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The Copa America Has Begun...Start Paying Attention
The chances are, you probably watched the World Cup last year or kept up with it. But more than that, you are likely to have enjoyed it and why not? You saw how Argentina and Brazil dominated games, Colombia stealing the show while Chile won over many admirers including you.
So if you're looking for something similar for this summer, lo and behold - the Copa America started yesterday.
It's not as glamorous as the World Cup or even a European championship but it's still an important international trophy; the World Cup of South America if you will.
You must be wondering - if it features national teams like Colombia, Brazil and Argentina, why isn't it as good as the other international tournaments?
Well, while it has a range of star players, the overall squads of these national teams throughout the years have been poor compared to countries in Europe. However, this year's competition is expected to very good, so we take a look at why you should be watching the 2015 Copa America hosted in Chile.
Wide range of stars
This year's Copa America probably has the widest range of stars throughout the countries competing in the tournament.
While Luis Suarez of Uruguay will be missing out for that infamous bite on Giorgio Chiellini in last summer's World Cup, La Celeste still boast stars like Edinson Cavani, Diego Rolán and Nicolás Lodeiro.
Brazil will have the likes of Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Willian while Colombia feature many of the same players who dazzled the World Cup last year like James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, Jackson Martinez and more.
Colombian talisman, Radamel Falcao who missed the World Cup last year will also be featuring so one can expect Colombia to pose a greater threat.
Argentina boast the world's best footballer in Lionel Messi along with Javier Pastore, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez.
The host nation Chile also have their fair share of stars in Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, Mauricio Isla and Charles Aranguiz.
The smaller nations also boast some well known players like Enner Valencia and Jefferson Montero of Ecuador, Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz, Venezuela's Salomón Rondón, the Peruvian Claudio Pizarro and more as this competition undoubtedly boasts the best attacking talent in world football.
Pressure on Argentina and Brazil
The favorites for just about any competition, there is considerable pressure on both Argentina and Brazil to win the Copa America.
Brazil, after hosting last year's World Cup and losing in a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany, will be looking to burn their demons and put on a good showing under new manager, Dunga, where their fans will be expecting nothing but finishing first.
As for Argentina, they last won this competition in 1993 and failed to take advantage of hosting the competition four years ago as they were knocked out by the eventual winners Uruguay on penalties.
Having lost the World Cup final last year, Lionel Messi and company will look to go one step further under manager, Tata Martino and at least deliver South America's greatest prize.
Exciting encounters
All the teams in the Copa America who featured in the World Cup last summer made it past the group stage barring Ecuador who just missed out by finishing third in the group.
That says it's all about the current strength of the teams in this competition as we're in store for some exciting encounters.
And not just later on in the tournament but in the group stage as well as we'll be seeing Brazil face Colombia, Uruguay facing Argentina and Chile facing Mexico. With these mouthwatering ties alone, it's worth it to catch up on the events happening in Chile.
Chile looking to win it
Speaking of Chile, they've never won the competition and since they're hosting it, they are one of the favorites to win whole thing.
Impressing everyone in the World Cup last year and getting knocked out by Brazil only on penalties, Jorge Sampaoli's side won many fans over for their attacking style and constant pressing.
Led by Alexis Sanchez - who had his best season till date for Arsenal - and Arturo Vidal among others, this is probably Chile's best ever side and expectations will be high. And we can certainly expect some enjoyable football from La Roja.
More Soccer News & Notes
One very good reason to watch the Copa America is simply, the fact that you get to see more soccer which is always a good thing!
And if the World Cup in Brazil took over your life and was a little too much for you considering it was a one month tournament with games nearly every day, don't worry - the Copa America only features 12 teams and the tournament ends in three weeks' time on the 4th of July.
If you're still craving for some soccer after that, all you'll need to do is wait a month and league seasons will start right back again.
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