| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 10/06/2007 23:12 |
Copa America 2007
|
My predictions for the Copa America 2007
Group A
June 26: Uruguay 3 Peru 1.
June 26: Venezuela 2 Bolivia 0.
June 30: Bolivia 1 Uruguay 3.
June 30: Venezuela 1 Peru 0.
July 3: Peru 1 Bolivia 0.
July 3: Venezuela 1 Uruguay 1.
1-Uruguay------P3 W2 D1 L0 F7 A3 PTS7 GD+4
2-Venezuela----P3 W2 D1 L0 F4 A1 PTS7 GD+3
3-Peru-----------P3 W1 D0 L2 F2 A4 PTS3 GD-2
4-Bolivia---------P3 W0 D0 L3 F1 A6 PTS0 GD-5
Group B
June 27: Ecuador 1 Chile 1.
June 27: Brazil 1 Mexico 1.
July 1: Brazil 2 Chile 1.
July 1: Mexico 2 Ecuador 1.
July 4: Mexico 2 Chile 0.
July 4: Brazil 2 Ecuador 1.
1-Mexico------P3 W2 D1 L0 F5 A2 PTS7 GD+3
2-Brazil--------P3 W2 D1 L0 F5 A3 PTS7 GD+2
3-Ecuador-----P3 W0 D1 L2 F3 A5 PTS1 GD-2
4-Chile---------P3 W0 D1 L2 F2 A5 PTS1 GD-3
Group C
June 28: Paraguay 1 Colombia 2.
June 28: Argentina 2 USA 1.
July 2: USA 2 Paraguay 1.
July 2: Argentina 2 Colombia 1.
July 5: Colombia 1 USA 0.
July 5: Argentina 3 Paraguay 1.
1-Argentina----P3 W3 D0 L0 F7 A3 PTS9 GD+4
2-Colombia-----P3 W2 D0 L1 F4 A3 PTS6 GD+1
3-USA----------P3 W1 D0 L2 F3 A4 PTS3 GD-3
4-Paraguay----P3 W0 D0 L3 F3 A7 PTS0 GD-4
Quarter Finals
July 7: Uruguay 2 Ecuador 1.
July 7: USA 1 Brazil 2.
July 8: Mexico 1 Colombia 1 (Colombia win on pens).
July 8: Argentina 3 Venezuela 1.
Semi Finals
July 10: Uruguay 2 Brazil 2 (Uruguay win on pens).
July 11: Colombia 1 Argentina 2.
Third-Place Play-Off
July 14: Brazil 1 Colombia 2.
Final
July 15: Uruguay 1 Argentina 2.
| Sam |
| (member) |
| 11/06/2007 00:43 |
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Colombia to the semis? Uruguay to the final? That's quite a bold set of predictions... we shall see...
Sam
| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 11/06/2007 10:20 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
It is bold is'nt it. I just cant see Brazil doing as well in this tournament without some of there big names. Argentina have the strongest squad to me but i really did not know what to do with Chile, although i feel they are a decent team i just think being in Mexico's and Brazil's group. On Uruguay, they have reached the semi-finals of this tournament on a few occasions in recent times and may just go that bit further setting up what would be a very tasty final between two feiry close rivals.
| Sam |
| (member) |
| 11/06/2007 22:37 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Could be. When I was in Uruguay for a few days in January there was a lot of talk in the press about how the standard of their football isn't what it once was... at one point they picked the national side from across the Argentine and European leagues, now many of them are playing in an Uruguayan first division that, to put it kindly and not withstanding Nacional's run to this year's Libertadores quarter-finals, ain't what it once was.
That being said any side with Forlán and Chevanton up front is going to score some goals.
Sam
| subhankar_mondal |
| (member) |
| 12/06/2007 10:53 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
You know,I am gonna ask World Soccer to make a separate area for Copa America 2007......
| righteous1 |
| (member) |
| 12/06/2007 16:26 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Im not going to predict every result, but having looked at the groups and likely draws, I reckon the semi final line up will be:
Venezuela v Mexico
Brazil v Argentina
With the final being a re-match of that great World Cup second round game between:
Argentina v Mexico
With Argentina again narrow winners for their first trophy since 1993 after another hardfought fiery encounter.
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 12/06/2007 22:24 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I must say that I too am not too confident of Brazil's good results. The team is far from being the best we've got and lacking the team spirit. Many players have never played together and won't have enough time to practice in order to become a proper team, intead of just a group of players.
I am also suspicious of Dunga's skills as a manager as he doesn't have enough experience at it (he had neber managed a team before that...).
Nevertheless, we must not forget that it's the Brazilian National Team we are talking about and that even our 2nd squad has got plenty of great players. Maybe they will put on an extra effort oin order to ensure their place in the team.
Attention to Robinho, Diego and Helano, who played wonders for Santos when they first started...
Who knows?
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 12/06/2007 22:27 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
I just cant see Brazil doing as well in this tournament without some of there big names.
Let's not forget that we didn't have many of our big names in the last Copa America...
Do you remember the final result?
| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 13/06/2007 00:18 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I remember the final result mauricio, Brazil finished second in the group behind Paraguay who won the Brazilians 2-1. In the quarter final you destroyed Mexico 4-0 but then struggled once again winning Uruguay 5-3 on penalties in the semi final after a 2-2 draw then had to once again go to pens again in the final winning Argentina 4-2 in the shoot out after a 2-2 draw. Hardly convincing would you not say. Has for having your big players missing, well in the squad included Adriano (Internazionale); Mancini (AS Roma); Juan (Bayer Leverkusen); Luisao (Benfica); Ricardo Oliveira (Valencia); Edu (Arsenal); Cris, Maicon (both Cruzeiro). Not the strongest squad they could have fielded but hardly what i would call a weak team that lost in the League stage and had to rely on Penalties twice to get their hands on the trophy. I like Brazil and admire some of the players at their disposal but they are no longer has good has people make out. With Ronaldinho and Kaka out of the squad, i just cant see a repeat of 2004, i may be wrong but only time will tell. In my opinion, Brazil will rely far too much on Robinho and as good a player he is he still as flaws to his game and with him playing alongside Vagner Love up-front who does not impress me too much, i cant see where too many goals will be scored. Brazil should reach the semi finals but wont be as lucky on the penalty shoot out that they twice were three years ago.
| das |
| (member) |
| 13/06/2007 22:38 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I agree that brazil will stutter in the tournament but i would say that an argentina vs mexico final would be a cracker ! personally, i like to see the lesser teams do well so, i hope that venezuela do some damage. They are the hosts arent they ??
| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 13/06/2007 22:59 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Cannot disagree with you das. Mexico v Argentina would be a good final but we will just have to wait and see. I am really looking forward to watching the tournament but i am disappointed Kaka and Ronaldhino wont be featuring for the Brazilians.
