM, Orlando Citrus Bowl, Orlando
June 7, 2016: United States versus Costa Rica - 8:00 PM, Soldier Field, Chicago | Colombia versus Paraguay - 10:00 PM, Rose Bowl, Pasadena
June 11, 2016: United States versus Paraguay - 7:00 PM, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | Colombia versus Costa Rica - 9:00 PM, NRG Stadium, Houston
United States of America
2016 Record: 6-1 | FIFA World Ranking: 29
Photo: @FigueroaJ101 | Twitter
Outlook: The United States will be entering the Copa America off of the backend of a disappointing 2015. Failure to defend their Gold Cup crown and a subsequent loss to Mexico in the CONCACAF Cup Playoff resulted in the US losing their place in the 2017 Confederations Cup.
The defeats also destroyed the feel-good factor surrounding a team that had previously beaten the Netherlands and Germany in Europe. Jurgen Klinsmann will be celebrating 5 years in charge of the US on July 29, 2016. Failure to emerge from the group stage of this tournament would almost certainly result in Klinsmann missing that anniversary.
The evolution of the United States under Klinsmann has been muddled, the attempt to transition from a nation reliant on counterattacking verve towards a more possession-based game has had it’s fair share of hiccups. However, the spirit and talent of the American squad, one that will benefit greatly by playing in front of massively supportive home crowds, could make them a major dark horse in this tournament.
Prediction: Eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Star Player: Michael Bradley | Central Midfielder
Appearances: 115 | Goals: 15
Photo: @SBISoccer | Twitter
One to Watch: Christian Pulisic | Midfielder
Appearances: 3 | Goals: 1
Photo: @ESPNFC | Twitter
Colombia
2015/16 Record: 8-4-3 | FIFA World Ranking: 4
Photo: @BestWallpaprsHQ | Twitter
Outlook: Quarterfinalists and darlings of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Colombia’s fortunes have taken a turn for the worse since their heyday in Brazil. The 2015 Copa America saw them barely escape group play before losing to Argentina on penalties in the quarterfinals. Their early qualifying record for the 2018 World Cup reads played six, won three, lost two and drawn one.
This summer represents the perfect time to reassure supporters that they’re still among the world’s top national sides. Their placement in Group A provides them with the perfect litmus test.
Prediction: Eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Star Player: James Rodriguez | Midfielder/Winger
Appearances: 42 | Goals: 14
Photo: @informacion_ve | Twitter
One to Watch: Juan Cuadrado | Winger/Forward
Appearances: 50 | Goals: 6
Photo: @KhaledAlNouss | Twitter
Costa Rica
2015/16 Record: 7-7-6 | FIFA World Ranking: 25
Photo: @DiscoveryBeach | Twitter
Outlook: Quarterfinalists in the 2014 World Cup and invited to the 2016 Copa America by virtue of their 2014 Copa Centroamericana triumph, Costa Rica will once again be looking to provide the Cinderella story throughout June.
With players who represent clubs like Arsenal, Sporting Lisbon and Everton, Costa Rica are certainly no pushovers. Los Ticos have a very real chance of sending a tournament favorite packing (Colombia or the US) while ensuring that Central America is well represented at the 2016 Copa.
Prediction: Eliminated in the group stage.
Star Player: Bryan Ruiz | Forward/Attacking midfielder
Appearances: 87 | Goals: 21
One to Watch: Joel Campbell
Appearances: 58 | Goals: 11
Photo: @CRLegionarios | Twitter
Paraguay
2015/16 Record:4-5-5 | FIFA World Ranking: 39
Photo: @dsoccerreport | Twitter
Outlook: Paraguay’s run to the semi-finals of the 2015 Copa America is now the stuff of legend. They eliminated Brazil and drew with both Argentina and Uruguay. The trajectory of Los Guaranies has been upward ever since. They are currently on course for 2018 World Cup qualification and possess a nice blend of youth and experience.
However, their placement in Group A means that Paraguay will have to be at their very best if they hope to advance to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Eliminated in the group stage.
