Copa America again!

[alex_front2]

Confused about the Copa America tournament.

It took place last year and was won by hosts Chile, defeating Argentina. Yet, I can now see it's taking place again this year in USA. What?! I thought it was now a 4 - year cycle format event? I thought next was in 2019 in Brazil. Can someone explain why, especially as there is Olympic football taking place. Shouldn't the Euros be the main international football tournament this year?


****Update **** Just realised it's a centennial event celebrating the first Copa America in 1916. Wow, it's older than World Cup, didn't realise that.:hehe:

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_América_Centenario

The group draw
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/21/copa-america-2016-usa-face-tough-test-against-colombia-and-paraguay

[BBfanUSA]

Actually really excited for this tournament. I know COMEBOL has invited nations before, but I don't really know how I feel about hosting it in America.

[alex_front2]

It had to be USA hosts ie non South American nation, is neutral etc. Also boosts popularity of game in USA. CAN't see Neymar doing this AND Olympics.

[BBfanUSA]

Tourney begins on Friday with Group A, Paraguay vs Costa Rica and United States vs Colombia.

Pretty tough group but should be fun. We looked decent against Bolivia. But Colombia isn't Bolivia

[Shaun]

Excited for this to knacker our Alexis and leave him useless until about January again next season.

[alex_front2]

Watch out for this kid Brazilian wiz Gabriel Barbosa

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/7187304/Gabriel-Barbosa-Everything-you-need-to-know-about-Gabigol-the-Brazil-striker-wanted-by-the-Premier-League-big-boys-and-set-to-take-the-Copa-America-by-storm.html

This kid came to my attention last year as he was linked to moves to WBA, Leicester, Schalke and Villarreal. Now he's going to be huge.

[BBfanUSA]

Opening Ceremonies on right now,

Crowd looks to be 70% Colombian, not surprising.

[Nicky91]

Opening Ceremonies on right now,

Crowd looks to be 70% Colombian, not surprising.

nice to see Colombia being popular :clap1: :clap1:

[BBfanUSA]

I didn't see the Ecuador/Brazil game but there was a controversial call made by an assistant referee. He claimed that the ball went out of bounds but before he blew the whistle the play went on and Ecuador scored after it ricoched off Brazil's keeper.

Looking at the replay, I'd say it was in but there's enough evidence to say otherwise.

[BBfanUSA]

Venezuela just knocked Uruguay out of the tournament.

EDIT: Beat Uruguay, if Mexico beats Jamaica later, Uruguay is out.

[BBfanUSA]

This ref is ****. America is getting all the bad calls.

[BBfanUSA]

Brooks/Guzan co man of the match please.

Colombia/US advance out of Group A, however placing is yet to be decided. If Colombia loses, America wins the group, if Colombia ties or wins, they win the group

[alex_front2]

Copy America is quite exciting

[BBfanUSA]

Brazil is out of the Copa America after losing to Peru 1-0.

Advancing out of group B is Ecuador and Peru. Peru is the group winner and Ecuador is the runnerup.

So in the first half of the quarterfinals, USA is taking on Ecuador in Seattle (Crowd is guaranteed to be mainly Americans, could get sold out but I hear seats cost an arm and a leg even for nosebleeds) and Colombia is taking on Peru in New Jersey/New York at the Meadowlands (Big NFL Stadium)

[Shaun]

lol brazil

[alex_front2]

No Neymar =no Brazil.

Handball controversy is just an excuse, they were mediocre.

Well all saw how bereft Brazil were once has injured in WC14, not only much has changed. I'd fancy Wales to beat this Brazil side minus Neymar that's how average they are. Brazil should fare better in Olympics, home advantage, Neymar, exciting youth players etc

[BBfanUSA]

America is the first team into the semis, will face either Venezuela or Argentina,

Jones, Bedoya, and Woods all either got red carded or achieved yellow card accumulation so they're ineligible for the next game. Otherwise, Yellow Card accumulation resets.

[BBfanUSA]

First Semi,

USA vs Argentina.

Top of the hour.

Very nervous about this

[alex_front2]

The 4-0 drubbing at hands of Argentina should spur young US players to leave MLS and join top 3 tier leagues across Europe. Playing in BUNDESLIGA 2 or English* Championship would be better for youth development than playing games against the likes of Portland TimbersTimbers, Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy et al.

Congrats to Chile and Argentina for reaching finals again



*and Welsh due to Cardiff