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 14/06/2007 01:21 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
Has for having your big players missing, well in the squad included Adriano (Internazionale); Mancini (AS Roma); Juan (Bayer Leverkusen); Luisao (Benfica); Ricardo Oliveira (Valencia); Edu (Arsenal); Cris, Maicon (both Cruzeiro). Not the strongest squad they could have fielded but hardly what i would call a weak team that lost in the League stage and had to rely on Penalties twice to get their hands on the trophy.
That's kinda what I was trying to say, with one detail: many of the players you mentioned, as Adrano, Mancini, Edu, Cris and Maicon, and others like Julio Cesar (Internazionale) were not on the starting 11 and just estabilished themselves in the national team after that competition.
And my point was: We may not have the strongest squad possible, we may lack some of our best players, but we are still Brazil and just that yellow shirt alone has a great impact on the oponents. Sometimes it takes more than just skill to win the trophy (even tough it's still absolutely necessary).
We Brazilians are usually too critical over our national team. We often criticise them possibli more than they deserved. And this time it hasn't been different. BUt I think we can still kick Mexico's butt...
| subhankar_mondal |
| (member) |
| 20/06/2007 10:54 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Something tells me that this is going to be some Copa America. Looking at the group stage, you do fancy a tough battle between the teams,especially in Group C,which I predict will be a close call.
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 20/06/2007 21:36 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I don't see Group C as being a tough group. Argentina is going to have no problems being the first of the group, and Paraguay might get the second place if they get their forwards right...
Group B is the one I see as being the toughest one. Brazil and Mexico will provide us a good battle and Ecuador is going to be right beside them. Chile won't surprise them, I guess, but will put on some nice games.
| subhankar_mondal |
| (member) |
| 21/06/2007 10:46 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Oh,all apology. I got the Groups wrong. I actually meant Group B with the likes of Brazil,Chile,Ecuador and Mexico.
| jjvirgo |
| (member) |
| 21/06/2007 22:41 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Must admit I quite fancy the Mexicans to do well. They often perform pretty well at the Copa and are certainly capable of getting a result against Brazil. I can see them progressing quite well unless they come up against the Argentinians early on. Does anybody know if Riquelme has been named in the squad ? Thinking about it, is there a decent site that has all the official squad listsings yet ? There doesn't seem to be anything on the World Soccer site.
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 22/06/2007 00:41 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
The Wiki as ever isn't a bad starting point.
Some of the squad lists are more up to date than others. Argentina has Agustin Orion in because Ustari is injured for example while others are still showing provisional squads. But - as an example - I clicked on the link for the Colombia squad & the link gives you the final 22 man squad.
| Sam |
| (member) |
| 23/06/2007 01:12 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Jjvirgo - yes, Riquelme's been talked into 'un-retiring', and is in Argentina's squad.
Sam
worldsoccer
|
| (member) |
| 25/06/2007 11:35 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
Thinking about it, is there a decent site that has all the official squad listsings yet ? There doesn't seem to be anything on the World Soccer site.
The squad lists have all been posted on the site along with previews for each country. There's also the complete schedule and Tim Vickery's background article to the tournament which appeared in the World Soccer magazine.
Just click here for more:
http://www.worldsoccer.com/competitions/copa_america/index.php
| Pixy10 |
| (member) |
| 25/06/2007 17:07 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I've just put 20 euro on Uruguay to win the Copa, at 10-1. Am I mad or does anyone here think they have a chance? I know Brazil and Argentina are the clear favourites but Uruguay could have a reasonably smooth passage to the semis if they play well. Their defence (usually their strongest point) was awful in the 2006 WC Qualifiers but hopefully theyve stregnthened up, theyve had some good results in friendlies recently too. Also I know O.W. Tabarez is back at the helm ... reckon they could at least be best outsiders ...
| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 25/06/2007 17:15 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I for one dont think you are mad betting 20euros on Uruguay lifting the trophy. I have also predicted them to reach the final as my predictions above predicts, but i have them to lose to Argentina 2-1. I wish you luck in your gamble and having a bit of money on the tournament also adds extra interest on a personal level so enjoy.
| Pixy10 |
| (member) |
| 25/06/2007 17:25 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Yes, I think you could well be right. Between Argentina and Brazil I would favour Argentina, especially now that Riquelme has been brought back, and Brazil have been denuded of Kaka and Ronaldinho. It should be quite an exciting tournamnent ... looking forward to watching it on Sky Sports, particularly as I'm getting rid of the channel after the Copa! Group C certainly appears to be the 'Group of Death' so there could well be one or two surprises ...
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 25/06/2007 22:30 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Betting on Uruguay isn't what I would call a 'probable win', or else they wouldn't be paying 10-1... Uruguay was for a long time one of the major forces in South American football and they still have some power related to tradition (therefore no one could say you're mad! Uruguay is a two time world champion and the celeste is still respected over here), but they've been through some draught era, lacking new talents.
I think they'll probably get through Group A easily in first (it's the weakest group without a shadow of a doubt...), but from the Quarter finals (where they would play Colombia or the USA, in my opinion) and semi finals (they'll probably play Mexico, Ecuador or even Brazil), I don't see them passing through.
But as I said, they're a team with tons of tradition, and sometimes it counts!
