Group D is on the menu for the afternoon and I know guys are hankering and hungering for my crackpot analysis of this once in a life time competition the Copa América Centenarío. I'm just on time because this post will go out on the day before this group commences. All in all I've ran out of opening commentary so I'll definitely be winging it for these next to couple of lines. The combatants we have in this group are; Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Panama. An odd cluster of teams sort of like Group B of this competition that comprises of Haiti, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. It's almost like the same scenario, you have a clear favorite (Argentina/Brazil). A nearly team (Chile/Peru). Middling teams (Ecuador/Bolivia). Then you have struggling hopefuls (Panama/Haiti). It sucks that the teams I highlighted to do badly come from my beloved CONCACAF but this is how the football gods has deemed it. I'm rambling so without further ado here is the Copa América Centenarío's final group.
Group D
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Panama
Argentina
Certainly my pick to win the competition, Argentina come into the United States desperate to hoist trophy. Even the soft spoken Lionel Messi was echoed my sentiments and said his country hasn't win a major competition in years and needs to right to the ship. No one should ever feel entitled. People get ahead on graft, handwork, creativity and flat out good luck. If Argentina is going to win this tournament they are going to need a combination of at least three out of the four things because clearly coming in on their reputation alone in big tournaments haven't worked for them. Beaten finalist in both the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa America. The Argentines could had used a bag full of dumb luck to grab at least one of the titles. Who coach Gerardo Martino picks for this competition don't really matter because I believe a third tier Argentina player is as good as most first rate players in most other countries. The Patagonians are a talented bunch they just need some luck. Which is insane seeing this guy Martino can call on Sergio Agüero, Gonzalo Higuaín, Ángel Di María and Lionel Messi at any given time. He just needs a four leaf clover to get them over the hill.
Key Man- Lionel Messi was a doubt for the tournament due to injury and also for legal matters as he is currently fighting tax evasion allegations in Spain. Messi himself has come out and said he will play this summer in America. Not like Argentina would miss him but having the best player in the world playing for you wouldn't hurt in their noble quest either.
Bolivia
Having to come done to sea level is never fun for Bolivia. In the capital La Paz they get to enjoy the comforts of home like vivid support, familiar surroundings and most importantly thin air and altitude. The Bolivians play their football high in the clouds and the effect can leave opponents literally gasping for air. It's a definite advantage and they have benefited it from the past. Truth is they need all the help they can get. Bolivia isn't the best but coach Julio César Baldivieso will try to inspire dreams of grandeur. Surprisingly in last year's Copa in Chile the Andeans came second in group play behind the host and edged out both Ecuador and a weakened Mexico. I don't have much in the way to say on Bolivia and her players they're obscure. This is a nation who has only made it to three World Cups the last coming in 1994 when it was ironically held in the United States. Bolivia isn't blessed with a heap of talent most of their players play in their domestic league. A strong indicator of the level of the national team. Whatever the case Bolivia will just look on to improve their overall play and who knows it could lead to some shock performances at this event.
Key Man- I'm really clutching at straws trying to pick the crucial man for Bolivia. After looking over some decent stats I've landed on the experienced Juan Carlos Arce. The most likely goal getter and Lord knows they need them. The forward needs to improve though in order for "La Verde," to flourish.
Chile
They are the reigning Copa America champions after scooping the title last year on home soil when they hosted the event. The Chileans defeated heavily favored Argentina to claim their first ever South American Championship. The Chileans look good and have to be buzzing right now yet I don't feel confident in their ability to hoist the cup this term. It's not like "La Roja," isn't good I just believe having home advantage last time allowed them to steamroll the competition. Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil are more likely to have the Ticker tape parade at the end than them. Chile's high pressing aggressive, quick game is fun to watch and I allude to this in my preview of them at Copa America 2015. That fun however can have it's limits. Last year the Chileans played at home in familiar conditions, in the South American winter in cooler temperatures. They won't have that coming up north to the US. It's summer time and the temperatures do vary from state to state. Their games are in sunny California and in the warming northeast states of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. According to the old sports cliché styles make matches. Chile's up tempo running game may not work well in heat but they often play in a warm South America anyway so who knows. Juan Antonio Pizzi took over from the widely popular Jorge Sampaoli earlier this year maybe the new man has changed or tweaked Chile's way of play. Whatever the case maybe he needs to upstage his predecessor and quickly. He brought a good squad along to try to do it. Barcelona's Claudio Bravo is in goal, Inter's Gary Medel puts in wonderful defensive displays, Bayern Munich's Arturo Vidal does the same and a lot more and Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez does the leg work up front. Chile is dangerous but I see bigger guns at this Copa and I fear they may get their wings clipped.
Key Man- So much is focused on Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal and we definitely know they will look perky in offense. However I've gone for Claudio Bravo as Chile's shining light in this tournament. Coming up against Barcelona team mate Lionel Messi when he faces Argentina will be a pivotal match even so early. Beyond that no doubt he will come across hard hitting attackers and if Chile are to retain the Copa he'll need to be bang in form. The goals will come for them but can Chile stop them? I think Bravo will.
