Copa America 2011 in Argentina!!
There is not a summer where we can not look forward to a great football tournament. This year is the turn…. of the South American version of the European Championship, the Copa America. 12 nations are fighting it out from the 1st of July until the 24th of July in 12 stadiums. This year Argentina are the hosts and the pressure on the argentine team is already mounting. Having the worlds greatest footballer, being the hosts and just falling short on the last 2 tournaments the public now expects the trophy back in Buenos Aires. And the odds certainly aren’t against Argentina, as usual, next to Brazil the tournament favourites. The 12-times Champions are having almost all superstars including Messi and Tevez available and seem in good shape judging by the recent thrashing of Albania in a friendly. It is time for Messi in particular to make his country proud as he regularly outplays himself for Barcelona but seems to under perform for the national side.
The other team to watch, of course, is Brazil. The defending Champions are looking to impress and set the tone for the coming World Cup in 2014 at their own country. You would have to be a seriously risky betting man if you were to place a winners bet on any other team than the big two.
Unfortunately as always, security fears remain a top issue. This weeks south American Champions League Finale was marred by a mass brawl after the game and the River Plate relegation game too was in the news for the wrong reason. I hope we don’t see any of these pictures during the tournament and enjoy the football we are used to coming from South America!
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