Copa America - An Overview Part One

The 2011 Copa America in Argentina as a tournament had everything from a side reaching the final despite not winning a game the whole tournament to a well deserved winning side. Uruguay, the South American side who went the furthest at the 201o FIFA World Cup, got better as the tournament went on and were comfortable winners in the final against Paraguay. The pre-tournament usual favourites, Brazil and the host nation Argentina, were poor, with both just winning one of their four games.

The Group Stages

Group A 
Host nation Argentina were given on paper a relatively simple progression into the knock out round; however they had to settle for second place in the group as Colombia edged them out. Argentina were poor in their opening two matches, and were fortunate to collect successive draws. Under Sergio Batista, Argentina opted for three defensive midfielders in their opening two games and only a change in their approach (which saw the inclusion of Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero) saw them progress. Defensively, despite conceding just the one goal, Argentina were poor and only a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping from Sergio Romero, especially against Colombia, ensured no first round humiliation for the hosts. With a vast amount of their players well known across Europe, Camilo Zuniga of Napoli and Radamel Falcao Garcia of Atletico Madrid, to name but two, it was no surprise to see Colombia progress, and they really should have progressed with a 100% win ratio, with a goalless draw against Argentina the only blight on their copybook. Bolivia and Costa Rica were the other two sides in Group A, and despite both recording one good result (For Bolivia a draw with Argentina, whilst Costa Rica overcame Bolivia in what was the battle to avoid being bottom), they never really threatened to progress, with the latter always going to struggle without their star player Brian Ruiz.

Group B
Brazil (arguably undeservedly) topped Group B thanks to victory in their final Group B match against Ecuador. For the most part Paraguay were the best side in the Group, and if it wasn't for late collapses against Brazil and Venezuela they would have been easy winners of Group B. After the opening round of fixtures in Group B failed to produce a goal, the all important second matches saw Brazil rescue a late point against Paraguay thanks to the former Lyon striker Fred, whilst surprise package Venezuela stunned a Antonio Valencia less Ecuador. The game of the group stages saw Venezuela book their last eight spot thanks to an incredible comeback against Paraguay. 3-1 down with just two minutes to go, late strikes from Miku and Grenddy Perozo rescued a point for the Group underdogs. Despite throwing four points away Paraguay were through (ironically thanks to Argentina's victory over Costa Rica, as two of the groups needed three qualifiers and Paraguay had a better goal difference then Group A's third place side). Going into the last game Brazil themselves needed a result against Ecuador, and thanks to two goals apiece from Neymar and Alexandre Pato they eased past their opponents 4-2, in their most convincing performance of the tournament.

Group C
Uruguay like many of the other pre-tournament favourites started in slow fashion; however they like Chile and Peru qualified in comfortable fashion. A Mexico side (made up of predominately under 23 year old's because of their decision to take their strongest squad to the Gold Cup rather then the Copa America) battled well but ended up pointless and bottom. Chile, despite being under different leadership to Marcelo Biesla, continued to play three at the back, and their style of play was brilliant to watch, with Alexis Sanchez's fantastic team goal in their draw with Uruguay the highlight. Uruguay and their embarrassment of attacking riches (Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez, Edison Cavani and Alvaro Pereira) required at least a draw with Mexico in their last Group game to ensure progression and thanks to Pereira's early strike, they eased through in second place, edging out Peru who lost to Chile, but still did enough to qualify.

Part two to follow soon.

Sergio Torres interview

It’s fair to say you don’t get many Argentines’ plying their trade in the third and fourth tier of English football; however Sergio Torres has bucked that trend, having played for no less than four football league clubs.

After leaving Banfield der Mar del Plata in his native Argentina, his agent made a 10 minute clip of him, in an attempt to earn him a contract in Europe.

Though a two week trial with Mark McGhee’s Brighton and Hove Albion in 2004 didn’t result in Torres being offered a contract, it was the start of his love affair with England. Being used to a more technical style of football, Torres was surprised with how different England and Argentina was in playing style.  “I had come from Argentina where I’d get more time on the ball, and it was a shock to me how quick the English game was. That was a reason why I didn’t get a contract with Brighton.”