Panama
Time to get a little sentimental now! My grandma is from Panama she can't speak a lick of Spanish. Neither can I but I'm still loyal to the country. I genuinely want them to do well even though I'm not Panamanian myself. Probably the weakest of the group Panama has to be realistic. Their first match against Bolivia has to be earmark as a potential win because the following games against Argentina and Chile will be hard on them. If somehow they can manage a point against Chile and try not to yield too many goals against Argentina they may have a minuscule chance of advancing to the knockout round. Unlike their CONCACAF rivals Mexico and Jamaica they weren't invited to last year's Copa America in Chile so they solely had the Gold Cup to focus on in the previous summer. A tournament in which they finished strong coming in third place being barred from the finals by eventual winners Mexico. I don't know what the Panamanians are looking for at this tournament because clearly they are outclassed here. Bolivia may not be the best but they do play in a tough qualifying zone in CONMEBOL and that has to count for something. Panama has to use this tournament as a gauge to see where they're at. Getting beat up by USA and Mexico every year won't teach them anything but getting exposed to teams like Argentina and Chile will. This will be a lesson for them to embrace going forward so they can take that next step in their evolution. "Los Canaleros," have Hernán Gómez at the helm and the Colombian is calling upon the combined experience of defender and captain Felipe Baloy, midfielder Alberto Quintero and striker Blas Pérez to see him through this tournament. Some notable omissions are defender Roberto Chen and long serving goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. No matter though whoever Gómez decides to chuck out there they need to perform and do so with a fair amount of pride because I have a nasty feeling it's going to be hard going for them.
Key Man- I like Alberto Quintero's style of play. He a direct winger who has a few dribbles in him. The wide man links up well with Blas Pérez and if the two combine who knows, Panama may have something.
Predictions- Argentina 1st, Chile 2nd, Bolivia 3rd, Panama 4th. Argentina will seek revenge to their Copa America loss to Chile so look for a win for Messi and crew. Chile are way too good for Bolivia and Panama but as mentioned they aren't going to better the Argentinians. Bolivia maybe bland but they have enough in the respiratory tank to out last Panama. As for the Central Americans this will merely be a proving ground I don't expect them to really challenge.
I'm pressed for time when it comes to these reviews for the Copa América Centenarío. Some of it has to do with being lazy and generally all around distracted. The thing is I've been here before so I have no worries. That has been my mantra in recent times. "I've been here before!" To me it's lyric to a song I know all to well. It reassures that I've faced a specific problem(s) before and 9 times out of 10 I've gotten passed it. In Group C we have Jamaica, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela nations who have been...well here before. Jamaica and her players have been in big games before. The Gold Cup final just last year and earlier they were taking their lumps in Chile at the Copa America. Mexico is getting familiar with Jamaica and will come across them again in a crunch time scenario. Yet another "I've been here before," moment. Before beating the Jamaicans in the Gold Cup to lift crown, they too were invited to Chile for the Copa America and like their CONCACAF adversaries they were thumped in South America. For Uruguay this is nothing new. They are use to coming into tournaments as favorites, maybe it be a World Cup or an intercontinental clash like this one. As for Venezuela they have locked horns with Mexico and Uruguay plenty of times and know what they are getting themselves into.
Group C
Jamaica
Mexico
Uruguay
Venezuela
Jamaica
I ripped Jamaica apart in my last review of them. They were taking part in the Copa America in Chile and they were up against it when they were wedged into a group with Argentina and Uruguay and Paraguay for good measure. I said they didn't have a sniff of a chance and I even broke out the Merriam-Webster dictionary to shame them. I wasn't in love with the fact that relied so heavily on players of Jamaican descendent. I preferred the born and bred Jamaicans and I took umbrage with the likes of Wes Morgan, Giles Barnes and Adrian Mariappa. Jamaica although they played well in Chile, points allude them. I was scathing towards the side because I believe they are the best Caribbean team and the standard bearers for the region. What I forgot to remember is that the Copa America isn't meant for Winfried Schaefer's men, the Gold Cup is! Jamaica were a game away from lifting the CONCACAF competition but Mexico took them down. A pretty big deal seeing that Jamaica weren't even in the conversation for the title. Dumping the United States was unexpected and the way the "Reggae Boyz," played was unconventional as well. It wasn't hurried at all they were very methodical in their approach not a trait associated with Caribbean squads. At this year's Copa I can see it going one of two ways for them. They play spoiler and really annoy the Mexicans and Uruguayans or they can duke it out with Venezuela for relevance. It's a coin toss at this point.
Key Man- Wes Morgan if I am correct is the first Jamaican/West Indian man to win a Premier League title. There is no doubt he is in the form of his life. The only problem is that Rudolph Austin isn't N'Kolo Kante and Andre Blake isn't Kasper Schmeichel.