Star Player: Roque Santa Cruz | Striker
Appearances: 111 | Goals: 32
Photo: @AntonioUbilla1 | Twitter
One to Watch: Derlis Gonzalez | Winger/Forward
Appearances: 20 | Goals: 3
Photo: @tweetbutbolero | Twitter
Group B: Brazil, Peru, Haiti, Ecuador
June 4, 2016: Brazil versus Ecuador - 10:00 PM, Rose Bowl, Pasadena | Peru versus Haiti - 7:30 PM, CenturyLink Field, Seattle
June 8, 2016: Brazil versus Haiti - 7:30 PM, Orlando Citrus Bowl, Orlando | Peru versus Ecuador - 10:00 PM, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale
June 12, 2016: Brazil versus Peru - 8:30 PM, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | Haiti versus Ecuador - 6:30 PM, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Brazil
2015/16 Record: 11-3-3 | FIFA World Ranking: 7
Photo: @VishvaTimes | Twitter
Outlook: Brazil have not advanced past the quarter-finals of the Copa America since they last lifted the trophy in 2007. They finished a disappointing fourth at the 2014 World Cup, their last crowning achievement coming in the form of the 2013 Confederations Cup. For a country of Brazil's footballing pedigree, this constitutes something of a national disaster.
Brazil figure to be the main draw of the tournament along with Argentina. A star-studded lineup including Philippe Coutinho, Willian, Douglas Costa and Hulk will be desperate to rectify their recent big tournament failings. As is generally the case with the Brazilian national team, anything less than an appearance in the final will be considered a disgrace for manager Dunga and his squad.
Even with Neymar representing Brazil at the Rio Olympics rather than at this Copa, they'll still be favorites in the United States.
Prediction: 2016 Copa America runners-up.
Star Player: Hulk | Forward
46 Appearances | 12 Goals
Photo: @UniofNottingham | Twitter
One to Watch: Philippe Coutinho | Attacking Mid/Winger
13 Appearances | 1 Goals
Photo: @LiverpoolFans1 | Twitter
Peru
2015/16 Record: 4-7-3 | FIFA World Ranking: 46
Photo: @ComunaPeru | Twitter
Outlook: 2015 Copa America semi-finalists, Peru are in the midst of a major transition. There’s no doubting the one-time excellence of veterans Juan Manuel Vargas, Claudio Pizarro, Jefferson Farfan and Paolo Guerrero, but Peru must now begin to field the next generation.
Their 2018 World Cup qualification record exemplifies these growing pains. For Peru, the 2016 Copa America may just represent another opportunity for a young side to gain some valuable big tournament experience.
Prediction: Eliminated in the group stage.
Star Player: Paolo Guerrero | Striker
Appearances: 67 | Goals: 26
Photo: @CONMEBOL | Twitter
One to Watch: Luiz da Silva | Striker
Appearances: 1 | Goals: 1
Haiti
2015/16 Record: 5-4-2 | FIFA World Ranking: 71
Photo: @medicsamaritan | Twitter
Outlook: Haiti qualified for the 2016 Copa America by defeating a heavily favored Trinidad and Tobago side in the qualifying play-offs. Haiti were surprise Gold Cup quarterfinalists after defeating Honduras and drawing with Panama before their elimination at the hands of Jamaica.
Since the tragic 2010 Haiti earthquake, a natural disaster which saw at least 30 people with ties to Haitian soccer perish, Les Grenadiers have consistently challenged for the Caribbean Cup and drew plaudits for their impressive 2-2 draw with Italy back in 2013.
Prediction: Eliminated in the group stage.
Star Player: Johnny Placide | Goalkeeper
Appearances: 20
Photo: @Edsongerome | Twitter
One to Watch: Duckens Nazon | Forward
Appearances: 13 | Goals: 4
Photo: @fifacom_es | Twitter
Ecuador
2015/16 Record: 7-4-1 | FIFA World Ranking: 12
Photo: @leonumero7 | Twitter
Outlook: Ecuador are on a tear. Four wins out of four matches to start the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification process see Ecuador atop the CONMEBOL table. Felipe Caicedo has scored four goals in as many games for La Tricolor in qualifying and confidence should be sky high for an Ecuadorian side enjoying their highest FIFA ranking since 2012.
Their opening match, June 4 against Brazil in the Rose Bowl, will be one of the biggest highlights of the Copa America group stage.
Prediction: Eliminated in the semi-finals.
