| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 03/07/2007 14:17 |
Re: Copa America 2007
|
The expected wins for Paraguay & Argentina mean that they are both qualified for the quarter-finals - as are Venezuela & Mexico.
At the moment no team is yet out of the competition - although the USA & Colombia may well be before they conclude Group C.
In Group A Bolivia would qualify with a win over Peru while Peru just need a point in that game. A point would suit both Venezuela & Uruguay in their match - although Venezuela might need to win to win the group. They will know this by the time they play though as - unlike in most international tournaments - it seems that the last games are still staggered rather than kicking-off simultaneously. Rather ironic if that's the case as it was largely South American teams that were involved in earlier controversies that led to most tournaments adopting the "simultaneous" rule.
A point will also be enough for Chile against Mexico & Brazil against Ecuador. A two goal win for Ecuador against Brazil would be enough for them to progress unless the USA were able to beat Colombia by five goals or Colombia the USA by seven.
Actually looking at the relatively poor goal difference of both the USA & Colombia it's conceivable that Uruguay and/or Chile could still qualify as "best 3rds" even if they lose their last games.
My "cynical side" still suspects that one of Argentina & Brazil will win their group & one wont (thus ensuring they can't meet until the final). I hope I'm wrong though - not because I've got anything against either of these teams but because I'd like to see someone different in the spotlight for a change...