Who will win the Copa America?
Copa America is full of tension, skills and passionate fans and this year will no doubt deliver once again. You can watch the Copa America start on June 20th till July 14th. The 48th Copa América will be played at 14 venues across the United States. Within this blog we will look at the favourites in the competition and see who has the best chance of bringing the cup home for their country.
Argentina
The World Cup champions are the favourites for the competition as they hope to win the Copa America two times in a row. If they won it would mean they have won the last 3 major competitions they have competed in. This would show international dominance for Scaloni’s men.
History in the Copa America
Argentina has a rich history in the Copa America, which is the premier international football tournament for national teams in South America. Here's an overview of Argentina's Copa America history:
First Victory: Argentina won their first Copa America title in 1921, which was only the third edition of the tournament.
Multiple Championships: Argentina has won the Copa America a total of 15 times, making them one of the most successful teams in the tournament's history. Their victories came in the years 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993, and 2021.
Successful Periods: Argentina experienced periods of dominance in the Copa America, particularly during the 1940s when they won four consecutive titles from 1945 to 1947. They also won three consecutive titles from 1955 to 1957.
Recent Victories: Argentina's most recent Copa America victory prior to 2021 was in 1993. They ended a 28-year drought by winning the tournament in 2021, defeating Brazil in the final held at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Star Men:
There is only one man who we can focus our attention on and it’s the one and only Lionel Messi. Messi struggled with winning major trophies with Argentina his whole career, leading him to retire on multiple occasions due to heartbreak not delivering a trophy.
By 2024 he has led his team to two major trophies and a team who will die to bring more success for the Inter Miami man. Argentina have got a brilliant team around the captain which includes young players such as Garnacho, Julian Alverez who have lit up the premier league this year. They have plenty of experience including World Cup star and Aston Villa keeper Martinez.
Brazil
Brazil have one of the best squads in the world and are always one of the favourites to win any competition they take part in. Brazil were strong favourites for the World Cup in 2022 however, they went out to a shock result by Croatia. Brazil have always been known for their skilful and talented players in the past and that is still the same case now.
History:
Brazil has a long and illustrious history in the Copa America, having been one of the most successful teams in the tournament. Here's an overview of Brazil's Copa America history:
First Victory: Brazil won their first Copa America title in 1919, which was the second edition of the tournament.
Multiple Championships: Brazil has won the Copa America a total of 9 times. Their victories came in the years 1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007, and 2019.
Consistent Performances: Brazil has consistently performed well in the Copa America, often reaching the latter stages of the tournament. They have reached the final on numerous occasions, showcasing their strength and dominance in South American football.
Successive Titles: Brazil has won consecutive Copa America titles on multiple occasions. They achieved this feat in 1949 and 1989, as well as in 1997 and 1999.
Recent Victories: Brazil's most recent Copa America victory prior to 2019 was in 2007 when they defeated Argentina in the final held in Venezuela. In 2019, Brazil hosted the tournament and emerged as champions once again, defeating Peru in the final held at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Star Men:
Brazil’s star man would have been Neymar who has had a wonderful time on the international stage. However, he suffered a horrific injury out in Saudi Arabia which means he will almost definitely be out for the Copa America. Next on the list is Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, he has ripped apart the Spanish league for years now, he has yet to show his full talent on the international stage, there is no better place to show his consistent skills and tricks than the Copa America.
Brazil have a new kid on the block who scored against England and Spain in the most recent international friendlies. The 17 year old has just signed for Real Madrid and he will join in the summer. Brazil are used to wonderkids coming through the ranks however, this talented player has the whole of Brazil in a frenzy as they believe he is the talent to deliver them their next major Trophy,
Brazil are not short of other stunning talents, including Rodrygo, Richarlison, Martinelli and veteran Casemiro. Brazil will hope to get all these players playing to their full potential and win another major trophy for their country.
