2024 Copa America Draw Results and Reaction
The 2024 Copa America has had a busy week as the draw has now been completed. The 16 nations that will be heading to the United States were put into their group of four teams. With some of the world’s best teams competing in next summer’s 2024 Copa America, the draw was going to be important for teams to plan their path to the Copa America Final on July 14. The tournament starts on June 20 in Atlanta, Ga.
Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada/Trinidad and Tobago:
Argentina headlines this group as the defending Copa America and World Cup champions. If Peru and Chile continue their recent form, it will be easy sailing for Argentina. Peru have not won any of their last seven matches, while Chile has one win in their last seven. The most interesting factor of this group is if Canada or Trinidad and Tobago win the March playoff match. Canada qualified for their first World Cup in 36 years last winter in 2022, so they will be looking to make the knockout stage at the 2024 Copa America.
Trinidad and Tobago do not seem to scare any of their South American groupmates. This group should end up with Canada battling Peru and Chile for a second-place finish and a place in the quarterfinals. Lionel Messi and company seem poised for a shot to defend their 2021 Copa America title.
Predictions: 1) Argentina, 2) Peru, 3) Canada, 4) Chile
Group B: Mexico, Ecuador Venezuela, Jamaica:
This could be the toughest group to decide as all four teams could have a good chance at advancing. Mexico has the most Copa America invitations by any nation outside of South America with their 11th in 2024. Ecuador has one of the tournament’s best goalscorers in Ecuador’s Enner Valencia.
Venezuela is the only South American team to have never qualified for a World Cup. However, they have had more success in the Copa Americas with two straight quarterfinal finishes in 2016 and 2019. They can spice things up. The biggest question is how will Jamaica do in their third Copa America appearance. There are some big-name players such as West Ham’s Michael Antonio and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey. This group should be spicy for all 540 minutes plus some.
Predictions: 1) Mexico, 2) Venezuela, 3) Jamaica, 4) Ecuador
Group C: United States, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia:
Group C is looking like a two-horse race. Marcelo Bielsa has Uruguay playing some of their best football in a while, with back-to-back 2-0 wins over Brazil and Argentina in October and November. Uruguay’s new generation, led by Darwin Núñez, has a chance to make a statement in their second major tournament together. As hosts, the United States will have some home-field advantage and as the new “Kings of CONCACAF” will look to prove their Round of 16 appearance at the 2022 World Cup was just the start.
Panama and Bolivia have the chance to play spoilers but it does not look like either is up to the level. Bolivia has been less-than-impressive in their last nine matches, winning just once. Meanwhile, Panama has been hot, winning four straight and six since their Gold Cup Final loss to Mexico. Over that stretch, Panama beat Bolivia 2-1. That will surely add a bit more tension between the two.
Predictions: 1) Uruguay, 2) United States, 3) Panama, 4) Bolivia
Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica/Honduras:
As Argentina is in Group A, Brazil is the clear head of the class in Group B. The 5th ranked team in the FIFA rankings has some of the best players in the world such as Liverpool’s Alisson, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo, and Tottenham’s Richarlison. The big question will be if Neymar is able to join his fellow Brazilians after he underwent ACL surgery in November.
The South American giants have lost three straight including one to fellow groupmate Colombia. Colombia has not lost since February 2022 and looks to upset Brazil. Outside of them, there does not appear to be too much to worry about from Paraguay and either Costa Rica or Honduras.
Predictions: 1) Brazil, 2) Colombia, 3) Honduras, 4) Paraguay
***
Check out the Vendetta Twitch!!
SUBSCRIBE to the Vendetta YouTube!!
