In Europe, after the end of the club season, all football fans' eyes will turn to South America from June 11. The 2015 continent championship "Copa America" is starting in Chile, lasting until July 4. It features 12 teams with stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Alexis Sanchez. 15min.lt briefly introduces all tournament teams.
Group A:
Chile. Best achievements - 2nd place in 1955, 1956, 1979, and 1978, 3rd place in 1926, 1941, 1967, and 1991.
Undoubtedly, the weakest group host's fans hope for the possibility of winning the tournament for the first time. Chile will be led by "Juventus" and "Arsenal" stars Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez, while in goal, Claudio Bravo, who had a great season at "Barcelona." The hosts have a chance to go far in the tournament, but the final result will depend on the form of the leaders and their ability to stay healthy.
Mexico. Best achievements - 2nd place in 1993 and 2001, 3rd place in 1997, 1999, and 2007.
Coach Miguel Herrera has assembled an experimental team with younger and less experienced players. The team has only three players who do not play in Mexico. Mexico does not plan to make waves in this tournament, as their focus is on the North and Central America's "Copa de Oro" tournament. Therefore, the leaders are resting.
Ecuador. Best achievement - 4th place in 1959.
It's hard to say if this team will advance past the group stage, but going further in the tournament seems unlikely. Injuries have significantly affected Ecuador's lineup, with key players like Antonio Valencia, who had a good season at Manchester United, and Felipe Caicedo missing. Without two important attacking players, scoring goals will be a challenge for Ecuador.
Bolivia. Best achievements - champions in 1963, 2nd place in 1997.
In Group A, Bolivia definitely has a chance to extend its performance in the tournament to the second stage. Under the leadership of new coach Mauricio Soria, the team includes mostly locally based players. Even 20 national team players have played up to 20 games, so they have a great opportunity to shine.
Group B:
Argentina. Best achievements - 14-time tournament champions, but the last title was won in 1993.
When the team is led by an attack force like Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria, and Gonzalo Higuain, the goal can only be one - the title of champions. The new coach Tata Martino avoids injuries in the team. The only player invited to the team, Matteo Musacchio, will miss the tournament due to injury.
Uruguay. Best achievements - 15-time tournament champions, last title won in 2011.
The team will still be without the suspended Luis Suarez, so PSG striker Edinson Cavani will carry the attacking load. The defense will be anchored by one of the best "Primeras" defenders, Diego Godin. Therefore, the defending champions require at least a quarter-final place.
Paraguay. Best achievements - champions in 1953 and 1979, 2nd place in 1922, 1929, 1947, 1949, 1963, and 2011.
New team coach Ramon Diaz will use the tournament as another stage of preparation for the upcoming battle for a spot in the World Cup. The coach stated that he is assembling a young team without old wolves and veterans. Advancing to the second stage of the "Copa America" would be an achievement for Paraguay to celebrate.
Jamaica. Participating in "Copa America" for the first time in history.
The rookie of the championships, Jamaica's coach Winfried Schäfer won the African championship with the Cameroon team in 2002, so he has enough experience. However, not much is expected from the Jamaicans, although the South American teams have little experience against this national team. Just an invitation to this tournament is an achievement for Jamaica, and a victory would be amazing.
Group C:
Brazil. Best achievements - champions in 1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, and 2007, 11-time runners-up.
For coach Dunga, this will be the first serious tournament after returning to the national team, but Brazil faces problems without players like Oscar, Marcelo, or Luiz Gustavo. Instead, Robinho is included in the squad. However, young Neymar will help Brazil, and the goal of the football country is only one - the title of champions and an attempt to regain honor after the last World Cup.
Colombia. Best achievements - champions in 2001, 2nd place in 1975, 3rd place in 1987, 1995, and 1997.
Another team that aims to reach at least the tournament's strongest quarterfinals. The team will be led by Real Madrid star James Rodriguez, who is looking to rebound after an unsuccessful season, and other football stars like Sevilla's leader Carlos Bacca are also present. Under the leadership of experienced coach Jose Pekerman, Colombia will surely perform well in the tournament.
Peru. Best achievements - champions in 1939 and 1975.
Peru has not played in the World Cup since 1982, but the country's football is gradually improving. This will be the first serious tournament for coach Ricardo Gareca, who has all the notable Peru stars in his team - Claudio Pizarro, Jefferson Farfan, Juan Manuel Vargas. Peru should not go far, but they have a chance in the next stage. However, in the 2011 tournament, Peru, known for defensive football, won bronze.
Venezuela. Best achievement - 4th place in 2011.
Venezuela has never been considered a football powerhouse, but after qualifying for the "Copa America" in 2007, the government invested heavily in developing football. The result was a semifinal in the last tournament. Venezuela has a couple of well-known European players - Salomon Rondon and Michu - but it is difficult to expect a repeat of the 2011 success.
Paulius Cubera, www.15min.lt