Star Player: Jefferson Montero | Winger
Appearances: 53 | Goals: 10
Photo: @futbolecuador | Twitter
One to Watch: Enner Valencia | Striker
Appearances: 22 | Goals: 13
Photo: @ElHeraldoAmbato | Twitter
Group C: Mexico, Venezuela, Jamaica, Uruguay
June 5, 2016: Mexico versus Uruguay - 8:00 PM, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale | Venezuela versus Jamaica - 5:00 PM, Soldier Field, Chicago
June 9, 2016: Mexico versus Jamaica - 10:00 PM, Rose Bowl, Pasadena | Venezuela versus Uruguay - 7:30 PM, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
June 13, 2016: Mexico versus Venezuela - 8:00 PM, NRG Stadium, Houston | Jamaica versus Uruguay - 10:00 PM, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Mexico
2015/16 Record: 15-3-9 | FIFA World Ranking: 16
Photo: @GoalCDA | Twitter
Outlook: Mexico reestablished themselves as the top power in the CONCACAF confederation in 2015. Victory at the 2015 Gold Cup came at the expense of sending a young, inexperienced squad to the 2015 Copa America in Chile. The decision to focus on their own confederation's regional championship was vindicated in the form of a place at the 2017 Confederations Cup.
In the absence of any other senior commitments this summer, Mexico will be fielding a full-strength side at the 2016 Copa America. The expectations for a Mexican side that will have the strongest support throughout the tournament will be sky high. With talent like Javier Hernandez, Andres Guardado, Raul Jimenez and Hector Moreno, Mexico have all the weapons to meet or even exceed expectations.
Prediction: Eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Star Player: Javier Hernandez | Striker
81 Appearances | 43 Goals
Photo: @br_uk | Twitter
One to Watch: Jesús Manuel Corona | Winger
20 Appearances | 5 Goals
Photo: @TVCDeportes | Twitter
Venezuela
2015/16 Record: 5-8-1 | FIFA World Ranking: 74
Photo: @Dispenssoccer | Twitter
Outlook: The lowest FIFA ranked team at the 2016 Copa America, Venezuela have been in dire form when it comes to competitive matches. They’ve lost all four of their World Cup qualifiers in addition to their final two group games at the 2015 Copa America.
More worryingly for Venezuela is the scandal that has seen 15 internationals quit the team after the president of the federation accused them of conspiring to get the manager sacked. Affected players like Salomon Rondon will be absolutely crucial to any success Venezuela might achieve this summer. Without any sort of squad unity or temperament, La Vinotinto look doomed to an early exit.
Prediction: Eliminated in the group stage.
Star Player: Salomon Rondon | Forward
Appearances: 46 | Goals: 14
Photo: @Noticias90_1 | Twitter
One to Watch: Josef Martinez | Striker
Appearances: 22 | Goals: 4
Photo: @osdve | Twitter
Jamaica
2015/16 Record: 8-7-1 | FIFA World Ranking: 55
Photo: @dseiv1 | Twitter
Outlook: Jamaica qualified for the 2016 Copa America as a result of their 2014 Caribbean Cup triumph. They also finished second, above the USA, in the 2015 Gold Cup. A large portion of their squad plays regularly in MLS, and any Group C opponents that underestimate the Reggae Boyz could be headed for an early exit.
Prediction: Eliminated in the group stage.
Star Player: Wes Morgan | Defender
Appearances: 25 | Goals: 0
Photo: @BBCRLSport | Twitter
One to Watch: Giles Barnes | Forward
Appearances: 14 | Goals: 3
Photo: @AztecaDeportes | Twitter
Uruguay
2015/16 Record: 7-4-1 | FIFA World Ranking: 9
Photo: @ijahjahjah | Twitter
Outlook: Uruguay are one of the most complete teams in all the Americas. In Fernando Muslera, Diego Godin, Egidio Arevalo and Luis Suarez they possess one of strongest spines of any Copa contender.
The combination of Edinson Cavani and Suarez will give opposition defenders nightmares while Oscar Tabarez is one of the longest serving managers in the history of the international game.
Prediction: Eliminated in the semi-finals.
