competitiveness in this Group B will be a little off. At the top you have Brazil who is absolute world class and on the other end of the spectrum we have the lowly but spirited Haitians. These two nations are flanked by the other two competitors in the group, the South American duo of Ecuador and Peru. So here we have Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti and Peru and you can see where my frustration comes from. I want to see Brazil playing in difficult games. I want to see Haiti be competitive and be able to do well and this group won't really allow that. As for Ecuador and Peru I would rather not see them play if I am being honest. I don't hate them but seeing middle of the road CONMEBOL teams isn't going to stop me watching new episodes of the PowerPuff Girls on Cartoon Network. I feel I'm going to be robbed of at least three competitive fixtures when Brazil squares up against rest in the group. I'm betting that Brazil's games in this group phase are going tough viewing and I don't envy Haiti, Peru or Ecuador. I've said all I said say on this and now it's time for the review.
Group B
Brazil
Ecuador
Haiti
Peru
Brazil
Stacked, powerful, privileged and more importantly pissed off. Brazil come to this thing as favorite along with the likes of Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia and to a lesser extent Mexico and the United States. Like Jürgen Klinnsman of the United States, Dunga has to be on his last legs as well. Brazil isn't in a transition like the United States they are expected win things every time and with Dunga at the helm they haven't looked very victorious in past tournaments. I'm actually surprised the Brazilian FA haven't axed him after the shortcomings of the "Selecão," at the World Cup at home and last year's Copa America in Chile. When Brazil don't bring home titles it's a problem! This review will be super short because even if you aren't a soccer fan you know about the mystique of Brazilian football. The last time they lifted a major trophy was back in 2013 and that was a Confederations Cup the precursor to the World Cup they hosted. In now his second term with Brazil Dunga has brought with him the best he could. The two notable omissions being Neymar and Kaká. The latter a recent pull out, the other due to agreements between club and country. No reason to fear though Brazil will still have plenty of razzle dazzle left on the pitch as the likes of Ganso, Philippe Coutinho, Hulk and Lucas Lima are all in the ready. This is a great opportunity for Brazil to flex on everyone else. They will definitely accomplish that in this group and I want to see 7-0 score lines from Brazil. Hopefully the savagery of Brazil will return because the world deserves an overpowering Brazil.
Key Man- Strange to say that a defender is Brazil's leading man but that is the case. Dani Alves is a winner. Flat out and I don't have to go any further. I hope he lifts the trophy comes the tournament's end.
Ecuador
Going to try to be nice here when it comes to Gustavo Quinteros' men and give them a fair and just evaluation despite what I said about them in the past and most recently at the top of this page. Ecuador come into this tourney looking to leave a mark and capitalize on yet another prized tournament. To Ecuador's credit they have been making it to the big dance (World Cup) pretty often since the start of the decade. Last World Cup in Brazil they gave a good account of themselves even though they didn't get out of the group stages. Going against France and Switzerland was always going to tough ask but they did manage to be competitive which is always a nifty pick-me-up. Copa America in Chile in 2015 saw Ecuador lumped together with host Chile, Bolivia and Mexico in Group A. A scenario that saw them flounder resulting in a third place finish behind the host and surprise package Bolivia. Given Ecuador's fortunes in recent tournaments it doesn't really stir up too much confidence but they have to dream. However a plus for them is the return of easily their best player Antonio Valencia. The Manchester United winger wasn't available in Chile after undergoing surgery last off season but he is healthy now. Valencia didn't feature a lot for his club side this past term so that could be a concern. If he gets back to his best Quinteros and Ecuador could receive a shot in the arm.
Key Man- As I just mentioned Antonio Valencia is the guy here. The bouncy winger will look to use his old school wing play to teach lessons and peg back the opposition's fullbacks.
Haiti
When the fixture list came out for the Copa I looked at where the advantages lied for some teams. Obviously the United States hosting the event will be welcomed at every turn, that's a given. Mexico has huge support in America and their fans will no doubt turn out especially in the South Western states like California, Arizona and Texas. Having massive crowds accompany your team is a huge morale boost and a team could play better. It's simple human logic. If you are loved and supported you will be more relaxed! Haiti I think have a pretty good gig in at least two of their three group matches. Their first encounter is against Peru in Seattle, Washington in the North West of the country. I don't expect to find any Haitians except the players themselves up there so that's a write off but after that it gets interesting. Haiti's second game is against Ecuador in New Jersey's Red Bull Arena. Their is a sizable Haitian population in the New York/New Jersey Metro area and they could come out in numbers. Something that could only raise their spirits. The icing on the cake is when Haiti plays Brazil in Florida. More than likely Brazil will absolutely smack them but playing so close to home has to be such a mental high for them. Such is the Haitian populous in Florida that there is a Haitian enclave called Little Haiti in the state. I don't expect much from Haiti not just yet at least so highlighting their potential advantages albeit massive crowd support can only add to their feel good story. On the footballing aspect of things I honestly do think they are the quickest team man for man in the tournament. I saw them in last year's CONCACAF Gold Cup and they showed real dynamism moving forward and a genuine willingness in the tackle. If only they could learn how to shoot but they did have nice ball retention something I was not expecting. Haiti is led by Frenchman Patrice Neveu a man who has a reputation of taking on embattled football nations and making something out of them...just look at the jobs he has had over the past few years. He took charge of Guinea , DR Congo and now he has Haiti is in his possession. Neveu has called upon players like veterans Jean Sony Alcénat and Kim Jaggy who hold blocks of experience. I could only hope Haiti spring a quick surprise on Ecuador and Peru and see what they can bring to Brazil in Florida.
Key Man- Johnny Placide is a showman of a goalkeeper and "Les Grenadiers," need him to put on a show because he will be called on a lot especially against Brazil. If he doesn't get frustrated Haiti could find their footing in this group stage.
Peru
Peru has had a great Copa America last year in Chile. Coming third overall overcoming Paraguay in the 3rd place game. They had great individual performances none more so than frontman Paolo Guerrero when he notched four goals in the competition. Peru were in one of the most entertaining games of that tournament when they squared up against Chile in the semis where they were defeated 2-1. This is success is new found, seeing that they haven't qualified for a World Cup since Spain 82'. The last time they snatched up the Copa was in 1939 when they hosted the darn thing. So we have a country in Peru that is looking to build on the small success they stumbled upon. South American qualifying for the World Cup and the Copa America can be daunting on the likes of Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. So anything this trio can get they'll take because we know Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay will take the cake most of the time. Peru's chances in the United States this summer are slim. Their coach Ricardo Gareca brought a Peru side that is very homogeneous with most of his squad playing their careers in Peru. Which isn't a bad thing because you could have a harmony and style of play conducive to a league and could translate better to a national team but we have to ask ourselves how strong is the Peruvian league really? Also are Peru's better players not good enough to travel abroad and play? We'll have to wait and see what "Los Incas," conjure up and if they are on an upward tilt.
Key Man- He is getting up there in age now but Paolo Guerrero is still serviceable and I hope he carries on his good form in international play. If he starts to percolate Peru can be dangerous.
Predictions- There is a gap here clearly and Brazil is the elephant in the room. Brazil 1st, Peru 2nd, Ecuador 3rd, Haiti 4th. First place for me isn't shock nor should it be for anyone. I was up and down for who advances with Brazil and I think Peru will pip Ecuador just because of Paolo Guerrero's presence...I had to give it from the men from Lima. I am a blog so I can afford to be bias and be a little emotional and as much as I appreciate Haiti's efforts in all regards I can't see them winning a game. I would be rather shocked if they get a win and it would make me a smile a lot too.
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