Hey another summer tournament is about to kickoff, CONMEBOL’s Copa América. But like in 2016, it is being played in USA instead of South America. Thus, like in 2016, six teams from CONCACAF are contesting the ten South American countries. (Normally just two are invited for a field of 12.) So it’s a little harder with 16 teams, no 3rd place qualifiers. The pre-tournament hoopla is all Lionel Messi, who is taking a break from his Miami FC. (Of course, Major League Sfootball again lamely keeps playing whilst some of their top stars play Copa or Euro ‘24.) This is much better for USA and Mexico, who typically get to play the lame Gold Cup against all the weak sisters of CONCACAF. I wouldn’t get too excited about USA, they were blasted by Colombia recently. Then they drew what looked to me an uninspired going-thru-the-motions Brazil. Tough viewing schedule for the UK and Ireland. Other than these first 2 nights, the group phase matches start at 11 PM and 2 AM your time. Of course you can always quit your jobs, or retire, sleep until noon and watch a daily quintuple-header of Euro and Copa football. Argentina-Canada have just kicked off. Away we go in the Western Hemisphere.
Anyone watching this? I’ve missed parts walking the dog but the 2-0 a scoreline really underplays Canada. They’ve had some really good chances and have made things nervy for Argentina. That said, Argentina just have so much more quality
There are other football tournaments than World Cup and Euro? Nah, seriously, up until today I really didn't know that the Copa America is also under way. Was always under the impression that it isn't at the same time as the Euro. Then I read today in Germany's Kicker website that Messi led Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Canada? Next thought was "WTF Canada? What have they to do with Copa America?" Then I came into the forum and read Footie's thread (not threat ) and now I'm much wiser. Thx @Footie Forr for the explanation. As to answer your question, @David : No, I'm not watching it. Not because I'm not interested in South American football (plus invited countries) but the Euro is more important for me and last, but not least, the time difference (another +1hr to the UK time) so it's right in the night for me....I'm already panicking for the World Cup in US-Mexico-Canada which will be a "nightmare" for me to watch here in Germany (not for our team hopefully ) Who is the favourite this time? The usual suspects? Argentina, Brazil? Or are the Urus and Chilis (sorry) strong again?
Always believed the guys who put their hard-earned $$ (or €€) on the line. Here are the odds from one of the biggest sportsbooks active in USA (DraftKings) on who should win.
It’s a nice tournament but to the screenshot on the betting odds, it’s not too interesting until the knockout stages. There’s a huge gap between the top two and the rest of the field. That said, the Euros in the morning and the Copa America at night does make for great summer tv. The biggest issue with this tournament is the quality of the fields these games are played on. The match last night is played in a mega American football stadium that is artificial turf based. There’s a legitimate injury concern on the state of the pitch because they want to pack in 80,000 people
Yeah, Canada isn’t awful (Jonathan David had a few moments last night but couldn’t convert) but they properly spread them and the 3 other weaker CONCACAF squads across the four groups, one in each. It’s really avoid finishing 3rd of 3 in your group if you ignore the weak sister teams. But even the 2nd best in each group are not terribly good as you said. There have been documentary films here chronicling the danger of horrible knee injuries caused by artificial turf in our gridiron football. A problem still in need of resolution. Perhaps ironically, the turf in this Atlanta Georgia stadium is manufactured by a French multi-national.
I mean rightfully so, it’s the reason Messi has skipped certain away sites when playing for Miami. There have been a number of injuries just in friendlies alone so I’m always surprised they don’t play these competitions on real grass, I’m actually surprised it hasn’t been made a requirement to host. Also - how annoying is Alexi Lalas
Watched the Chile Peru game last night. What a waste of an hour of my life. Yes, just one hour. It was so boring that I slept watching the game.
I recorded it then forwarded to the 55-minute mark to watch this morning. I only wasted 40 minutes of my life. Dreadful.
Watched the second half of Venezuela Vs Ecuador. Very entertaining from Venezuela ending the game 2-1
They put the two teams with the least chance (200 to 1 odds) in USA’s group. (Bolivia v Panama will be must-viewing. )
Folarin Balogun (he of the Nigerian parents, and previously played for England) makes it 2-0 for US of A before halftime. I was shocked to see that Monaco signed him for €30 million. He only scored 7 goals and 6 assists for them last season. Compare that to once-teammate Wissam Ben Yedder who just completed his 5-year Monaco stint, averaging 18 goals and 5 assists per season…only making €8 million per season. (He’s 2nd all time scorer at Monaco, I read.) I guess we know who has the better agent. But, it would be nice to see a Nigerian-Brit-American shine at Monaco and give PSG sans Mbappé a run in Ligue 1.
I think USA’s Ricardo Pepi is 0-for-4 on quality scoring chances this half. It’s fitting that he plays for PSV Eindh0ven P.S. Make it 5…stopped point-blank just now by Bolivia’s keeper. Jeebuss…
Ricardo Pepi I remember him from his short spell at FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga. Soon rejected and they sent him on loan to the Dutch because he couldn't even hit an open barn door. edit: Just checked his stats at Augsburg 15 matches O goals
I can imagine what Costa Rica is thinking about being invited to Copa América: “Oh sure, great. Put me in the strongest group, including Colombia, and make me wait until the final match of the first round to get on the pitch, only to face effing Brazil. Thanks a lot, CONME-bro!” P.S. It is many hours later, and Holy Moley, Los Ticos!!
It’s now possible to see four CONCACAF squads advance to the quarters. (Although it would require Costa Rica to beat Paraguay.)