Star Player: Luis Suarez | Striker
Appearances: 82 | Goals: 43
Photo: @luispereira36 | Twitter
One to Watch: Edinson Cavani | Forward
Appearances: 78 | Goals: 28
Photo: @_uruguay | Twitter
Group D: Argentina, Bolivia, Panama, Chile
June 6, 2016: Argentina versus Chile - 10:00 PM, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | Bolivia versus Panama - 7:00 PM, Orlando Citrus Bowl, Orlando
June 10, 2016: Argentina versus Panama - 9:30 PM, Soldier Field, Chicago | Bolivia versus Chile - 7:00 PM, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
June 14, 2016: Argentina versus Bolivia - 10:00 PM, CenturyLink Field, Seattle | Panama versus Chile - 8:00 PM, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Argentina
2015/16 Record: 9-2-4 | FIFA World Ranking: 1
Photo: @Erenkarakasli | Twitter
Outlook: 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa America runners-up, Argentina will be desperately seeking to avoid the title of perennial also-rans by triumphing this summer. An embarrassment of riches on the attacking end will make Argentina the most sought after ticket in the tournament. Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria are just a few of the precocious attacking talents that could be representing La Albiceleste this summer.
Lionel Messi's only trophies with Argentina come in the form of a 2008 Olympic Gold Medal and the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. The 2016 Copa America final will take place on June 26, two days after Messi's 29th birthday. The opportunity to win trophies with Argentina is forever slimming for the man from Rosario.
Prediction: 2016 Copa America champions.
Star Player: Lionel Messi | Forward
105 Appearances | 49 Goals
Photo: @StarsStripesFC | Twitter
One to Watch: Sergio Aguero | Forward
71 Appearances | 32 Goals
Photo: @wantmybet | TwitterBolivia
2015/16 Record: 2-7-1 | FIFA World Ranking: 79
Photo: @naslofficial | Twitter
Outlook: Bolivia were the Cinderella story of the 2015 Copa America, finishing second in Group A, ahead of both Ecuador and Mexico. La Verde will enter the competition as one of the lowest ranked participating nations and the international retirement of Marcelo Moreno does them no favors.
Managed by Julio Cesar Baldivieso, a member of Bolivia’s 1994 World Cup qualifying team, qualification from the group stages would represent a major achievement for Bolivia.
Prediction: Eliminated in the group stage.
Star Player: Juan Carlos Arce | Forward/Winger
Appearances: 44 | Goals: 6
One to Watch: Yasmani Duk | Striker
Appearances: 4 | Goals: 1
Photo: @PepePomacusi | Twitter
Panama
2015/16 Record: 7-7-5 | FIFA World Ranking: 60
Photo: @SeaTimesSports | Twitter
Outlook: Panama were invited to the 2016 Copa America by virtue of crushing Cuba in the qualifying playoffs. Their 2015 will live long in the memory, they went undefeated throughout the group stage of the Gold Cup, defeated Trinidad and Tobago in the quarterfinals before a highly controversial loss in the semifinals relegated them to the third place playoff.
Disheartened and ostensibly cheated out of a place in the final, they still managed to defeat the United States to claim third. Savvy, experienced and difficult to defeat in the extreme, Panama’s FIFA ranking of 60 is to be ignored.
Prediction: Eliminated in the group stage.
Star Player: Blas Perez | Striker
Appearances: 99 | Goals: 38
Photo: @NSenseFootball | Twitter
One to Watch: Alberto Quintero | Midfielder
Appearances: 66 | Goals: 5
Photo: @cableondasports | Twitter
Chile
2015/16 Record: 10-3-2 | FIFA World Ranking: 5
Photo: @Latina_Deportes | Twitter
Outlook: The defending Copa America champions, Chile relied heavily on their home support and a balanced setup to triumph in 2015. The logic to deny Chile a top seed can only be justified by a long history of daft CONCACAF and CONMEBOL decision making.
While the antics of Gonzalo Jara and Arturo Vidal were certainly among the most unseemly elements of the tournament, there was no denying the brilliance of Eduardo Vargas, Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel, Claudio Bravo and Vidal on the pitch.
Gone is the triumphing manager and national hero Jorge Sampaoli, but Chile will certainly be among the favorites to triumph this summer.
Prediction: Eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Star Player: Alexis Sanchez | Forward
Appearances: 91 | Goals: 31
Photo: @alissonmenkebo | Twitter
One to Watch: Eduardo Vargas | Forward
Appearances: 52 | Goals: 25
Photo: @nacion_triunfo | Twitter
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