The Copa America is a first of its kind “America’s Cup”. Who will take home the trophy in just a few weeks?
Copa America Centenario will feature teams from South America, the Caribbean, Central America and North America. It’s the first of its kind “America’s Cup” which will gather the best teams from our side of the world.
There are many storylines to watch for, but only a select few teams are considered favorites to lift the trophy and be crowned Copa America Centenario champions.
Mexico
El Tri have, by far, been one of the top teams in CONCACAF and they will no doubt be looking to take the trophy home later this month. Led by stars Andres Guardado and Chicharito Hernandez, Mexico will unite along with a host of young and talented players to navigate through a difficult tournament.
Look for head coach Juan Carlos Osorio’s success to be predicated by the play of youngsters Hirving Lozano and Tecatito Corona. Their play on the wings will most likely make or break Mexico’s chances.
Uruguay
For La Celeste they are in prime form and have a great opportunity to win Copa America this year. Momentum is definitely on their side as the current leaders of South America’s World Cup qualifying and blowing past teams with 12 goals in six matches.
While Luis Suarez will be unable to play due to a hamstring injury, Uruguay still has plenty to work with as they still has enough fire power with Edison Cavani, Diego Rolan and Abel Hernandez. Uruguay’s first match is against Mexico, that game’s result will dictate how their tournament will go.
Argentina
Argentina has been one of the most talked about squads during the past few weeks, however it’s not for the play on the field. While Messi remains questionable for his participation in Copa America, there is also the threat of them pulling the team out all together due to a political battle between Argentina’s federation and their government.
From a football standpoint, Argentina is the bonafide favorite to win it all, with or without Messi. Year in and year out La Albiceleste is loaded with star players. Sergio Aguero and a host of others can and will shoulder the load to lead their team to another trophy.
Chile
The defending Copa America champions will look to win another trophy. Led by Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, their two stars are powering Chile back to being one of the favorites. Chile hasn’t seen this much success since the days of Ivan Zamorano and Marcelo Salas.
Chile has struggled a bit in World Cup qualifying, sitting in 4th place right now. Their Achilles heal has been on the defensive end giving up 10 goals in six matches, something that won’t get it done with a first round clash looming against Argentina.
Colombia
Los Cafeteros have been on a steady rise since qualifying for the 2014 World Cup for the first time since the 1998 tournament. Now James Rodriguez leads his team as one of the favorites to win the title.
Colombia now has confidence in the quality of players that have loaded the roster with the likes of Juan Cuadrado, Carlos Bacca and Edwin Cardona. This could be their year to lift the trophy for the first time since the 2001 Copa America.