Copa America 2011 (Japan will not be attending Copa America) Costa Rica confirmed!

recent update (5/16/11) (Due to the tsunami, Japan had opted out to not participate in the tournament, after reconsideration from the Japanese Soccer Federation, they have agreed once more to not be part of the tournament) Costa Rica has been added to Copa America and will replace Japan in Group A.

Copa America is one of the most important soccer tournaments of the world that takes place in South America. This international tournament is played at least every two years and in some cases three years, depending if that year to be played conflicts with the world cup tournament. It is believe to be one of the most competitive tournaments because the South American players are amongst the best teams of the world.

This year, Copa America will take place in Argentina, with special national team invitations of Mexico and Japan (off tournament due to natural disasters). Here is an outlook for each team of what we can expect at the tournament.

Mexico: A constant invitee of the Copa America. Mexico has always reached semi finals or finals during its last performances at Copa America. This year Mexico was given the green light by their conference institution CONCACAF only if they played Copa America with players under 23 years old. Still, expect México to perform well in this tournament.

Japan:(Will no longer participate) Japan is nowhere to be found along the South American continent, yet as one of the invitees along Mexico. Copa America will serve more of a commercial purpose for the South American CONMEBOL institution and serve as a sports challenge for the Japanese national team.

Argentina: Been the host, is almost a compromise for them to take the cup. Playing in their own soil, with their own people will increase the chances for them to win it all. With the addition of having the best player in the world, Leonel Messi; Argentina becomes the favorite to win this tournament.

Brazil: With a new coach and a new young team. The famous saying is, “Brazil is Brazil”. Whether they use a young team, or their actual team, Brazil will always be the hardest most competitive team to ever play in any tournament.

Chile: The national team of Chile had high aspirations during last year’s World Cup. An early elimination at the hands of Brazil shot all hopes down of exposing their peak of play. Marcelo Bielsa gave an offensive identity to this team, but the political factors that might have him out of his coaching position might affect the way Chile has been playing for the past four years. Their performance at Copa America is still an uncertainty for most.

Uruguay: The surprise last year’s World Cup was Uruguay. The team reached the fourth place in competition during that tournament. It gave us a satisfactory approach of what we can expect from them at Copa America. Been long time rivals with Argentina will also be an interesting ingredient that will add up to this game.

Ecuador: The potential of Ecuador is undeniable. The arsenal of offense that they possess makes them a great contender for Copa America. The only problem is their brand new coach, Reynaldo Rueda. He is known for playing a defensive type of game. This will conflict with the Ecuadorian style of playing offense, if they can come to a midpoint of having both, than expect Ecuador to do good in this tournament.

Bolivia: Probably the weakest national team of South America. With a new coach and a new group of young players, Bolivia will use Copa America as a practice tournament for the elimination rounds for the World Cup at Brazil 2004.

Peru: This Is going to be more than just a tournament for Peru, Copa America will be a test for the group’s way of behaving. Most players have discipline problems and have been obstructed by the new coach of playing with the national team. Leaving them out will likely make the chances of winning Copa America slim.

Venezuela: History has never been on their side. Along with Bolivia, Venezuela was considered one of the weakest team in South America. This year is different; Venezuela has showed the most growth over the past years. This brand new team of players have demonstrated that their level has increased and are ready to show it.

Colombia: Hard to predict Colombia’s performance as always. They have the potential to win it if they put their minds to it. The chemistry with the old players and the new players is still not there. This will be the coach’s challenge to compose a team of players that will work together and get along.

Paraguay: Paraguay’s name was lifted to glory last year at the World Cup. It’s hard to give loss at the hands of the now World Cup Champion Spain on penalty kicks at the quarter finals made them the contender for Copa America.