stephen_woodside
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Reged: 02/05/2007
Posts: 1880
Loc: Huyton, Merseyside
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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.
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Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Edited by goldenvision (10/06/2007 23:21)
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Sam
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Reged: 12/07/2006
Posts: 1063
Loc: North Somerset (returning to M...
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Colombia to the semis? Uruguay to the final? That's quite a bold set of predictions... we shall see...
Sam
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More fútbol argentino than you can shake a mullet at - Hasta El Gol Siempre
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stephen_woodside
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Reged: 02/05/2007
Posts: 1880
Loc: Huyton, Merseyside
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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.
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Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
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Sam
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Reged: 12/07/2006
Posts: 1063
Loc: North Somerset (returning to M...
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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
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More fútbol argentino than you can shake a mullet at - Hasta El Gol Siempre
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subhankar_mondal
member
Reged: 29/08/2006
Posts: 2003
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You know,I am gonna ask World Soccer to make a separate area for Copa America 2007......
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Subhankar Mondal is a football writer for www.goal.com.
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righteous1
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Reged: 16/03/2007
Posts: 553
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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.
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Mauricio
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Reged: 03/06/2007
Posts: 96
Loc: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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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?
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Mauricio Drumond
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Mauricio
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Reged: 03/06/2007
Posts: 96
Loc: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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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? 
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Mauricio Drumond
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stephen_woodside
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Reged: 02/05/2007
Posts: 1880
Loc: Huyton, Merseyside
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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. 
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Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Edited by goldenvision (13/06/2007 00:22)
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das
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Reged: 19/05/2007
Posts: 53
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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 ??
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stephen_woodside
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Reged: 02/05/2007
Posts: 1880
Loc: Huyton, Merseyside
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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.
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Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
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Mauricio
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Reged: 03/06/2007
Posts: 96
Loc: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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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... 
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Mauricio Drumond
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subhankar_mondal
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Reged: 29/08/2006
Posts: 2003
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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.
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Subhankar Mondal is a football writer for www.goal.com.
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Mauricio
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Reged: 03/06/2007
Posts: 96
Loc: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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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.
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Mauricio Drumond
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subhankar_mondal
member
Reged: 29/08/2006
Posts: 2003
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Oh,all apology. I got the Groups wrong. I actually meant Group B with the likes of Brazil,Chile,Ecuador and Mexico.
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Subhankar Mondal is a football writer for www.goal.com.
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jjvirgo
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Reged: 21/04/2007
Posts: 5
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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.
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badgerboy
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Reged: 26/03/2007
Posts: 727
Loc: Bucks, England
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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.
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Sam
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Reged: 12/07/2006
Posts: 1063
Loc: North Somerset (returning to M...
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Jjvirgo - yes, Riquelme's been talked into 'un-retiring', and is in Argentina's squad.
Sam
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More fútbol argentino than you can shake a mullet at - Hasta El Gol Siempre
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worldsoccer
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Reged: 08/06/2006
Posts: 241
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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
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Pixy10
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Reged: 07/06/2007
Posts: 25
Loc: Dublin
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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 ...
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stephen_woodside
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Reged: 02/05/2007
Posts: 1880
Loc: Huyton, Merseyside
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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.
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Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Edited by stephen_woodside (25/06/2007 17:16)
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Pixy10
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Reged: 07/06/2007
Posts: 25
Loc: Dublin
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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 ...
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Mauricio
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Reged: 03/06/2007
Posts: 96
Loc: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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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...
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Mauricio Drumond
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stephen_woodside
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Reged: 02/05/2007
Posts: 1880
Loc: Huyton, Merseyside
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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?
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Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Edited by stephen_woodside (25/06/2007 23:49)
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jjvirgo
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Reged: 21/04/2007
Posts: 5
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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.
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Pixy10
member
Reged: 07/06/2007
Posts: 25
Loc: Dublin
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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 ...
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badgerboy
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Reged: 26/03/2007
Posts: 727
Loc: Bucks, England
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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...
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Mauricio
member
Reged: 03/06/2007
Posts: 96
Loc: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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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...
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Mauricio Drumond
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badgerboy
member
Reged: 26/03/2007
Posts: 727
Loc: Bucks, England
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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".
Edited by badgerboy (27/06/2007 01:20)
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stephen_woodside
member
Reged: 02/05/2007
Posts: 1880
Loc: Huyton, Merseyside
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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.
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Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
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