As for Brazil, I don't see the absence of Kaka nad Ronaldinho being the worst factors for the Brazilian team (even though they're definetely incomparable), but I do fear the lack of coordination and strategy as Dunga hasn't shown what he wants to make with this team yet. So far he has only "experienced" players and formations. We are still waiting to see his true Brazilian side, as he believes it shoud be. No one knows for sure what's coming...
| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 25/06/2007 23:46 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
Betting on Uruguay isn't what I would call a 'probable win', or else they wouldn't be paying 10-1...
Odds regarding Uruguay winning the Copa America at 10/1 is an irrelavant fact, the bookmakers do not get it right every time. What price for instance would you have got for Sevilla winning a cup double this season just gone? What price was Norwich finishing 3rd in the English Premiership in the 1992-93 season, oh and what were the odds on Greece winning the 2004 European Championships despite not having any previous successes going into international tournaments, unlike Uruguay who have reached three Copa America semi finals over the last four tournaments. Uruguay has as good a chance as anyone in the competition although i do agree they are not as strong of late as they used to be. With Forlan and Chevanton however, how can they be written off?
| jjvirgo |
| (member) |
| 26/06/2007 13:20 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
worldsoccer - thanks for the link to the new Copa section. Excellent.
Just come across another decent page on the Copa as well, listing some of the previous tournament heroes...
http://www.midfielddynamo.com/cups/ca/10_heroes.htm
Thought it was quite a good balanced list as its not just full of all the obvious big names.
| Pixy10 |
| (member) |
| 26/06/2007 15:00 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
As for Brazil, I don't see the absence of Kaka nad Ronaldinho being the worst factors for the Brazilian team (even though they're definetely incomparable), but I do fear the lack of coordination and strategy as Dunga hasn't shown what he wants to make with this team yet. So far he has only "experienced" players and formations. We are still waiting to see his true Brazilian side, as he believes it shoud be. No one knows for sure what's coming...
I agree. Dunga was one of my all-time favourites as a player (who can ever forget the time when he attacked Bebeto at France 98 for not standing over the ball when the opposition were about to take a free kick), but I've seen quite a few Brazil matches recently (admittedly friendlies), and they have failed to gel into a really cohesive unit as yet.
However, given time, I think he'll do a decent job with the national team. But then again, if they fail to shine at the Copa, even a big name like Dunga will be shown the door - remember how Falcao was dismissed abruptly after Brazil's dismal showing at the 1991 Copa in Chile ...
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 26/06/2007 16:12 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Stephen
I don't think Mauricio is "writing off" Uruguay - just correctly pointing out they aren't "one of the favourites".
To be honest noone with a wedge of cash to lay down on the Copa is going to look far beyond Argentina & Brazil - but these two offer absolutely no value whatsoever for anyone who just wants to spend a few quid to heighten their interest in the action.
Uruguay aren't a bad choice in this regard given that they should comfortably negotiate their group at least. Of course if they finish second in their group - & Venezuela as hosts might win it - they next face Argentina...
Actually if I'm reading the quarter-final draw right I find it a bit odd.
Gp A 1st v 2nd best 3rd
Gp B 2nd v Best 3rd
Gp B 1st v Gp C 2nd
Gp C 1st v GP A 2nd
So - firstly you could end up playing the same team in the quarters as in the groups - if say the second best 3rd comes from Group A. And secondly - you're better off being second in Group B rather than first since in the quarters you play only a "best 3rd" rather than a second-placed team AND if Argentina win Group C you avoid them until the final!
Back to Uruguay. I said they "weren't a bad choice" but they wouldn't be my choice. In betting terms they are 3rd best & they might turn out to deserve that rating - at least. Then again they might not...
But in punting terms I don't really see Uruguay at 10-1 as much value either. They might go further in the competition than more speculative punts - but at the end of the day if you're only going to be second (or most likely 3rd) you might as well be last....
Looking at the groups:
Group A - Peru & Bolivia look weak to me & unless the hosts bomb I can see both Venezuela & Uruguay having two wins apiece before they meet in their final group game. You can therefore flip a coin as to who wins the group & probably wave Peru & Bolivia goodbye.
Group B - Chile are the hard ones to evaluate but given that they are without both Maldonado & Jimenez - as well as having opted to send Vidal & Sanchez to the World Youth Cup I'm nominating them as relative group whipping boys. Given the match schedule here - Ecuador start against Chile & finish against a Brazil side for whom finishing second in the group might be a good result (see above) I fancy Brazil, Mexico & Ecuador all to progress from this group.
Group C - Well I'm not sure how I rate the best USA side against the best South Americans - possibly I underrate them. But a second string US team? By my calculations of the 19 US players that took any part in the KO rounds of the Gold Cup (their priority) just six feature in the Copa -no Donovan, Mastroeni, Onyewu, Dempsey, Beasley, Ching, Bocanegra etc. - no chance. Colombia don't look that strong either - but I'd expect them to progress with Paraguay in 2nd & 3rd.
My tentative conclusion is that - at similar odds Mexico are somewhat better value than Uruguay. If they finish second to Brazil - as they are supposed too - their onward path actually looks a little better than Uruguay's & they are at least as good a side.
But if I was scratching around for a really speculative bet at very big odds - what about Ecuador? I know all about the advantages of altitude - but they've qualified for the last two World Cups and acquitted themselves reasonably well in the finals (especially in Germany) - unlike the majority of teams that aren't Brazil or Argentina - they aren't "in transition" or already talking about the Copa as "good preparation for the next World Cup qualifiers" & have a match schedule that - assuming Chile don't have great strength in depth - seriously favours their progress.
I'm probably missing something but even allowing for Agustin Delgado not playing anymore & their Copa record being lousy 66-1 seems bloody big odds relative to 10-1 Uruguay...
Argentina will probably win it though...
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 27/06/2007 00:02 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
Group A - Peru & Bolivia look weak to me & unless the hosts bomb I can see both Venezuela & Uruguay having two wins apiece before they meet in their final group game. You can therefore flip a coin as to who wins the group & probably wave Peru & Bolivia goodbye.
