Copa America 2021

Copa America 2021: Who are the favourites?

There are a few countable and regular contenders, including reigning champ Brazil, Messi and Argentina, the always tenacious Uruguay, Chile and maybe a couple more who have an outside shot of winning the Copa America 2021. But who are the current favourites?

The 47th edition of the Copa America, which was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic is all set to take place in Colombia and Argentina. Copa America 2021 will be the first edition in its history to be hosted by two nations. CONMEBOL had invited Australia and Qatar to play in this edition, but the two nations pulled out, citing scheduling conflicts. In this article, we look at the favourites, their form, X factor, and titles won.

Argentina: Can a Crisis Motivate the 14 Time Winners?

The second most successful team in Copa America history has won the title 14 times. They are the only nation to have won the title three consecutive times (1945-47). Led by the maestro Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste is looking to win their first title since 1993. They lost the 2015 and 2016 final to Chile, both times on penalties. Coached by Lionel Scaloni, the 8th rankedteam in the world will look to do one better than their semi-final appearance in 2019.

The most concerning aspect of Argentina is the lack of replacements in the squad. Messi and Aguero are ageing and they cannot carry the team any much longer. Barcelona is fighting for the La Liga, which has become a surprising four-horse race this year. Infighting in the Argentine Football Association, loss of the potrero (traditional improvised playground) has seen no youngsters developing in the country. Is this their last chance at an international trophy?

Current Form (W-D-W-W-D)

Argentina is unbeaten in their last five matches, winning three of them. They are currently second in the table in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup. Scaloni has his task cut for him, with his team playing two World Cup qualifiers days before their opening encounter. That is three games in a space of ten days.

X-Factor

You have guessed it without reading. Placed in a particularly tricky group which has Chile and Uruguay, a whole nation’s hopes rest on the 33-year-old magician. Messi, who is having yet another phenomenal season at Barcelona is the most potent attacking force for Argentina. ‘La Pulga’ stats read as 42 games, 33 goals, and 14 assists. He will look to combine with Inter’s Lautaro Martínez, who is in a rich vein of form.

Brazil: Raring to go for their 10th Title

Defending champions Brazil have won the title nine times. Their most successful phase was between 1997 to 2007, where they won four Copa titles. Defeating Peru 3-1 in 2019, the world’s third-ranked team will look to defend their title. The average age of the squad is 27.6, compared to Argentina 27.9 and Chile 28.1. Tite, who has been at the helm since 2016 has a winning percentage of 73 and has lost only four matches. He will look to continue the winning streak. Comprising of superstars such as Neymar, Casemiro, Alisson, and Firmino, the Samba Boys are the favourites to win Copa America 2021.

Current Form (W-W-W-W-W)

Brazil has blasted 15 goals and let in only two in their last five games. Perhaps an underrated aspect of Tite’s coaching is his focus on defense. Studying in the Gaucha school of coaching, his game plan is explained in one word: balance. The style of this Brazilian team is more physical, reflecting Tite’s philosophy. They are currently top of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, with a maximum of 12 points from four games.

X-Factor

Perhaps a controversial choice, but Casemiro is the rock that has strengthened the Brazilian team. The defensive midfielder has played 40 times in the 20/21 seasons and has 6 goals and 5 assists too. Crucial to his game is how the team is set up. Casemiro plays as a defensive midfielder in a 4-3-3 and moves up higher to press when Madrid switches to a 4-5-1. This was seen in the El Clasico’s of the previous season, which saw Toni Kroos play more freely. He will be a crucial player in Brazil’s title setup.

Uruguay: Can they repeat 2011?

With a population of just 3.54 million, Uruguay is the surprise leader with 15 Copa America trophies. Sandwiched between the giant and populous nations of Brazil (212 million) and Argentina (45 million), this tiny nation has eked out a footballing identity of its own. They won 6 trophies in the years between 1916-1926. Nicknamed La Garra Charua (Claw of the Charrua), they are named after the indigenous people who fought until their last breath. Their last title was in 2011, where they defeated Paraguay in the final. Ranked 9th internationally, Uruguay burst into prominence at the FIFA World Cup in 2010. They finished third in South Africa, with a Round of 16 appearance in 2014 and quarterfinals in 2018.

An average squad age of 27 gives coach Oscar Tabarez a healthy headache for spots. Goalkeeper Muslera has over 100 caps, Godin has the experience and Bentancur and Valverde are upcoming stars. How far will Uruguay go this time around?

Current Form (L-W-L-W)

Uruguay is in mixed form, having won two and lost two of CONMEBOL qualifiers. They sit fifth at the CONMEBOL table. They have scored seven goals and conceded eight. This is a concerning factor for a team that relies on its defensive ability. Godin and Jimenez are starters for their clubs, which gives Uruguay a nearly impenetrable feel to the defense. Tabarez needs to shore his defensive midfielder position, where too many players with similar attributes compete for a spot.

X-Factor

Luis Suarez, after being let go by Barcelona in 2020 has found his feet at Atletico Madrid. What is with Diego Simeone and strikers at Atleti? The 34-year-old Uruguayan has 19 goals and 2 assists in 33 appearances. Atleti is top of LaLiga, with Suarez being the fourth-highest scorer in the league. What brought about this change? Simeone who usually plays a 4-4-2 has shifted to a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 this season. This ensures Luis Suarez, who is a predatory finisher can find space in the box to convert a chance or latch on to a cross.

Tabarez will look to employ such tactics for Uruguay, where Suarez has been so prolific. Perhaps what the Uruguayan team cannot do via technical skills, they can do it through tactical plans. Suarez stats for Uruguay is: 116 games, 63 goals.

Chile: Roll Back the Golden Years

Chile, who famously won the 2015 and 2016 Copa America will look up to their Golden Generation for inspiration. Only three players remain from that squad, Claudio Bravo, Jean Beausejour, and Gary Medel. They have won the title twice, their first coming 99 years after the competition was formed in 1916. The 19th ranked side internationally, Chile will look up to their youngsters to deliver the trophy for the third time.

Current Form (W-L-W-D-L)

Chile is having a dip in form, with just two wins in their previous five games. They currently sit sixth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers table, with four points from four games.

X-Factor

Claudio Bravo, the inspirational captain of Chile is playing his last tournament. 6 clean sheets in 15 appearances for Real Betis is commendable for a 38-year-old. 123 caps for Chile and the goalkeeper would want to add another Copa America to his kitty.

Most high-profile players would be tired after a long season, with the effects of the bio-bubble kicking in. Can Peru or Paraguay win it this time around? Let us know your favourite in the comments below.

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