The best period for football fans has arrived. While Europeans rejoice about the EUROs that will start around the same time in Germany, a different brand of football unites another set of fans: the Copa America, the tournament that unites South America. With fewer nations participating than in Euro 2024 the competition becomes even more exciting.
South American pitches are known for their passionate atmospheres and fierce competition, and this year will be no different. Copa America, with its usual theatre, promises to deliver. As the tournament approaches, the time has come to review the favourites to take the trophy home.
3. Brazil
While it is tempting to put the Samba nation first on the list, it must be mentioned that their defence has been underwhelming. The International Friendlies have not seen the Seleção keep a clean sheet since September. Quick math reminds us that this means about six months without one. This is rather concerning, as Brazil has the tools to construct one of the best defences.
Brazil’s autumn was terrible. They managed only one goal against Peru, drew with Venezuela (1-1), and were stunned by Uruguay (2-0). Colombia was the next team to take advantage of Brazil’s lack of confidence (2-1), followed by their greatest rival, Argentina, who also claimed a victory (1-0).
🚨ESPN:
The expected lineup to face USA on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/fRDkbe4QzW
— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) June 10, 2024
However, in 2024 things seem to go better for Brazil, as the South Americans surprised England (1-0), held Spain to a draw (3-3), and outscored Mexico (3-2). While these scores might suggest that Brazil is on the right path, the truth is that defence wins titles.
Brazil has one last preparation match against the USA tomorrow, and this is the form Brazil brings to the tournament. Defence is crucial to winning, and Brazil does not seem to have it. In contrast to club football, Vinicius Jr. has struggled to replicate his impact on his country. While he may remain a leader, better performances are expected from the Brazilian.
Vini Jr 🥶 pic.twitter.com/gLAz5o6QFV
— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) June 9, 2024
Despite these concerns, Brazil’s pool of talent is undeniable. This is a team that can count on Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Richarlison.
Bruno Guimarães, Savio and Yan Couto are other names that cannot be forgotten. With such a squad, excluding Brazil from the conversation is impossible. They will face Costa Rica in their first match of the Copa America, which is a favourable draw.
However, the Brazilians have been warned – Costa Rica has been the surprise of World Cups multiple times.
2. Uruguay
Uruguay is the surprise outsider. Not that they were ever a weak nation – but their 2022 World Cup performance in Qatar was underwhelming by all standards. The Uruguayans hired a unique manager with a reputation for detail-oriented management: Marcelo Bielsa. Known for his obsessive style, Bielsa is one of the most meticulous managers in football.
Uruguay’s recent form indicates that they do not intend to slow down, having just won convincingly against Mexico (4-0). Although Costa Rica managed to halt them (0-0) and they were defeated by Ivory Coast (1-2), have been impressive over the past year, scoring against a wide range of opponents.
— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) June 12, 2024
Darwin Núñez, Facundo Pellistri, Federico Valverde, and José Gimenez are familiar names to football fans. This is a very athletic squad which fits Bielsa’s demanding physical requirements perfectly.
Uruguay was largely forgotten after their performance in Qatar, but they have made a comeback. Their victory against Argentina is the perfect example – a feat not easily achieved. Uruguay doesn’t just boast victories; they showcase style and identity. Uruguay ranks ahead of Brazil precisely because they have a clear plan and it works wonders.
👀 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗗𝗔
A preparar la Copa, Marcelo.#ElEquipoQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/hLfwbaT7fJ
— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) June 12, 2024
A few years ago, not many would have placed Uruguay in a high position, but football changes quickly. Uruguay has the perfect profile with a solid defense that allows them to stop even the best players. Uruguay enters the tournament with high hopes but without the pressure of high expectations.
1. Argentina
It may seem predictable, but Argentina again enters the tournament as favourites. Lionel Messi alone is a compelling reason. Currently playing for fun in the MLS, his time in America serves as preparation ahead of the matches with Argentina.
After winning the Copa America and the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the legend keeps writing history. Many assumed he would finally retire, but Messi continues to enjoy his time with the national team, now treating it as the main event of his year. Should he win with Argentina again, he would break new records and further expand his already impressive trophy count.
🌟🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/a1AfDoEBz3
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) June 9, 2024
Even without Lionel Messi, Argentina boasts a great squad. Not much has changed since the 2022 World Cup, with the same reliable names expected to perform. The adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies perfectly here. Most players have not gotten worse, and the World Cup is different from the Copa America.
Messi will be supported by Lisando Martinez and Romero at the back, with Angel Di Maria and Julian Alvarez joining him up front. The midfield is likely to feature Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister.
Apart from a defeat against Uruguay, they have mostly remained unbeaten. One final preparation match against Guatemala on Saturday will set the stage for their Copa America campaign, which begins against Canada on Friday, June 21.