I don't see Peru as a weak team in this group. Actually, I believe they'll be the ones to make Uruguay sweat. Venezuela has never had a good team and certainly hasn't got one now. The fact they're playing home shouldn't be such an advantage, I think.
I also believe you got group B right on. The thing is that I don't know who is coming in 3rd. Mexico and Ecuador is probably going to be a good match...
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 27/06/2007 01:14 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
I don't see Peru as a weak team in this group. Actually, I believe they'll be the ones to make Uruguay sweat.
Uruguay 0 Peru 3 - shows how much I know...
I blame World Soccer though - since they gave me most of my initial information on the tournament - at least with regard to the teams that haven't been to a World Cup for a while. To be fair they (or Brian Homewood to be precise) did suggest that Peru might "sneak into the quarters from a weak group" but the general tone of the piece wasn't very optimistic. Venezuela - on the other hand - are supposed to be on the crest of a wave...
For once I wish I had Sky Sports & the opportunity to watch these games. I was hoping they might pop up on one of the old German satellite channels I still have access to - but sadly not. I even took Stephen's advice & tried sopcast - but somehow having apparently downloaded the software makes absolutely no difference to my ability to see the game - 20 minutes later it's still allegedly "connecting".
| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 27/06/2007 09:12 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Unfortunately i could not get connected to watch the game last night either. The more people who are watching the game at the time, the harder it seems to connect to the channel. Take Ricky Hatton's fight in the early hours of sunday morning, i also failed to connect the channel. Obviously a lot of people were on-line for both events. Maybe if we get in an hour before kick off we may have more luck but it is still worth persevering. On the Uruguay result, well i was quite frankly shocked and my predictions for the tournament have already hit a brick wall.
| Alan |
| (member) |
| 27/06/2007 10:36 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Hello everyone
iI'm new to the forum, decided to sign up so to keep up to date with the Copa America.
What do you think of Mexico's chances at this years finals?
I was really impressed with them at last years world cup, defenders were all comfortable on the ball and could interchange positions well. Maybe just lacked a top class finisher to take them a stage further.
I was also thinking back to the 1st time i saw the Copa America on Sky Sports back in 1995. I seem to remember Argentina being robbed by Brazil in the semi finals when Tulio handled the ball in the box then scored!!
Alan
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 27/06/2007 12:06 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
What do you think of Mexico's chances at this years finals?
It's difficult to say - even more so after my predictions for Group A's opening games proved so wide of the mark!
I too was very impressed with them at the World Cup. Argentina-Mexico for me was the game of the tournament. But their results (& I believe their performances) at the Gold Cup weren't all that great.
I still think they will do OK though. A better bet than Uruguay as a "surprise winner" (as I wrote above before last night's games).
One specific thing that concerns me slightly. I thought Rafael Marquez was Mexico's best player (& one of the best in the tournament) as a holding midfielder at the World Cup but Sanchez apparently tends to use him in defence. At least that was the case pre-Gold Cup - for anyone who watched that tournament is that still the case?
| Pixy10 |
| (member) |
| 27/06/2007 15:25 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Well my bet took a bit of a hammering last night! I had the fortune (or misfortune) to stay up last night and watch the Peru-Uruguay match. First of all Peru looked very well organised, and limited Uruguay to only one real chance in the whole game, counter-attacked well and I dont think the 3-0 score flattered them - in fact they played the way Uruguay have been playing for many years.
As for Uruguay, they were desperately disappointing. The much vaunted Forlan and Estoyanoff might as well have been playing on different planets the way they ignored each other. There was also no real rhythm in their passing. Pablo Garcia, the anchorman, and Lugano the sweeper, were only players to come out with any credibility. Also astonishing was Uruguay's complete inability to deal with crosses and set-pieces in defence. However, the draw between Venezuela and Bolivia still leaves the group wide open...
I would like to see Mexico do well, as they play the right brand of football. After last night's performance by Peru, however, whose to say some other 'outsider' won't emerge, possibly Colombia or indeed the Mexicans ...
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 27/06/2007 22:30 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
What do you think of Mexico's chances at this years finals?
I quite like Mexico's football, but I think their chances were drastically reduced because of the loss of their most important striker, Borgetti - he's got a muscular injury on the left leg. But I still think they will qualify to the next round.
As of Uruguay, I'm still positive they will qualify to the next round. Venezuela and Bolivia are nothing more than punching bags. Even being the home team Venezuela doesn't stand much of a chance. And regarding their game against Peru, I thought Uruguay's most problematic area was the midfield. There was no creativity whatsoever from the Uruguaian part. They need a skilled and creative player playing over there to come up with good plays...
Today we'll have Brazil x Mexico. Probably a great match (maybe the best of this first phase). Im already watching our sports channel over here...
| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 27/06/2007 22:37 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Hi badgerboy, i know its only 60 minutes to kick off but you can watch the Copa America game Ecuador v Chile tonight if you click on Sport5Liive on windows media player. Thats if you read this before kick off or you are watching it anyway. If so enjoy the game/s.
| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 28/06/2007 10:45 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Did anyone see the Mexico v Brazil game last night, if so what are your thoughts on the Brazilian performance. For me they showed signs that do not look good enough to win the Copa America going down 2-0 to the Mexican's. The Brazilians started reasonably well but when they went a goal down, heads appeared to drop. Of course, it's only early days and improvement can be acheived as i expect them to win their remaining two fixtures in the group finishing second but they do vastly need to improve and fast.
Check out brief highlights here... Mexico v Brazil Highlights
In the other game of the night Chile made an amazing fight back coming back from 2-1 down to defeat Ecuador 3-2 with two goals in the last 12 minutes, the 86th minute winner being a wonderfully struck free-kick. Chile v Ecuador Highlights Chile v Ecuador Line-ups
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 28/06/2007 12:15 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I didn't get the chance to watch last night - I just found some highlights on youtube before I logged on here.