Shortly after his trial with Brighton, Torres joined non-league Molesey before moving to Basingstoke Town. Whilst with the latter club it is well documented that he worked in Boots pharmacy store to earn extra money.

In 2005 he finally earned a professional contract with a league club in the form of Wycombe Wanderers. “I had worked so hard to earn the chance to play with a professional club, and when John Gorman offered me a contract, it was the greatest moment of my career.” Torres said. Before going on to mention he still keeps in contact with Gorman, who is now assistant manager at the MK Dons.

His big career move came when he joined Peterborough, a side who were well backed by owner Darragh MacAnthony; however Torres was transfer listed when the club were promoted to the Championship in 2009. 

A loan spell at Lincoln City was followed by a permanent move to another well backed club in the form of Crawley Town. “It was a fresh start for me. It was the chance to join a club on the up and now we’ve a great chance at promotion to League One, and the move has worked for me.”

Whilst at Crawley, Torres has been fortunate enough to enjoy a couple of good F.A Cup runs, with last year’s run to the 5^th round of the tournament putting the club on the football map. “I scored the winner versus Derby and it was and still is my favourite ever goal.” Torres dedicated his goal to the late Richard Butcher, a former colleague during his time at Lincoln, who died in the week leading up to the match.

Despite defeat, the real highlight of his career was playing at Old Trafford, which ultimately brought their brilliant 2010-11 F.A Cup run to an end. “To play at Old Trafford was a dream come true for me, and we gave them a good game and probably should’ve got a result.”

Crawley and Torres currently sit fourth in League Two and despite the recent loss of manager Steve Evans to Rotherham, the club are look set for back-to-back promotions.

Other questions I asked will be used for a piece on 'Why South American's come to England' which will be on my other website shortly http://www.footballinsouthamerica.wordpress.com

Despite poor starts all the big nations qualify

After much needed victories Brazil and Argentina confirmed their progression into the knock out stages of the Copa America. Uruguay also secured their place in the last eight with victory over Mexico, who were the only team from Group C who failed to progress.

In group A, Colombia secured top spot after easily overcoming a poor Bolivia side 2-0 with both goals coming from the much saught after striker Falcao. Playing a day later meant Argentina knew the highest they could finish was 2nd, which meant overcoming a second string Costa Rica side. And after making wholesale changes they were far too strong for the youthful Costa Rican's winning easily 3-0. Two goals for Sergio Aguero and one for Angel Di Maria only slightly resembled their dominance in what was a much better performance. Gonzalo Higuain, Lionel Messi along with the two goalscorers all spearheaded a frightening strike force, with Messi claiming two assists, the second a beautiful pass for Di Maria who smashed home.

For the second time in as many games Paraguay failed to hold a lead with the game heading into injury time, however this time they threw away a 3-1 lead with Venezuela rescuing the unlikeliest of points with Miku and Perozo snatching a draw which ensured Venezuela finished second. Brazil, like Argentina, drew their opening two games, and again they followed the Argentina method after winning their final group game to secure progression. Two goals apiece from Neymar and Pato ensured Julio Cesar's error to allow Manchester City's Felipe Caceido to draw the sides level at 1-1 was irrelevant. The win ensured Brazil finished top of Group B, meaning they play Paraguay in the quarter finals, ironically who finished third in their group.

In the final group the trio of Chile, Uruguay and Peru all qualified. Chile overcame Peru thanks to a last minute own goal, ensuring the Chilians topped group C and a quarter final match with Venezuela. Uruguay went into their final game knowing defeat would've ended their Copa America campaign, however despite spurning many chances they beat a youthful Mexico 1-0, with Diego Forlan coming in for some criticism after missing countless chances for the World Cup semi-finalists.