Uruguay:
Uruguay are one of the most successful countries who have competed within this competition. They have produced some stunning players over the years including Forlan, Suarez Cavani and many more. Known for the energetic and robust displays that strike fear into any opposition. Now they have a new generation that will hope to carry on bringing in success for the Men in Blue and White.
History:
Uruguay has a rich and storied history in the Copa America, having been one of the most successful teams in the tournament. Here's an overview of Uruguay's Copa America history:
First Victory: Uruguay won the inaugural Copa America tournament in 1916, which was held in Argentina. They defeated Argentina in the final to claim their first title.
Multiple Championships: Uruguay has won the Copa America a total of 15 times, making them the team with the most titles in the tournament's history. Their victories came in the years 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995, and 2011.
Early Dominance: Uruguay was dominant in the early years of the Copa America, winning several titles in the tournament's formative years.
Successive Titles: Uruguay has won consecutive Copa America titles on multiple occasions. They achieved this feat in 1916 and 1917, as well as in 1923 and 1924.
Recent Victories: Uruguay's most recent Copa America victory prior to 2011 was in 1995 when they defeated Brazil in the final held in Uruguay. In 2011, Uruguay won the tournament once again, defeating Paraguay in the final held in Argentina.
Star men:
Uruguay have one of the best midfielders in the world right now in Valverde, he has been an engine for Uruguay and Real Madrid. With a wonderful strike on him, he has blistering pace and can hold the midfield all by himself. At only 25 years old he still has plenty more competitions left in him but he will hope to make a mark on the international stage by winning the Copa America for Uruguay.
Another player who everybody will have eyes set on is Darwin Nunez. The Liverpool forward has been one of the most entertaining players to watch over recent years. You just never know what to expect, he will miss from 2 yards out but score a screamer from 25 yards out. He is still only young and defenders will hate to play against him. Nunez is one of the most direct players in the competition and he may miss a lot of chances but he also is having his best return for Liverpool so far and the season hasn't finished. Do not be surprised if the Uruguayan striker finishes with the golden boot.
USA:
This year's hosts will hope to compete with the very best and win on their own patch. The USA has pumped a lot of money into football (Soccer) in recent years which has led to some players competing for some of the best teams in the World. The USA have high expectations of their own fans as they finally believe they can compete with the very best, especially after a very successful World Cup. They narrowly lost out to the Netherlands but good results against England, Wales and Iran showed they can compete against highly competitive sides.
History:
The United States, although primarily known for its involvement in CONCACAF tournaments such as the Gold Cup, has participated in the Copa America, which is the premier international football tournament for South American national teams. Here's an overview of the USA's history in the Copa America:
Participation: The United States has participated in the Copa America on several occasions as an invited guest team. While the tournament traditionally features South American teams, CONMEBOL often invites additional teams from other confederations to participate.
Performance: Historically, the USA's performances in the Copa America have varied. They have faced tough competition from South American teams, many of whom are powerhouses in world football.
Best Finish: The United States' best finish in the Copa America came in 1995 when they reached the semifinals of the tournament. They were eliminated by Brazil, who went on to win the title.
Recent Participations: The USA participated in the 2016 edition of the Copa America Centenario, which was a special edition of the tournament held in celebration of its 100th anniversary. The USMNT reached the semifinals of the tournament but was defeated by Argentina.
Star Men
With a midfield consisting of Western Mckennie, Tyler Adams they have a midfield who have brought plenty of success in the CONCACAF. They will hope to use their endless amount of energy to create trouble for their upcoming opponents. America’s captain and star man is current AC Milan forward Pulisic who has always impressed on the international stage. He has not yet lived up to his full potential but many Americans believe he still has time to become a force within Europe and on the international stage.
Copa America overview
There are many other teams who could create problems for the top sides including Mexico, Ecuador and Chile. The top two nations normally are the teams to stop in Brazil and Argentina and this year is to be no different. However, fairy tale stories are what makes football special and with the USA hosting they will hope they will see an underdog story.