Mexico
Mexico are in great form! To date they have kept eight straight international clean sheets. A tidy stat for a team that is historically average defenders. They are the reigning CONCACAF Gold Cup champions disposing of Jamaica last year in the final. They didn't have the best Copa America in Chile but they did take a probing squad with the more notable names being saved for the Gold Cup a moved that payed off in the end. Javier Hernandez, the face of the Mexican side is coming off one of the best years of his footballing career as he banged in the goals for his Bundesliga squad Bayer Leverkusen. His strike partner Oribe Peralta is a real shark and gets his goals. While team captain Andres Guardado has found a new life in Holland with PSV Eindhoven. Guillermo Ochoa has returned to his best form hard to believe he is 30 now. New coach Juan Carlos Osorio has even called up Rafa Marquez to add fatherly presence to his rearguard. Literally the stars are aligning for Mexico (couldn't help myself to a bad cliché) and this might be a trophy that is really viable for them. This group isn't easy but the wave of support, the locations of their games being in south western states of the US and the fact they come in off of winning a major FIFA tournament you could only think they are in good shape to go deep in the tournaments.
Key Man- The darling of Mexican football Javier "Chicharirto," Hernandez has been killing it over in Germany and I expect him to do the same over here. Really hoping coach Osorio does us a favor and pairs him with Oribe Peralta in a two pronged attack. That would be nice to see.
Uruguay
Uruguay come to the Copa without probably the best pure striker in the world Luis Suarez. A fact that has dented their hopes of maybe stealing away the cup back to Montevideo. Suarez scored a seismic 40 goals in a season for his side FC Barcelona last term and I don't care what team you play for you remove a guy that from your ranks you are going to be smarting. Nonetheless "Le Celeste," has to carry on and the objective is to actually win Copa América Centenarío. As I said in my little speech before Uruguay has been here before. They're punchy bunch and and tend to hit harder when they are overwhelmed or underestimated. They've won the World Cup before and have a knot of Copa America titles, 15 and counting on their CV. If anything they could be more dangerous without Suarez the Uruguayans hope everyone will take huge sighs of relief because he is not around. Óscar Tabárez longstanding coach of Uruguay will be hoping for just that so he can play the chess games he likes to play. At the last Copa America Uruguay were bested in a tumultuous affair with eventually cup winners Chile. A game that they felt they were cheated out of. Couple that with the fact their without their star man in Suarez that means they have a lot they want to get off their chest. Tabárez will look to Edison Cavani to provide the offensive and stardust to a generally pragmatic Uruguay. How they are going to capture the cup is anyone's guess but I have a sneaky feeling they might be there in the end.
Key Man- Edinson Cavan's chance to be Billy Big Boots is here. No Diego Forlan or Luis Suarez to rely on.It's team now...let's see how he gets on.
Venezuela
Alphabetically the last team in the Copa and forgive me for saying probably the last team you think of when it comes to South American football. Venezuela have wonderfully forgettable games despite having in my opinion, one the better forwards in the Copa América Centenarío in Solomon Rondon. I honestly do believe if Venezuela had to qualify for this tournament they would make a hard go of it. I'm dramatic sometimes but the need to highlight when things are wrong is a strong habit of mine and with Venezuela there isn't much right apart from the big man up top the aforementioned Sr. Rondon. The Venezuelan FA recently appointed former goalkeeper Rafael Dudamel as their head coach and he will look to turn around what has to be a pretty plain Venezuelan side he inherited from Noel Sanvincente. It's crazy because if you saw what I wrote about Venezuela a few months ago it's the polar opposite, it was quite complimentary. This last Copa America campaign when they finished dead last in Group C and the start they have made in World Cup qualifying has just left me over them. I think if you switched federations and let Guyana be in CONMEBOL and allow Venezuela to join CONCACAF I don't think anyone would bat an eye at this current moment. It's that dire. They have one point in World Cup qualifying for Russia 2018. Uruguay has 13 points in the same amount of games. I put my budding reputation on the line that in this tournament they won't win a game.
Key Man- You can't choose where you're born if that was the case we all would be cramped into Norway or Canada. Don't get me wrong Venezuela sounds like a swell place but not for football maybe baseball not so much football. Solomon Rondon is the shining light here without a doubt. I want to see him to well here in this little fling here in the States.
Predictions- Mexico 1st, Uruguay 2nd, Jamaica 3rd, Venezuela 4th. Mexico is basically playing a home game every time they step onto the pitch and they are in magical form. Uruguay is a big boy team but without Luis Suarez and having Edinson Cavani deputize they just won't be the same let alone take a group. Mexico already has Jamaica's number and Uruguay does too so I don't expect the West Indians to get enough points to advance. As for Venezuela we appreciate the color...you can leave your name tag next to the oreos when you leave.
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.
