- 20
- June
- 2024
Copa América 2024: Brazil, Argentina and Others
modified on 02 July 2024 à 14:58 Read : 4 minute(s) A A A
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The Copa América 2024 kicks off in the early hours of Friday (03:00 Beirut time) with a thrilling opening match between reigning champions and World Cup winners Argentina and Canada. The competition will be held in the largest stadiums in the United States.
While the major European nations have already been battling it out for a week in an explosive Euro 2024, the national teams of the two Americas will follow suit, competing in a new but eagerly anticipated edition of the Copa América 2024. Indeed, the 48th edition of the Copa América promises top-level entertainment from June 20 to July 14, 2024. This CONMEBOL tournament, exceptionally hosted in the United States, brings together the best South American teams along with six invited teams from CONCACAF.
Initially scheduled for 2023, Copa América 2024 now aligns with the leap years, creating harmony with other international competitions. This new edition marks a turning point, not only with its schedule but also with its location. Due to Ecuador's withdrawal, the United States was chosen to host the competition. This strategic choice aims to expand the audience and strengthen football ties between the two American continents.
The tournament sets the stage for a series of three major competitions in the land of "soccer," before the new version of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 and then the colossal 48-team World Cup co-hosted with Mexico and Canada in 2026.
Coinciding With Euro 2024
Notably, this edition of Copa América coincides with Euro 2024, currently taking place in Germany. This simultaneity of the two major football tournaments offers a unique opportunity for fans to compare the playing styles and talents of the two continents. For a month, the football world will be captivated by these two elite competitions.
Argentina and Brazil: The Eternal Favorites
As defending champions, Argentina will be vying to retain their title on American soil. Since their triumph at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro against the Seleção, the Albiceleste have added a third World Cup to their accolades. Under Lionel Scaloni's leadership, the Argentines have found a balance between youth and experience. Charismatic captain Lionel Messi remains at the peak of his game, surrounded by emerging talents like Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez. The Albiceleste, with their flamboyant play and formidable attack, will aim to defend their title and assert their dominance on the continent.
Brazil: A Legacy to Expand
Brazil, with its historic success in Copa América, is always a serious contender for the title. Coach Dorival Júnior has a squad rich in talent, featuring global stars like Vinícius Júnior. With his lightning speed, Vinícius has conquered European football, recently clinching a second Champions League title with Real Madrid. He is already poised to lead Brazil in the absence of Neymar, who underwent surgery in November for a ruptured cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee. Brazilian football, characterized by its technical prowess and creativity, remains a visual delight. The Brazilians are determined to reclaim the continental crown and erase the memory of their early exit in the previous edition.
Uruguay: A Formidable Outsider
Always competitive, Diego Alonso's team can rely on the experience of the indomitable Luis Suárez. Uruguay, with its physical and disciplined style of play, is often underestimated but possesses the tools to surprise the favorites. Uruguay seems to have the upper hand in Group C, which includes the host nation, the United States, Panama and Bolivia.
The 4 Groups of 16 Teams
- Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada
- Group B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica
- Group C: United States, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia
- Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica
During Copa América, CONMEBOL will test the pink card, reserved for substituting players who have sustained head injuries. This substitution adds to the five already permitted if there is suspicion of a concussion or cranial trauma.
Copa América 2024 promises to be an intense and competitive tournament, with each match expected to be decisive. Argentina and Brazil are the favorites, but they must watch out for outsiders like Uruguay and Colombia, as well as Mexico, who could spring a surprise. The stakes are high, and the spectacle will feature global stars.
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