I'm glad I'm not betting on individual match outcomes as I'd be 0/4 so far. Although Mexico/Brazil might've been 50/50 given the fact that Brazil will be quite happy to finish second as this means they should avoid Argentina until the final. I'm not saying for a minute they were "happy to lose" yesterday just that things somehow (annoyingly to me) always seem to work out that way. Great first goal by Castillo I thought.
I only saw the goals in the Ecuador-Chile game so don't know what the balance of play was like - but good goals (especially from Chile) & they looked pretty good - especially without quite a few of their best/most promising players.
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 28/06/2007 21:31 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Brazil's game last night was a complete disaster. Not just because of the defeat, but because of the way the team (if we may call it that) played. It looked like the 11 (or 14 as three substitutions were made) players were complete strangers to each other and hadn't had a minute of practice together before. Even during the second half, when Mexico laid back and waited for Brazill to come and explore the copunter attacks, Brazil didn't build too many chances of scoring. Actually, Mexico was the one who had the best chance with Castillo, who missed an incredibly easy shot.
It didn't take much effort for the Mexican team (without many of their most important players) score two against Brazil (and their weak goalie). But the Mexicans didn't show enough football to be considered favourites for the title. Argentina is still the one most likely to win the trophy. Let's wait and see how they do tonight.
| Sam |
| (member) |
| 28/06/2007 23:34 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Badgerboy and Steven - have you used Sopcast much? You might want to check your firewall's not blocking it. Otherwise try deleting the files, clearing your internet history and temporary files, and re-downloading and installing it.
Also, most of the channels only get put online about two minutes before the game starts - which can in some cases (like the Copa Libertadores final) be up to 10 or 15 minutes later than the advertised time. It's South America, remember. You can't expect them to be punctual...
Good tournament so far, incidentally. Now, can USA Reserves pull off a shock against Argentina tonight?
Sam
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 28/06/2007 23:55 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
Badgerboy and Steven - have you used Sopcast much? You might want to check your firewall's not blocking it.
I haven't used it at all. I concluded tonight my downloading of the software probably hadn't worked properly but I usually (or at least used to) get messages if I was doing something my firewall didn't want me to.
| Sam |
| (member) |
| 28/06/2007 23:59 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
You should get messages from your firewall telling you it's blocking it, yes, but it's worth checking the list of 'blocked' and 'allowed' programs all the same.
You're not on Vista, are you?
Sam
| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 29/06/2007 00:35 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
Badgerboy and Steven - have you used Sopcast much? You might want to check your firewall's not blocking it. Otherwise try deleting the files, clearing your internet history and temporary files, and re-downloading and installing it.
Thanks for the info Sam, i deleted sopcast last night and downloaded it from scratch and all seems fine again. I have used sopcast for around four months now and its a great little programme, ok you dont always get to watch the games you want to but what can you expect for free.
Thanks again sam, much appreciated.
Ste
| Sam |
| (member) |
| 29/06/2007 00:41 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Glad you've got it back up, and, erm, sorry for mis-spelling your name - I've done it on the 'Barca sign Henry' thread as well, I think, and only just noticed. I know how annoying it is because believe it or not people manage to spell my surname (Kelly) incorrectly all the time!
Sam
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 29/06/2007 03:46 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Paraguay 5 0 Colombia ...
Roque Santa Cruz scored 3 times and Cabañas scored twice. If Paraguay really got their forward line in shape, they'll be good competition for Argentina. Remember, they play against the Argentineans on the last round of the first phase. If they beat the Americans and have a higher numbers of goals scored, they'll play the Argentines for a draw in order to get the first place in the group. It's possible...
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 29/06/2007 04:06 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
For some reason I always seem to have grief with these things.
I deleted whatever part of Sopcast I'd previously downloaded & then tried again from scratch via the site Stephen suggested initially & nothing happened at all - I guess due to a problem with the site. I'm trying again now but all I seem to get with anything sopcast related is a "connecting" message which never turns into a "connected" one.
I also attempted to get my firewall to grant an exception for sopcast (in case that's a problem) but for some reason that didn't work either!
I think I'll have to settle for watching the highlights on the internet tomorrow morning.
| Sam |
| (member) |
| 29/06/2007 22:43 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Which site did Stephen recommend? I can't remember the thread it was in to look for it, but try the download from the official sopcast site if it wasn't that one you first attempted. There's a new version out so if it's a month or two since your first use, you may find that solves some things.
Make sure the old one is fully uninstalled and totally scrubbed off your system first, mind.
Sam
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 29/06/2007 22:53 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Argentina played really well yesterday and defeated the Americans by 4-1. The Americans started ahead and the Argentineans took a while to impose their rythm, but in the second half they commanded the game and showed they're really the favourites for the title.
As a Brazilian (and an Argentina's football rival) it hurts me to aknowledge that they are the best team of the competition... But they are.
| stephen_woodside |
| (member) |
| 29/06/2007 22:57 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
The site i directed badgerboy to sam is the exact same site that i have been watching live football on for the last four months. There must be something blocking badgerboy's ability to connect to the site and watch these live games as i am certain he has done everything possibly correct to access the games from the site, what the problem is i cant say. What official sopcast page you have just posted takes you strangely to a world soccer page that reads error 404. This is no criticism to you has you are trying to assit like me but if you can resolve this problem , please do as i have ran out of options now.
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 30/06/2007 00:45 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I've actually tried downloading the software from the official sopcast site and the site Stephen first recommended
- which is this one . I deleted the first download from my system completely (or at least as completely as I know how) before trying the second download.
Neither seemed to work - or at least if it did I didn't know how to make it work! I got a whole bunch of files in a folder one of which was something like "main sopcast" and had a list of channels but whether I tried connecting through that channel list or going back to the Myp2p site & connecting to the channels through that - nothing worked. So I assumed something has gone wrong somewhere along the line...
Not to worry. Other than being milded annoyed that I can't get something apparently comparatively simple to work it's no big deal.
