Copa America 2011

The 1.30 a.m. start for Argentina-Bolivia defeated me, but by all accounts the Albiceleste were far from impressive, which begs the question - why does Messi appear to struggle with the national team, compared with his sparkling club form? Colombia looked impressive against Costa Rica just now, but should have been more comfortable than the 1-0 scoreline suggests, Falcao missed some golden opportunities. Probably more hope than expectation, but tipping Uruguay to win, look to have a solid attack and an awesome front two, and Brazil's new players like Neymar and Ganso may need another year to gel together.

Group A:

Argentina
Bolivia
Colombia
Costa Rica

Before Friday, I'd have thought Argentina were certainties for this group, but Colombia only need a win/draw against the home team to essentially guarantee top spot. Costa Rica's U-23's or Bolivia are likely to be the worst thirds and be eliminated.

Group B:

Brazil
Ecuador
Paraguay
Venezuela

The Selecao should come top, with the ever-battling Paraguayans runners-up. Ecuador are in decline, so I'll tip Venezuela to cause a shock and make the last eight.

Group C:

Chile
Mexico
Peru
Uruguay

Like Costa Rica, this is Mexico B, but should still secure the last QF slot ahead of the incredibly weak Peruvians. Chile should follow up their decent World Cup performance, but Uruguay should have too much class here.

Agree with everything you say here. Though I'll reserve full judgement on Group B til I see Venezuela over the next hour.

Venezuela doing creditably so far, 0-0 at half-time, probably more that Brazil have a dose of Arsenal Syndrome than anything the men in wine have done.

Playing a bit better now. some nice moves. would like to see them do something.

They should beat Ecuador.

It hasn't exactly been the African Nations Cup in terms of goalmouth action so far has it - two scoreless draws yesterday. Maybe once we enter the second round of matches teams will be less cautious and really let rip. Rincon and Rondon did look good for Venezuela though.

There've been 4 matches for god's sake!

Weren't they moaning about the World Cup last year having started off the same way?

Who's they?

Uruguay tonight. Nyiaow.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BonnieShels

Who's they?

Uruguay tonight. Nyiaow.

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Isn't Nyiaow injured?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BonnieShels

Who's they?

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Adrian Chiles and that lot. I'll double-check the recordings later. :p

Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay all made slow starts while Chile scored a great win over an in form Mexico (who might be tired after Gold Cup), Chile had a great world cup and I can see them going far in this competition, whos going to win it tho?

Uruguay. There were flashes of brilliance last night that just needed a bit of finishing. Argentina weren't up to much and as for Brazil... hate the shower.

Missed the Chile game.

tonight
Brazil 2 Paraguay 2. Late equaliser from Brazil.

Last night
Uruguay 1 Chile 1
Peru 1 Mexico 0

Well, no need for me to watch the recorded Uruguay game. :P

Good opportunity for Venezuela or Ecuador to go top tonight.

Great goal from Gonzalez tonight. Best team won.

So, it turns out Argentina finished comfortable runners-up in the group after hammering Costa Rica's Olympic team 3-0. Should be interesting with Brazil tonight, anything less than victory over Ecuador tonight, and they could be left sweating over the third-placed teams table, but both they and Paraguay should get the results required. Indeed, topping Group B could be a poisoned chalice, depending on where Uruguay finish in their group if they overcome Mexico, Peru have been the major surprise after their last WC qualifying campaign.

Recorded the game. Managed to get til lunch and see the result. Am gutted.

Argentina play Uruguay in the quarter-finals (the most-played fixture in international football, trivia fans), but I'll stay firm, even if they haven't been terribly impressive to date. Could be another local derby if Colombia wind up play Venezuela - Group B is actually being played tonight, so Peru , Chile and Colombia will only then discover their opponents, but Costa Rica's negative goal difference almost ensures their elimination.

Big one tonight... Argentina v Uruguay