Quarter final draw (predictions in brackets)

Colombia vs Peru (2-0)

Uruguay vs Argentina (1-2)

Brazil vs Paraguay (2-1)

Chile vs Venezuela (3-1)

Round 3 predictions (actual score in brackets)- Argentina 3 Costa Rica 1 (3-0), Colombia 2 Bolivia 0 (2-0), Brazil 1 Ecuador 0 (4-2), Paraguay 1 Venezeula 0 (3-3), Chile 2 Peru 1 (1-0), Uruguay 2 Mexico 0 (1-0)

Copa America round up

After the second set of group matches were played, favourites Argentina and Brazil find themselves in awful shape, with both third in their group after back-to-back draws.

In Group A a Costa Rican under 23 side overcame Bolivia who finished the game with nine men. The result saw Costa Rica move above Argentina in the group, ensuring a draw for them against the mighty Argentina would ensure qualification.

Argentina were fortunate to escape with a draw against Colombia, with the Colombians threatening to score the vital break through goal on numerous occasions in a dominated first half performance. In fact Colombia should have easily won the game, with Dayro Moreno missing an open goal, much to the players disbelief. Sergio Batista is expected to make wholesale changes for their final Group A game with Costa Rica on Monday.

In group B, Venezula overcame a poor Ecuador to take a suprise lead at the top of Group B. The win means Venezula can probably afford to lose their last game and still qualify, with two of the three third placed sides qualifying. In the same group Brazil needed a last minute leveller from Fred to rescue a point with Paraguay. Shakthar Donestk's Jadson opened the scoring late in the first half, only for Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Valdez to turn the game on its head. And with Paraguay looking like stealing a march on their South American rivals in the group with victory, Fred came off the bench to level the scores and seal a vital point for Brazil.


Chile and Peru are level on four points at the top of group C, with the later securing a late victory against a young Mexico side. Pablo Guerrero's 81st minute winner saw Peru add to their opening point with Uruguay and leave themselves in good stead after two games. In arguably the game of the tournament so far Uruguay drew 1-1 with Chile as Alexis Sanchez rounded of a lovely team move to rescue a point. Alvaro Perriera had given the World Cup semi-finalists a deserved lead after poor defending from the Chilians. Diego Forlan and Co will probably have to beat Mexico to ensure a place in the quarter-finals after two draws from two.

My round 3 predicitions
Argentina 3 Costa Rica 1
Colombia 2 Bolivia 0
Brazil 1 Ecuador 0
Paraguay 1 Venezula 0
Chile 2 Peru 1
Uruguay 2 Mexico 0

My round 2 predicitions- Argentina 2 Colombia 1 (0-0), Bolivia 1 Costa Rica 0 (0-2) Brazil 1 Paraguay 1 (2-2) Ecuador 2 Venezula 0 (0-1) Chile 1 Uruguay 1 (1-1) Peru 1-0 Mexico (1-0)

Why are Argentina suffering so badly?

If their first performance was bad, then Argentina's second was woeful. Colombia only have themselves to blame for failing to take all three points, with numerous guilt edged chances missed. Sergio Batista refused to change his line-up from their opener with Bolivia and their lack of width again was on show with star player Lionel Messi prefering to find space in the middle of the pitch. Their narrow formation with defensive midfielders would be fine if on either flank their full-backs were attacking, and with Javier Zanetti and Pablo Zabaleta prodominately defensive minded, it ensured Colombia could defend narrowly and send Argentina out wide.

At Barcelona, Messi can afford to roam into the centre of the park often because he knows on the other flank there is anout and out winger in Pedro, who ensures that the oppositions defence is stretched. However Eszquiel Lavezzi, who again was poor, isn't a winger and despite a very good season at Napoli is struggling to adapt to international football. If Batista is going to stick with this formation then he needs to ensure that he plays an out and out winger, and with Angel Di Maria on the bench, he has someone who can more then do a job.