I'm more annoyed that I didn't have at least a fiver on Paraguay - as well as Ecuador - given I couldn't believe the high odds of either team (compared to say Uruguay) at the start of the tournament. They probably wont win it but 5-0 in the first game suggests it would've been worth wasting a fiver just for the ride...
| Sam |
| (member) |
| 30/06/2007 00:53 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Stephen - That's odd. I typed the address in properly when I made the post. Anyway the official address is sopcast.com, but Badger's tried that too so...
I only suggested it because sometimes forums / other sites have links to download old versions (obviously they're updated as frequently as possible but some updates for some programs do get missed), so it was worth a stab.
Anyway, back on-topic... Mauricio, I couldn't catch the Argentina game myself (too late at night considering I had to be up for work today) but 'played well' certainly weren't the words the Argentine papers were using this morning! 4-1's not a bad score bearing in mind some of the trouble they've had adjusting to life post-Pekerman, though, and it's great (as a River fan) to hear Aimar came off the bench and made the difference. Not that Basile will let Aimar's or Tevez's performances affect his starting XI, of course...
Sam
| Pello |
| (member) |
| 30/06/2007 01:17 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
Argentina played really well yesterday and defeated the Americans by 4-1. The Americans started ahead and the Argentineans took a while to impose their rythm, but in the second half they commanded the game and showed they're really the favourites for the title.
I have to say some credit should go to the Americans.
They field what basically is a C-team. Still, they were very tactically disciplined and stumped the Argentinians for much of the game by meeting them high up on the pitch, blocking much of their one-touch passing lines and effectively removing Messi from the action.
(The game actually reminded me of Argentina - Sweden in 2002 where a superior Argentinian team were tactically outsmarted by the Swedes and Argentina were sent home after barely managing a draw.)
Eddie Johnson posed more of a threat than I had expected but unfortunately he didn't really challenge the Argentinian defenders with his pace - even on the penalty situation he looked like he had squandered a great chance by overthinking it, before being knocked over.
Things kinda fell apart after Argentinas second but if Argentina has this much trouble breaking down the US I don't really see them cruising in this tournament.
The US have a chance of squeezing through to the next round by getting three against a clearly weak Colombian side but I don't see them going very far.
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 30/06/2007 15:07 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
it's great (as a River fan) to hear Aimar came off the bench and made the difference.
I'm not a River fan myself, but as an Aimar's football fan (for I think he's a great player), I was also happy to see him play. But I wouldn't go as far as saying that he made the difference. He scored a nice goal, that's true (although Messi was preparing what could have been a beautiful shot just behind him. Would he have got it right, I wonder), but so did Tevez, who played only for a few minutes. Riquelme had flashes of a good performance, but most of the time he was kind of disconnected from the game. Messi, in my opinion, was the one who made the difference in the second half. Playing through the left wing he had much more space in the second half.
I too would like to see Argentina playing Aimar (who did play very well, don't get me wrong) instead of Cambiasso. Especially against Colombia, once that Cambiasso's defensiveness is not gonna be so necessary... But will that happen?
| Sam |
| (member) |
| 30/06/2007 15:27 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I wouldn't call Cambiasso defensive but he's got more bustle and less finesse than Aimar, obviously. Of course, Aimar's really a 10 whereas Cambiasso's an 8(*), but I agree that it might be better to use Aimar - perhaps instead of Verón, who from what I've heard did very little all game against the States.
But I'd be surprised if Basile changes anything, he's a stubborn git.
Sam
(*) For the benefit of those not familiar with Argentina's system of 'football positions by numbers', '10' as we all know is a playmaker, normally a forward who drops deep rather than a midfielder who pushes up, but it's a flexible enough category for Riquelme to be included in it. '8' refers to a box-to-box player like Cambiasso, Keane, Essien etc., and a '5' plays in the 'holding' position but doesn't necessarily defend a lot - he's really a deep-lying playmaker. Gago, Mascherano, Redondo, Passarella, Ardiles - all are examples of different guises of the '5'.
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 01/07/2007 17:23 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I've just got round to watching the brief highlights from yesterday's games.
It looks like the referee may have favoured the hosts slightly (how unusual to see that in football!) as Venezuela beat Peru 2-0. Peru down to 10 after 15 minutes - possibly the right decision as the Peru player was definitely guilty of a flailing elbow even if the reaction was (again unusually) an oscar contender. It looked like Peru should've had a penalty in the second half with the score still at 1-0 though. And I thought there was at least a hint of offside about Venezuela's second.
In the other game Uruguay moved right back into contention in the group by beating Bolivia 1-0.
Venezuela lead the group with 4 points & play Uruguay (3 pts) in their last match. Peru (3 pts) play Bolivia (1 pt). Depending on how the other groups develop in the next few days it may be that a draw favours both Venezuela & Uruguay. I'd expect Peru to see off Bolivia but then I've been wrong a few times already in the tournament so far...
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 02/07/2007 16:57 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Brazil 3 Chile 0
A Robinho hattrick - the last two of which were pretty decent goals. I only saw brief highlights of the game (about 9 minutes) but Brazil didn't look as dominant as the score suggested. Their first was a dubious looking penalty (at least to me) & they didn't really take the game by the scruff of the neck until Robinho's second quite late in the day. Chile certainly had their moments & with Mexico already through I'd fancy their chances of making the next round.
Mexico progressed (although possibly that's not yet confirmed mathematically) by beating Ecuador 2-1. The first goal was some very neat interpassing finished off by Castillo. I think this month's WS had a piece on him saying that Mexicans were beginning to question "was he worth the trouble?" (he had the option to play for both Uruguay & Greece too). Early indications are that the answer is a resounding"yes".
With Brazil left to play it's probable that Ecuador will go home with zero points - hence justifying the bookies astronomical odds at the start of the tournament. From what I've seen of their games though (again only brief highlights) they've contributed a lot more to the competition than a lot of teams I've seen go a lot further in other tournaments.
