Who will win the Copa América?

HAVANA, Cuba.- The 48th edition of the Copa América will start in the United States this June 20 and will witness the bidding of 16 teams that will give their lives to lift the trophy of the oldest national team championship in the world.

A dozen South American teams and six from Concacaf will be distributed into four groups to settle a free-for-all in which only the best two from each group will survive, who will advance to the quarterfinals.

This is my review of the teams involved in the competition, with a personal prediction regarding the main contenders for victory.

GROUP A

Key game

June 25, Argentina vs Chile.

Argentina

After breaking a long drought in the Copa América and the World Cup, Lionel Messi’s albiceleste starts as a great candidate for the crown of a competition that it has won 15 times. Even Artificial Intelligence places her at number one in the line of possible champions.

Chile

Today’s La Roja lacks the intimidating appearance of the one that won two consecutive editions against Argentina. This is a team in reconstruction whose reins are held by Ricardo Gareca who will cling to the personality of the Chilean player. Be careful: this group recently faced France in a match where Les Bleus suffered greatly to win three goals to two.

Canada

The strongest credential that accompanies the Americans is a recent 0-0 draw against the French squad. Led by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, they will now try to shut the mouths of those who do not see them capable of fighting against their counterparts from the south of the continent.

Peru

The Incas appear as stone guests, occupying the last place in the Conmebol World Cup qualifiers and forced to take the event as a stage for the consolidation of game systems and search for starting elements. Little more.

B GROUP

Key game

June 30, Mexico vs Ecuador.

Ecuador

In the most even key of all, the Tricolor will take to the field as a favorite led by a platoon of physically fit players led by Moisés Caicedo. Here it will be extremely important to lead the quartet in order to avoid the most likely crossing with Argentina in the next stage.

Mexico

The Aztecs, who are always better in the mouth of their partials than on the grass, have just received a brutal defeat against Uruguay, although it is also true that later they were on the verge of equalizing against Brazil. Here it seems that they will not play more than four challenges.

Jamaica

El Tri is not going through its best moment, we already know, but with what it has it is more than enough to surpass some Caribbean players who will bet their few hopes on the attacking performance of Michail Antonio, a member of West Ham United.

Venezuela

Unless a Made in Salomón Rondón (or perhaps Yangel Herrera) miracle occurs, Vinotinto must say goodbye to the contest at the first opportunity. Any other outcome would abruptly skip the scripts.

GROUP C

Key game

July 1, Uruguay vs United States.

Uruguay

The Copa América is great for the Charrúas (15 trophies attest to it), and this time they land with a group where the tanned skin of Luis Suárez, José María Giménez and Rodrigo Bentancur combines with the firm skin of Ronald Araújo, Darwin Núñez or Facundo Pellistri. On top of that, behind them will be a tactical genius, Marcelo Bielsa.

USA

It is the host, it has the guarantee of beating Mexico in the recent Concacaf Nations League, it has elements of proven quality such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah, but the 5-1 beating received weighs heavily on everyone’s minds against Colombia on June 8.

Panama

The canaleros – it was more necessary – are hoping to get one of the two tickets to the rooms, but the truth is that this looks as complicated as making a good croissant. Realistically, their goal is to avoid fourth place.

Bolivia

Far from the height of La Paz, the Andean team tends to become a tame little lamb. I dare to say that this is not going to be the exception to this rule.

GROUP D

Key Game

July 2, Brazil vs Colombia.

Brazil

Perennial contender for strength, the Scratch du Oro appears adorned by the weight of history and the category of its individuals (Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick…), but weighed down by an irregular performance that has made it suffer in World Cup qualifiers where right now sixth gear. However, no one wants him as a rival.

Colombia

The coffee squad has been getting the hang of not losing, it gives the impression of being a compact team on each line, it enjoys the leadership of James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz and seems destined to shine in a big way in the tournament. From March to date, they defeated Spain, Romania, and overwhelmed the Americans. Be careful with Néstor Lorenzo and his boys.

Paraguay

As usual, the Guaraní prioritize collective work, with a marked emphasis on defense. Scoring goals costs them a lot of effort, but fortunately they have figures like Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso, made in the image and likeness of the Premier.

Costa Rica

The goodbye to La Sele of the legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas beheaded a team that (with and without the former Real Madrid and PSG goalkeeper) gives the sensation of being a bird of passage in the competition.

BALANCE GLOBAL

Big favorites: Argentina and Brazil.

Alternative candidate: Uruguay.Possible surprise: Colombia