Probably my least favorite group at this Copa América Centenarío and for good reason. The
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.
There is a circle of people that believe that the modern day footballer is forced to play too much. I could see that argument. After some grueling domestic play in Europe and South America it seems that every summer there is a FIFA tourney popping its head up. We've had the World Cup, Copa America and the Gold Cup in the most recent summers (winters depending on where you live). Now it's the turn of the Euros and the Copa América Centenarío. From a fans standpoint this is magnificent, more football for us but as a player, yes it is another crack at glory but it has to be a little tiring. That being said I think the likes of Edison Cavani and Lionel Messi won't mind the extra lactic acid in the muscles if that means they lift Copa this June. Admittedly I dropped the ball the on previewing the Copa so far the sake of time and to avoid awkwardly overloaded sentences I just want to dive straight into the group previews. Here is a little info on the tournament because it is a special even. This cup is a clash between COMNEBOL and CONCACAF sides that's being hosted in the States. It shares the typical FIFA formatting, four groups containing four sides a piece, top two sides advance from the group. All ten CONMEBOL teams will participate while on the CONCACAF side of the equation basically the better teams in last year's Gold Cup will be attending. So let's get Group A analysis underway.
Group A
United States
Colombia
Costa Rica
Paraguay
USA
For me Jürgen Klinsmann tenure as United States head coach has been nothing special. Sure acquisition of the Gold Cup in 2013 should be marked has an accomplishment but I think a kid who is good at Sports Interactive's highly popular gaming series Football Manager could take charge of the USA and achieve the same feat. The United States national for me is more about Klinnsman and the decisions he makes than the actual players right now. You've got what you got with Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey so I'm not worried about that but Klinnsman as a coach has a big asterisk for me. The omission of Landon Donovan from the last World Cup was strange to me especially when he was still able to produce. What really made me tentatively climb off the Klinsmann caboose was when his American troops got dumped by Jamaica in the last Gold Cup in the semi finals. This isn't a knock against the rest of CONCACAF but really they have no business troubling Mexico and the States. Simply put, that loss to a Jamaican squad packed filled with virtually Englishmen who you would think had no real cohesion was a disgrace. The German has been average for me like I said before but he has had some good ideas and his policy on giving young players a chance (Bobby Wood & DeAndre Yedlin I'm looking at you) to play is refreshing. Something that can't be said about his predecessors Bruce Arena and Bob Bradley. In my eyes this has to Klinsman's defining moment. It's unfortunate that I had to make this preview of the United States chances at the Copa about him but that's how I see the US national team right now. For the tournament coach Klinnsman has called up a pretty solid but young team. He's declared that Brad Guzan currently of Aston Villa will man the sticks over Tim Howard who has had a wonky season for his former side Everton. The back line is a concern. Outside of Geoff Cameron and DeAndre Yedlin I am not impressed, I just don't think Matt Besler and John Brooks are the towers of powers anybody should look for at the back. In midfield the usual suspects of Bradley, Beckerman, Jermaine Jones and converted winger Fabian Johnson will be running around but a nice surprise in Christian Pulisic was added to the mix to provide dynamism. The US will be without Jozy Altidore and Aron Johannsson through injury so Bobby Wood and Gynasi Zardes will be given a run out but it be all about the withdrawn forward Clint Dempsey. America's chances on home soil in this tournament are up in the air given the group they have landed in but as in recent years they have been dealt a difficult groups in FIFA events before. I can barely call it and I know pundits and fans can't either.
Key Man- Clint Dempsey stated he would rather play behind a main striker and that's where he feels he is at his best. I absolutely agree. When I picture Clint I see as a wonderful surprise for the opposition rather than an unstoppable force. I hope who he is paired with it will only play to his strengths.