One correction on my last post. The second Venezuela goal definitely wasn't offside. That's what you get for watching edited highlights in a language (Portuguese) you don't understand...
| Pixy10 |
| (member) |
| 02/07/2007 18:22 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Brazil, again, were disappointing, and Robinho really was the difference. He was simply superb, particularly in the later stages of the contest. It was a fairly close game, however, and Suazo missed a great chance to equalize for Chile after 70 minutes. There was also an inept performance from the referee, Carlos Torres from Paraguay, who took an eternity to get the game restarted after Robinho converted his first half penalty.
I agree that Ecuador have been a little unlucky. Had they been places in Group A they would probably have been a good bet to qualify.
One would have to fancy Argentina to beat a dispirited Colombian side, and Paraguay to defeat a weak USA team in tonight's matches ...
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 02/07/2007 22:42 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
The main problem with the Brazilian team is, in my opinion, that they're not playing as a team. Dunga is failing with flyingh colors in his managing position (He was not qualified, to begin with, and some say that he's only filling the position until Luiz Felipe Scolari is available after Euro 2008). The fact is that this is not even close to being the best Brazilian national team possible (even without Kaka and Ronaldinho) and, despite the fact that a renovation is in progress (only players who may play the 2010 World Cup are being called to the Brazilian team), they could do much better.
It is possible that they start playing better as the tournament progresses, due to more practicing time, but I wouldn't bet on it.
I might be wrong (and I sort of hope to be), but I don't think Brazil will make it much further.
| 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...
| subhankar_mondal |
| (member) |
| 04/07/2007 07:57 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I have been out of the loop,mates,so I have to just fit in all my takes on the Copa America.
My first observance has been the woefulness of the Brazilian national team. Even though,this Brazilian national side is bereft of the likes of Kaka,Ronaldo and Ronaldinho,still the football that these bunch of players have playted have been hard to digest. Robinho is the only outstanding Brtazilian so far in the competition and that tells. I have been anticiapting fireworks from Diego(and I am more than certain that Darren too must have doing the same) but he was pretty ordinary in his first game against Mexico. The U-20 World Cup side too were pushed to the corne in their first match and is there a common thread of connectivity out there or am I readng too much into this matter?
Argentina have played the best football of the competition so far though it comes as a little surprise since they have send a full strenght side to the Copa America and 8 goals in two matches tells really! Riquelme has been wrecking havoc and no doubt that he is back to prove a point or twop about his international comeback from retirement. I would like to see more of Tevez and Gago though.
Mexico have been another team to watch. Their game is built on counter-attack but they scred twice against Brazil and have already booked their place in the quarte-finals. Venezuela have been inmpressive too in their own back alley and maybe this competition would provide them the platform on which to build for the future. Uruguay have been hugel;y disappointing though.
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 04/07/2007 13:58 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Last night saw the conclusion of Group A.
In the first match Peru twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Bolivia & progress to the last 8. Two headed goals from Claudio Pizarro - both from set-pieces were enough against a Bolivia side who (based on brief highlights) appeared to produce the neater football. Their two goals - from Moreno & Campos - were both of an excellent standard.
Perhaps predictably the second match between Venezuela & Uruguay petered out in a 0-0 draw - a result both sides could be very happy with. Venezuela qualify as group winners and Uruguay are sure to be one of the best thirds.
| Pixy10 |
| (member) |
| 04/07/2007 15:45 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Not only that, but it looks like Uruguay, with 4 points and a -2 goal difference, may well be the 2nd best 3rd placed side, meaning they would face Venezuela (again) for a place in the semi-finals. Not a bad result for both sides, especially Uruguay, since I backed them to win the Copa. The idea of having non-simultaeneous last round group matches has been proven to be unfair (Argentina - Peru in 1978, West Germany - Austria in 1982), but television and money, it seems, still rule the roost ...
To tonights games, I expect Brazil to beat Ecuador and Chile to possibly get the draw they need against Mexico to ensure qualification.
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 05/07/2007 23:02 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
The idea of having non-simultaeneous last round group matches has been proven to be unfair (Argentina - Peru in 1978, West Germany - Austria in 1982), but television and money, it seems, still rule the roost ...
I would go a little bit further here. It seems the confrontations in this Copa America have been arranged so as the home team (Venezuela) would have a much easier way through to the finals. It may only be my imagination but something is kind of odd, just take a look in group B and ask yourself, would you prefer to be the 1st or 2nd in that group?
Brazil was once again devastatingly dissapointing. Even though Dunga has not called the best players he could (and he also called a handfull of some I don't see worthy of the national jearsey - but that was his choice!), This team could be playing a much better football. But they have not system, no definite formation and no credibility with the coach, as it seems. Only a bad half time was enough to make Dunga change Anderson for Diego in the first game. Then Anderson started the second game against Chile and a poor half time (not only Anderson's, but the entire team played badly - with the exception of Robinho, as usual), and he was out. In came Julio Batista who, after a mediocre half time against Ecuador was sacked and in came Diego again... And to tell the truth, it's gotta be really hard to be an offensive midfielder - or a forward for that matter - in Dunga's team, playing with 3 deffensive men in the midfield, who miss 2 meter passed to the side.Let's just hope Dunga faces reality and makes some deep changes in that team, or I'm scared of facing ARgentina eventually. It might be a historical game, so hard a beating it will probably be...
As for Argentina, they keep giving me the impression they play knowing they can score whenever they feel like it. It seems they're just asleep and, when the other team scores the first goal (as the USA and Colombia did) they wake up and then the beating begins. It will be hard to take the trophy away from those guys.
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 05/07/2007 23:50 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
I would go a little bit further here. It seems the confrontations in this Copa America have been arranged so as the home team (Venezuela) would have a much easier way through to the finals. It may only be my imagination but something is kind of odd, just take a look in group B and ask yourself, would you prefer to be the 1st or 2nd in that group?
I noticed that.
Quote:
Actually if I'm reading the quarter-final draw right I find it a bit odd.
Gp A 1st v 2nd best 3rd
Gp B 2nd v Best 3rd
Gp B 1st v Gp C 2nd
Gp C 1st v GP A 2nd
So - firstly you could end up playing the same team in the quarters as in the groups - if say the second best 3rd comes from Group A. And secondly - you're better off being second in Group B rather than first since in the quarters you play only a "best 3rd" rather than a second-placed team AND if Argentina win Group C you avoid them until the final!
