Copa America 2019 draw: All you need to know
The Copa America 2019 will be the 46th edition of the tournament. It is set to be hosted by Brazil. The tournament will be held in five different cities of Brazil, with the final scheduled to take place at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. The draws were revealed yesterday, and here we bring to you all the details regarding the same.
Let's talk about the teams drawn in Group A
Hosts Brazil are in Group A along with Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia. It seems like Brazil have found themselves in a relatively easy group, and will surely qualify for the knockout stage of the competition. Brazil have not won the Copa America since 2007 when they beat Argentina in the final. Peru can be the other nation to qualify from this group.
Group B matches can be thrilling encounters
Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, and invited team Qatar make up Group B. Argentina will be eager to win the trophy as they have been going through a trophy drought even longer than Brazil. They played in the last two Copa America finals, but lost both matches against Chile. It remains to be seen if Leo Messi will return to the Argentine squad for Copa America.
Group C looks the toughest on paper
Group C consists of Uruguay, Ecuador, invited team Japan, and the two-time reigning champions, Chile. This is surely the group of death, and will stage the toughest group stage ties. If things turn out as they look on paper, Chile and Uruguay should be the two teams which qualify from this group. However, Ecuador cannot be ruled out as well.
Here are some of the most interesting group stage encounters
Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo will host the Peru vs Brazil match on June 22, while Argentina and Colombia will clash at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova stadium on June 15. Argentina will take on Paraguay on June 19 at the Estádio Mineirão, while Uruguay will take on Ecuador on June 16 at the same venue. Chile face Uruguay on June 24 at the Maracana.
Some of the coaches have voiced their opinions
"People have questioned me about the draw and some said, it's easy, others said, be careful. Our responsibility is to perform at the highest level, to play with joy and to be proud of representing Brazil", said the coach of Brazil, Tite. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said, "It's going to be difficult and no matter who we play we have to win".
