Copa America Group C and D: Team-by-team guide

Sport360 staff 13:17 02/06/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • South American stars Javier Hernandez, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.

    With Copa America upon us we have the lowdown on each and every team aiming to compete for honours in Groups C and D.

    From the key ins and outs to our predictions for this year’s competition, we have you covered.

    GROUP C

    MEXICO

    Manager: Juan Carlos Osorio

    Star man: Javier Hernandez (Bayer Leverkusen)
    Best finish: Runners-up 1993, 2001
    Strengths: Will be semi-hosts given the huge Mexican population in the USA. Hernandez has had a brilliant season in the Bundesliga while they look very strong in midfield with Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera.
    Weaknesses: Have an obligation to perform after a wretched 2015. There is considerable pressure on them.
    Verdict: If they can top the group and likely avoid Argentina the semi-finals, at least, are a distinct possibility.

    URUGUAY

    Manager: Oscar Tabarez
    Star man: Luis Suarez (Barcelona)
    Best finish: Winners x15
    Strengths: Suarez and Edinson Cavani in attack is a huge threat – although the Barca star won’t be there for the group stage due to injury so look out for the talented Diego Rolan. Atletico’s Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez also make for a formidable defensive duo.
    Weaknesses: No Suarez means they will be vulnerable.
    Verdict: Argentina beckon in the next round. Even Suarez may not be enough.

    JAMAICA

    Manager: Winfried Schafer
    Star man: Wes Morgan (Leicester City)
    Best finish: Group stage 2015
    Strengths: Schafer has pulled together a strong defensive steel and brought belief back to the Reggae Boyz after several wilderness years. Morgan and Crystal Palace’s Adrian Mariappa are rocks at the back.
    Weaknesses: Woefully out of form and lack any craft in attack or midfield to open up the best sides.
    Verdict: Will do exceptionally well not to finish bottom of what is a tough-looking group.

    VENEZUELA

    Manager: Noel Sanvicente
    Star man: Roberto Rosales (Malaga)
    Best finish: Semi-finalists 2011
    Strengths: A young and vibrant side augmented by some experienced internationals like defender Rosales and striker Salomon Rondon who have the ability to be match-winners.
    Weaknesses: In a dreadful run of form – one win in their last 14 games – and are so porous at the back, especially against the continent’s best sides.
    Verdict: Should beat Jamaica but Mexico and Uruguay will prove too good for them. An early exit.

    GROUP D

    ARGENTINA

    Manager: Gerardo Martino
    Star man: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
    Best finish: Winners x14
    Strengths: It doesn’t need spelling out but any team with Messi is going to have a very good chance of winning trophies. Outside of the little magician, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria add even more class.
    Weaknesses: How much Messi’s tax case in Spain will have an effect is anyone’s guess. Argentina are also still to unearth a pair of genuine class full-backs. They’ve also been known to choke when favourites.
    Verdict: With such a talented squad, it’s theirs to lose.

    CHILE

    Manager: Juan Antonio Pizzi
    Star man: Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich)
    Best finish: Winners 2015
    Strengths: The coach may have changed but the core of the side remains the same with Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Mauricio Isla and Charles Aranguiz. They are all familiar with each others games.
    Weaknesses: Will compete with any side but outside of Sanchez perhaps lack a goalscorer of genuine elite quality.
    Verdict: A cruel draw for the holders but a semi-final place is a realistic aim and then who knows what they can achieve.

    PANAMA

    Manager: Hernan Dario Gomez
    Star man: Blas Perez (Vancouver Whitecaps)
    Best finish: Tournament debut
    Strengths: Possess a veteran backline with each individual well-drilled and aware of their roles. Have some MLS-based talent who will be familiar with the surroundings.
    Weaknesses: Just don’t have any great individual quality and will be relying on workrate to get them through. That won’t work against the likes of Argentina and Chile.
    Verdict: With two heavyweights in their group, the Bolivia game on June 6 is their chance to make a mark on debut.

    BOLIVIA

    Manager: Julio Cesar Baldivieso
    Star man: Juan Carlos Arce (Bolivar)
    Best finish: Runners-up 1997
    Strengths: Arce can be a consistent source of goals while they can be neat and tidy in possession.
    Weaknesses: Things look bleak for the Bolivians. Firstly, they’re a different team away from La Paz. Secondly, key players have quit the national team and thirdly they have a deeply inexperienced squad.
    Verdict: Their opener against Panama will either be a confidence booster or compound the misery. Argentina and Chile, meanwhile, could really have some fun against them.

    Recommended