..except I missed how beneficial that should've been for Venezuela (assuming Brazil & Argentina had both actually won their groups) and only realised today that Brazil finishing second means they avoid Argentina until the final regardless of what Argentina do today.
Maybe Brazil's mediocrity so far is simply Dunga's "cunning plan" to give his team the easiest path to the final (no Mexico or Paraguay either). And they might only have to play really well once to win the thing...
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 06/07/2007 02:56 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
Maybe Brazil's mediocrity so far is simply Dunga's "cunning plan" to give his team the easiest path to the final
I would like that to be it. But I wouldnt bet on it though. Dunga is definetely not that sly...
| subhankar_mondal |
| (member) |
| 06/07/2007 07:52 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
The quarter-final draw is as follows:
Venezuela v Uruguay
Brazil v Chile
Argentina v Peru
Mexico v Paraguay
I expect Venezuela to go past Uruguay though I base my prediction on the massive home support that they have. Brazil should win again Chile but I do anticipate a much closer match. Also Brazil have to improve vastly and not rely too heavily on Robinho.
Argentina are the favourites to win the Copa America and I predict them to win by at least three clear goals against Peru,who have been impressive. Mexico v Paraguay has to be the tie of the round but I am behind Mexico purely for the enjoyment and delight that they have provided me with through their display in the Copa America.
| Pixy10 |
| (member) |
| 06/07/2007 17:43 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:Quote:
Maybe Brazil's mediocrity so far is simply Dunga's "cunning plan" to give his team the easiest path to the final
I would like that to be it. But I wouldnt bet on it though. Dunga is definetely not that sly...
I don't know Mauricio ... this was the guy who published a book, during his time in Japan with Jubilo Iwata, on Malicia ; basically about how to be more 'professional' in football - effectively how to cheat and get away with it!
But seriously, joking aside, I don't think there's any question of Dunga sending his team out to play below par, so as to finish 2nd in the group and secure an easier passage to the final.
Personally I look forward to a Brazil - Uruguay quarter-final, though both sides have been dreadful up to now - particularly the Celeste, who have only scored one goal thus far!
| Pixy10 |
| (member) |
| 06/07/2007 17:47 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Apologies for the above error: I meant I'm looking forward to a possible Brazil - Uruguay SEMI-FINAL ... no disrespect to Venezuela who have done very well so far.
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 06/07/2007 22:30 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Dunga is currently going through some heavy criticism here in Brazil. As I think I've mentioned somewhere here before, Some people (journalists with some serious inside information) say that Dunga is only filling the managing position until Felipão (Luis Felipe Scolari, Portugal manager) is done with the Portuguese team after Euro 2008. But with the results and especially with the porr quality football the team is playing, Dunga is under some serious risk of wasting this great oportunity to show his a serious candidate for this position in the next World Cup. I really don't think he would jeopardize it by intentionally asking his team to play like that. If being 2nd in the group was the issue, he would only lose the first game to Mexico, say it was one of those things in football, when some days you just don't seem top get it right, and would play their best against Chile and Ecuador, showing what his team was really like.
I think Dunga was a great player, who had tons of malicia (or slyness) as a player. But as a manager he has yet to show why he was hired for the highest Brazilian managing position.
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 07/07/2007 17:19 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I think it must just be the case that God or at least the "God of Football" is Brazilian.
I just watched highlights of Brazil v the USA in the U20 World Cup. Had Brazil got the equaliser they were so clearly striving for they would've finished second in their group & faced Argentina next. As it is they are third & still allegedly "sweating on qualification". I'll be amazed if they don't make it though. It's not yet clear who they will face but the way things have been going for them I wouldn't be surprised if Chile (who I haven't seen much of but look impressive) put out a reserve side & lose to Austria (who are pretty poor & would be the perfect opponent in the last 16)...
| subhankar_mondal |
| (member) |
| 09/07/2007 08:27 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
These quarter-finals have seen a heck of goals. Goals galore! All the semi-finalists have hit the peak at the right time but you have to say that Argentina should still be the favourites.
| badgerboy |
| (member) |
| 09/07/2007 13:37 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
For me it's a bit of a shame that it isn't Brazil v Mexico in the semis as I'd give Mexico more chance of upsetting Brazil than I do either of the "underdogs" in the current match-ups.
A bit like in the last World Cup I find myself wanting Argentina to win it simply because I'd like the trophy to go to a team that's been playing quality football from the start of the competition. So have Mexico - pretty much - though their 6-0 over Paraguay was obviously hugely assisted by the Paraguayan keeper being sent off after just two minutes.
Hopefully the semis will be closer than the quarters & at least one "surprise" would be nice. Can't quite see it though...
| Mauricio |
| (member) |
| 09/07/2007 21:35 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
I still think that Argentina is just not taking the trophy home if we see one of those games that happen once a decade, when the team that is obviously the best one loses unexplicably, like Germany v Hungary in 54, Holland v Germany in 74 and Brazil v Italy in 82...
For the sake of good quality football I'm hoping Argentina wins the tournament, and for the sake of Brazilian football, I'm hoping that Dunga's eleven won't surprise everyone winning the tournament, or else people will think Dunga is right when it comes to have a midfield with no creativity at all...
| Sam |
| (member) |
| 09/07/2007 22:53 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
still think that Argentina is just not taking the trophy home if we see one of those games that happen once a decade, when the team that is obviously the best one loses unexplicably, like Germany v Hungary in 54, Holland v Germany in 74 and Brazil v Italy in 82...
...Or Argentina v. Brazil in '04...
Sam
| Pixy10 |
| (member) |
| 10/07/2007 16:25 |
|
Re: Copa America 2007
|
Quote:
Hopefully the semis will be closer than the quarters & at least one "surprise" would be nice. Can't quite see it though...
Semi-finals are often quite tentative, with so much at stake, so we could well see closely-fought