Lionel Messi has won every big title there is in the world of football except a major international trophy, which is why it’s not surprising that he’ll represent Argentina anew despite his advancing age.
Argentina come into the Copa America as one of the biggest favourites to win and perhaps this might be the time where the Barcelona icon can finally add an international trophy to his decorated resume.
But his path to glory won’t be easy as nine other countries are also vying to win the trophy. And given their counterparts’ outings both in international friendlies and in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers, all of them are capable of winning it all in Brazil.
The stakes are high in the Copa America not only because of the highly-coveted trophy itself, but because the teams who are going to make a deep run are also going to be qualified for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Each country is eager to perform their best, so let’s examine the playing field to see what’s ahead for this awaited tournament.
Brazil and Argentina are going to be the favourites
It’s not surprising that the Copa America 2021 odds back Brazil and Argentina to emerge victorious especially if you look at their stacked squads.
Both countries possess a bounty of creative playmakers and strong finishers and we can expect a ton of goals from these two teams.
But if given the chance to pick between these two, personally, I’d pick the Selecao to win it at their home pitch since recent form favours them.
The Brazilians are the only undefeated group left in the CONMEBOL standings and they have been doing it with ease despite dealing with off court issues such as their growing concerns about the country’s COVID-19 response.
Neymar and Richarlison both scored in their most recent win over Ecuador and their backline has been superb since they have yet to concede a goal since October 2020.
Other than Neymar and Richarlison, Tite’s side still has the likes of Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, Vinicius Junior while their midfield is composed of Fred, Casemiro, and Lucas Paqueta.
Like Brazil, Argentina’s frontline is going to be feared by opposing defences as Lionel Messi is pulling the strings alongside Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, Lucas Ocampos, and new Barca teammate Sergio Aguero.
However, consistency at the back remains a concern for Lionel Scaloni and it will be their x-factor coming into this competition.
Uruguay might drop out earlier than expected
Uruguay are going to make a strong case for winning this year’s Copa America given their history in the competition. However, their recent form has been quite unconvincing.
A loss to Brazil and a goalless draw against Paraguay have put them in a tricky spot in the CONMEBOL standings since they are in danger to miss out in the World Cup 2022.
Oscar Tabarez have his work cut out for him as he’ll be tasked to draw the best out of his group filled with experience and young turks.
Luis Suarez, Maxi Gomez, and Edinson Cavani are leading out front for La Celeste while Rodrigo Bentancur, Fede Valverde, and Lucas Torreira should hold down the middle.
Diego Godin, Jose Gimenez, and Martin Caceres lead a robust back three but they might have to opt for a younger goalkeeper than the 34-year-old Fernando Muslera.
Colombia and Chile are capable of pulling off upsets
Despite not starting well in the World Cup qualifiers, Colombia and Chile have high hopes to conquer the upcoming Copa America.
On any given night, Los Cafeteros and La Roja can fill up the Copa America 2021 highlights reel since they have top quality players in their lineups.
Colombia are to be led by the deadly Atalanta duo of Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata, while Chile have Alexis Sanchez, Angel Correa, Arturo Vidal, and Charles Aranguiz.
Reinaldo Rueda and his team are placed in Group A alongside Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela while Martin Lasarte’s side are in Group B with Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The Copa America is set to kick off next Sunday and it will overlap with Euro 2020 this year, giving everyone a smorgasbord of games to look out for.
So sit back and relax football fans as SBOTOP has you covered with all the football action that is set to take place in the next few days.
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