Colombia
I don't really know what to say here about "Los Cafeteros." They had a pretty poor Copa America where they finished third in the group phase behind Brazil and Peru. They scored one goal in that tournament and their superstar James Rodríguez failed to delight then and in this past season for Real Madrid he has been marginal both in the team and in his performances. The crazy thing is when you look at the four sides in this group Colombia seems to be the most capable of putting teams to the sword. José Pékerman's side is laced with extraordinary talent but something is a little off! The problem the Argentine is facing is that most of his star names have had spotty seasons and consistency has alluded his most trusted charges. Juan Cuadrado of Juventus started only 16 times in the last Serie A campaign. While down in Milan Cristian Zapata, Pékerman's most reliable defender has only racked up 14 starting appearances in the league for AC Milan. His teammate Carlos Bacca has had a better go of it starting well over 30 games with an 18 goal tally in Serie A which is good but I and the rest of the world is looking for the return of Sevilla's Carlos Bacca who electrified and was a absolute terror. Speaking of terror that is how one could describes Arsenal's David Ospina's previous season. The goalkeeper just made four appearances in what had to be a frustrating time. So I think Pekerman's greatest challenge is to revitalize his flat stars and get them feeling important again. He does that and a Copa could be for the taking.
Key Man- James Rodríguez I did mention had a torrid season. He has to prove to himself. It was not easy at Real Madrid and this tournament offers the opportunity to forget. Just exactly what he needs.
Costa Rica
It's funny how my friend came into my room used my computer and erased everything I had actually written about Costa Rica. I was initially mad because I gave a glowing review of Costa Rican goalie Keylor Navas and how he will singlehandedly make save his nations fortunes and how Costa Rica has come to a watershed moment. It was real riveting stuff! Come to find he actually did me a favor because Sr. Navas has been ruled out of the tourney due to tendinitis in one of his legs and his club side Real Madrid has pumped the brakes on his participation in the competition. That being said I don't believe Costa Rica will go very far in this event now. Celso Borges, Álvaro Saborío, Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell will have to somehow ramp up goal production if they are to have any chance here. "Los Ticos," had a surprisingly good World Cup and played everyone for a fool when they reached the quarterfinals. Disposing of Italy, Uruguay, England and Netherlands before Argentina crashed their party. In contrast if we were to rewind to last year's Gold Cup we would find a very beleaguered side. The Central Americans put in a sputtering display barley edging out Canada and Haiti in group play to advance to the quarters where they passively subdued by an aggressive Mexico. Oscar Ramírez's side have just loss their biggest weapons and I think this will be a tough go for them now.
Key Man- With no Keylor Navas I've reluctantly chose Joel Campbell as thee main threat for the Costa Ricans due to his legitimate pace on a wing something that few teams nowadays seem to have. I won't be lulled by Bryan Ruiz any further because for me he hasn't hit his mark internationally for some time now.
Paraguay
When I was growing up in the 90s Paraguay was the country that when you had to play them everyone said f*ck! They didn't do the atypical South American flair thing, they were tough tackling and mean. I even remembered famed Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert spitting on Brazil's Roberto Carlos. That's an isolated incident of indecency and idiocy but that was Paraguay's game when I was coming up. They were tough guys who could play and that translated to what was a very stern defense. Nowadays the Paraguayans aren't as hostile but their lock down defending has remained over the years. Questions marks in recent times has been thrown at their offense and with the waning of Roque Santa Cruz their once star striker, has seen a decline in scoring from the South Americans. In last year's Copa America they did bounce Brazil in the quarterfinals only to be undone by Argentina in the semis which sounds like progress but if you take into account this missed out on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and they shockingly came dead last for qualifying for the tournament so they are alarm bells still ringing for Paraguay. So what can we expect from "La Albirroja?" I really don't know! The quality of player isn't awful but you go though the men coach Ramón Díaz has to choose from it isn't screaming wonder. I fully expect the Paraguayans to duke it out with the Americans for a chance to advance as I expect Colombia to boss the group and Costa Rica to fade away.
Key Man- This one is tough no Lucas Barrios, Roque Santa Cruz and Óscar Cardozo to choose from I don't really know who is the next man up. Nelson Valdez is still running around and does a decent job for the Seattle Sounders but I don't think he is the answer. So I will go with Juan Iturbe granted he gets the pitch time. Paraguay in general is a mixed bag.
Predictions- Colombia 1st, USA 2nd, Paraguay 3rd, Costa Rica 4th. This all depends if James Rodríguez decides to sparkle. Although the United States are the hometown favorites they've got to sort out the issues at the back. Unless one of their defenders turns in to Alexi Lalas they will be a bit iffy. Paraguay has to start scoring goals and not hit us with their legendary 0-0 scorecards. As for Costa Rica I don't think their back line can survive with Keylor Navas.
