Probably the closest thing to a Group of Death in this year’s Copa America, Group C kicks off on Sunday 14th June with Colombia against Venezuela, followed by Brazil versus Peru.
Copa América – Group C
Probably the closest thing to a Group of Death in this year’s Copa América, Group C kicks off on Sunday 14th June with Colombia against Venezuela at the Estadio El Teniente, followed by Brazil versus Peru at the Estadio Municipal in Temuco.
At first glance the favourites look obvious, but as always in international competitions, you can’t completely rule out a shock or two. Will we see an early scalp here?
Brazil
Brazil made history in last year’s World Cup, but not the type of history the football-mad nation expected. The Seleção’s 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-final was the heaviest ever in the competition and prevented the hosts from winning on home soil.
Since then, manager Dunga has re-entered the frame and defence is once again at the top of his agenda. Six-time winners of the Copa América, with their last victory coming in 2007, they have serious pedigree and are favourites to lift the trophy once more at 3/1.
Whether they can find the balance between attack and defence will have a big impact on their tournament hopes, but with the plethora of talent at their disposal, expect them to go far.
Star Man: Neymar
The 23-year-old already has a superb international record – 43 goals in 62 games – and he’s coming off a stellar treble-winning season with Barcelona too.
Would it have been a different outcome if the poster boy of Brazilian football hadn’t missed that fateful semi-final, we’ll never know, but expect him to be the leading man once more as his team aims for glory in Chile.
He’s chasing Pele’s 77-goal record and you can expect him to add a few to his growing tally this summer, but will he be top scorer? Grab him at 6/1 now.
Colombia
The surprise package of the World Cup, Los Cafeteros (The People of the Coffee) impressed in Brazil with a string of fine performances.
A strong outfit with a wealth of attacking talent, many of whom ply their trade for top European clubs, now have the experience of a major international tournament in their locker – and they’re definitely a force to be reckoned with.
Despite being among the favourites to win the tournament at 6/1, Colombia’s record over the past decade hasn’t been fantastic.
They went all the way in 2001 as hosts with a 1-0 win over Mexico, but have since failed to get past the quarter-finals.
Either way, one game you won’t want to miss is their rematch against Brazil. Not only are they their biggest competitor for Group C’s top spot, but there’s also a yearning for revenge following their last eight exit to them last summer.
Star Man: James Rodríguez
He announced himself to the world with six goals and two assists on football’s biggest stage, and earned himself a big-money move to Real Madrid, where he managed 17 goals and 15 assists (all competitions) in his debut season.
He might not be afforded the time and space he so deftly exploited in the World Cup, but he is the focal point of José Pékerman’s attack and you can expect most of their play to run through the 23-year-old.
He bagged himself the Golden Boot in Brazil and the 2014 Puskas award for this stunner, you can get him at 25/1 to be Top Scorer in Chile too.
Peru
A quick scan of the Peruvian squad will show you that they’re putting their faith into their stalwarts ahead of this year’s Copa.
The likes of Claudio Pizarro, Jefferson Farfán and Juan Vargas – all in their thirties – will lead the 23-man squad.
However, back in 2011 Peru did come third and their Argentine coach Ricardo Gareca will be hoping he can rely on that experience to make a run in this year’s competition.
Let’s not forget that they have that tournament’s top scorer, Paolo Guerrero, in their ranks too. He’s 125/1 to repeat that feat.
La Blanquirroja (The White and Red) are very much outsiders to emerge from a tough group, but do have an upset in them.
The likes of Brazil, their opening match opponents, will underestimate them at their peril.
Star Man: Jefferson Farfán
One of Peru’s most famous footballing exports, a key man to look out for is Jefferson Farfán.
The winger has impressed at Schalke since 2008 with his speed, dribbling and as an outlet turning defence into attack. Injury has cut short his playing time this season, but provided he’s fit, he has the ability to cause sides problems. He’s 200/1 to be Top Goalscorer.
Venezuela
The third lowest ranked side in the CONMEBOL, for Venezuela this really is a group of death.
Among South America’s more prestigious footballing nations they’ll be seen as rank outsiders, but they proved in the last Copa América that this is a label they embrace.
Case in point, in 2011 La Vinotinto (The Burgundy) reached the semi-finals for the first time by defeating Chile 2-1 in the quarter-finals.
Despite eventually losing 5-3 to Paraguay in a penalty shootout, they did themselves proud. However, with such a strong group in this year’s competition, it’s hard to see Noel Sanvicente’s men even making it to the knockout stages.
Star Man: Salomón Rondón
The 25-year-old striker joins the Venezuelan squad after playing a big part in Zenit St. Petersberg’s run to the Russian league title.
Arguably the most well-known player in the team, he’s also a proven goalscorer for club and country, with 85 goals in 234 appearances, an average of one in every three games.
He’s 150/1 to be Top Goalscorer in this year’s competition.
Group Prediction
Winners: Brazil (8/13 to win Group C)
Second place: Colombia (2/1 to win Group C)
Third place: Peru (12/1 to win Group C)
Fourth place: Venezuela (14/1 to win Group C)