At the World Cup many questioned Argentina's centre half duo of Martin Demichelis and Walter Samuel, however the performances of Nicolas Burdisso and Gabriel Milito made the duo looked Franceso Baresi esq, with Burdisso and Milito on three sepearate occasions gifting the Colombians one on one oppourtunities with Romero in the Argentine goal due to their severe lack of concentration at the back.

Batista is likely to come huge scrutiny for his team selections and substitutions. With Ever Banega, Estaban Cambiasso and Javier Mascherano all playing, the centre of Argentina's midfield lacks a real creative player with much sort after Javier Pastore not selected. If the team selection was hard to believe, the fact that Batista opted to leave Pastore on the bench for the entire game, deciding to replace Banega with a like for like replacement in Fernando Gago was completing dumbfounding.

Batista's team selection have baffled fans

At the World Cup under Diego Maradona Argentina were poor defensively, however they created chances at will, which at the Copa America they aren't doing. Many people questioned Maradona's managerial ability, however the team selection then seems much more logical then Batista's. Despite Juan Veron's ageing legs he still was able to find a pass, and with the attacking quartet of Messi, Di Maria, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain in front of him and Mascherano, the team had a better balance to them.

After Costa Rica's victory against Bolivia, Argentina's progression is in the balance, and if they are going to have a change of fortunes then Batista must change his team.

My team for the Costa Rica game
(4-2-3-1)
Romero, Zabaleta, Burdisso, Garay, Zanetti, Mascherano, Cambiasso, Di Maria, Pastore, Messi, Tevez/Higuain.

Messi doesn't appear as happy as he does playing for Barcelona

Argentina and Brazil make uninspiring start to the Copa America

With all 12 Copa America teams up and running its fair to say the start to the tournament is very tepid. Disappointing opening draws for Argentina, Brazil and suprise World Cup semi-finalisits Uruguay meant the tournament has failed to ingite so far, with four draws in the opening six games.

The hosts Argentina kicked off the 2011 tournament, and despite Sergio Batista's claim to play the Barcelona way, they failed to overcome Bolivia. With three defensive minded centre midfielders in Ever Banega, Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Mascherano, Argentina failed to break Bolivia down, with only two first half chances of note falling to Carlos Tevez and Ezequiel Lavezzi. The aformentioned duo infact had a poor game of the blue and white of Argentina, with both now favourites to be left out of their second match with group leaders Colombia. And despite sub Sergio Aguero's second half leveller the hosts kicked off in poor fashion.

Argentina's group A rivals Colombia overcame 10 men Costa Rica 1-0. An early red card for Costa Rica's Randall Brenes saw Colombian manager Francisco Maturana bring on another centre forward in Huge Rodallega and their extra attacking impetious paid divedend when Adrian Ramos broke from midfield to score the games winner.

If Argentina were bad in their opener then Brazil were poor as they stumbled to a goalless draw with group minnows Venezuela. When you think of Brazil you think of their samba attacking football, but currently their teams greatest strength is their defensive quality, and with the likes of Maicon and David Luiz on the bench, their strength in depth is very evident. However going forward they've only scored three goals in their previous six matches, and never looked like breaking down a young and resolute Venezuela side. Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that can alter to a 4-3-3, their forwards mirror those of Barcelona in height, however differ in quality. The three forwards Robinho and Pato played their best football for AC Milan last year when Zlatan Imbrahimovic was in the side, and without the threat of a real target man in their side it was all too easy for Venezula to keep Brazil at bay. The other group B game saw Paraguay draw 0-0 with Ecuador meaning all four teams have one point.

Bayern Leverkusen's Arturo Vidal scored the winner as Chile came from behind to beat a far from full strength Mexico team, who on the back of their recent Gold Cup success decided to take a second string squad to Argentina. The other two sides in Group C in Uruguay and Peru drew 1-1 as Liverpool's Luis Suarez rescued a point from the World Cup semi-finalists.

Round two predictions
Argentina 2 Colombia 1
Bolivia 1 Costa Rica 0
Brazil 1 Paraguay 1
Ecuador 2 Venezula 0
Uruguay 1 Chile 1
Peru 1 Mexico 0