The Sectioned One

Jose's moans are more entertaining than his team.

Let me start by saying that as a tactician, Jose Mourinho is practically unrivaled, currently.  He knows how to study, disseminate and defeat an opponent using specific pieces in his football team, as well as anyone else.  He consistently creates teams who are hard to beat, difficult to score against and almost impossible to subdue using classical footballing strategy.  Finally, he has the achievements and proof of accomplishing the remit of all managers and especially those at big clubs.  Challenge and win he big trophies.

But I do not respect him.

Although he may be successful, his methods are medieval.  His achievements are littered with bad sportsmanship, puerile one up-manship and a disgusting propensity for consistent sanctimonious hypocrisy.  He doesn't reinvent the game or improve it.  He does not inspire fans to dream of football at a higher level.  His squads are invariably built with a lot of money.  His mentality is to defend, destroy and endure.  He creates nothing but controversy and his teams are not pleasant to watch.  His messianic complex while winning and conspiratorial victim-mongering (yeah go figure, the irony of possessing both traits) borders on megalomaniacal delinquency.

He spends the GDP of a small nation on recreating an ethos that is more (forgive the obvious glib idiom that comes to mind) perspiration and less inspiration.  With the world's most expensive team at his disposal, containing some of the sport's most glittering and gifted attacking stars, he starts with a set of players who are designed to defend, who are programmed to maim.  Jose started 7 defenders in the biggest game of his season.  Even when he needed an attacker, he brought on the hulking but clumsy Emmanuel Adebayor, while leaving both Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain on the bench.  Not once for over 300 minutes of contest against arguably the world's best team, did Real Madrid try to actually be positive and attack.  Not once.

Hey Jose, if this is what your mentality is with so much at hand, how can you justify your position.

I understand the need to make the most of what you have when your team is provincial and your squad is limited.  But at Chelsea, then at Inter and now repeated with criminal intensity at Real, he has sought to conquer by outlasting his opponent in gritty contests of attrition, negative football and a legendary amount of pathetic gamesmanship.  Mourinho needs money, media manipulation and then some to make his brand of defensive orchestration work.

Take a bow Jose, you really are the special one.  Perhaps one day you fancy taking over at Manchester United, of course why wouldn't you ? They have the biggest fanbase in England and a long legacy of success, and despite the recent takeover, plenty of funds.  The latter point is important because Mourinho can only succeed when given the biggest chequebook or the deepest team in the country, and in some situations, both. But you'd never get the job because Old Trafford is used to an attacking brand of football that you could never have the personal lack of insecurity to serve or the creativity to invent.  You wouldn't last a season.

Perhaps you think, you are unrivaled in the current game because you have won league titles in three different countries.  But Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat, Fabio Capello and Alex Ferguson are better managers than you.  Arsene Wenger, another whom you despise, may not have won anything for six years, but he has won plenty of fans for the game and will be respected and treasured in ways you can only dream about.  And they have all achieved something you have not, success whilst not being the biggest fish in the pond.

Perhaps you think you have a point to complain since Barcelona 'cheated' their way to a win.  No, they outplayed you and while Pedro and Busquets were both guilty of gamesmanship, your teams are regularly trained to do the same, so get off your high horse.

Perhaps you think Barcelona are part of some UEFA backed conspiracy to win.  Remember how you lied about Kim Milton Neilson being visited by (at the time, Barcelona coach) Frank Riijkaard during the intermission of the first leg with Chelsea in 2005.  Remember how you claimed to have seen it, and eventually admitted you were lying.  Remember how Neilson got attacked by fans and shortly after, retired from the game ? How do you defend that ?

Remember all your mind games which were based on deceit and fabrication, not to mention juvenile defensiveness, with Arsene Wenger and Rafa Benitez during your time at Chelsea ?  Well Karma is circular and Pep's words were cruelly borne out on the pitch.  Your team was beaten on the pitch, their spirit destroyed and your macho posturing blown away.  And all you can do is fry about it like a little child whose favourite toy has been taken away from him.  Mourinho is a bitter, small man whose only joy is depriving others of pleasure.

Jose may think he is constantly persecuted because of his success, but the truth is he should be persecuted because of his failures.  He is a comprehensive loser.

This Barcelona are the currently the World's greatest team not just because of the way they play or their success, but because they have also shown Mourinho to be the busted flush he really is.

Bravo Pep, more of the same in the return leg please, you'll have one less defender available for Real's selection.

Europhiles Notebook - A Feel for Lille

In football, novelty alone is often exciting.  Especially in situations where the monotony of familiarity goes beyond breeding contempt and extends into disillusion.  The very prospect of a new champion offers the faintest glimmer of hope that variety may briefly reign.

In the Big Five leagues (and most others to be fair), we usually see the same procession of teams, invariably winning or competing for the championship.  Whereas England has only seen three teams win the top flight in the past 15 years, Italy and Spain have both witnessed five each, while Germany are relatively more competitive with six different winners.  However the current favourite for each of the aforementioned leagues is a previous champion, a club that has won multiple league crowns in that period.  Moreover, even in seasons that said team has not won the title, it has featured prominently, either in Europe or in the league.  Basically it's one of the usual suspects who look odds on to win again, in each of those four countries.

Then we come to France.  LOSC Lille are leading the league at the time of writing.  Impressively, they are also on course for a double, having reached the Coupe de France final as well, against PSG.  Now, fans in England may remember them beating Manchester United in the 2005 Champions' League group stage, before themselves succumbing to United in the 2007 Champions' League Round of 16, albeit controversially.

However, this team has not won the league title since 1954 and last won silverware with the French Cup in 1955.  As recently as April 2000, they were in the second division and have a bit of a reputation of being a selling club.  In the past five years Michel Bastos, Jean Il Makoun, Kevin Mirallas and Stathis Tavlaridis have all moved on, in addition to ex-manager Claude Puel, who joined the Bastos and Makoun at Lyon.  In all, Lille has only ever won the title twice, to go with its five Coupe De France trophies.

Despite this, under new coach Rudi Garcia, at the helm since 2008, Lille have turned a new leaf, and fashioned a new rugged team.  Garcia has melded together new arrivals like Pierre Alain Frau, Gervinho and Rio Mavuba, with the old core of Yohan Cabaye and Ludovic Obraniak and sprinkled in talented youngsters like Adil Rami and Belgian sensation Eden Hazard, both promoted from the youth team.  Recruiting experienced custodian Mickael Landreau from PSG has also added balance and grit to the team.

If Lille do go on to win the title, they would be a new name on the honour roll and a welcome respite from the recent list of winners and top dogs.

Looking at the past 15 years in Ligue 1, Lyon have dominated by winning SEVEN straight titles from 2002-2008 and finished in the top three every year since 1998.  Bordeaux followed up their 1999 win with a title in 2009 but had a relatively lean decade in between.  Marseille, no longer the dominant force of the early 1990s, are the defending champions and have been resurgent of late with four consecutive podium finishes culminating in their triumph last year.  And although Monaco and Nantes both won two of their titles in the past 15 years, the last of them was the team from the Principality triumphing in 2001.  And while Monaco did reach the Champions' League Final in 2004, alongside three more top three campaigns, they have since faded and are now some way off from competing for top honours altogether.  Nantes meanwhile, has dropped out of the running altogether, alternating between the first and second divisions, since its relegation from Ligue 1 in 2007.

One would have to go back to the 1998 Ligue 1 season to get a similar taste of novelty, when Lens won the title, followed by Metz, featuring a young Robert Pires.  Lille have some experience of nearing the summit, finishing third in both 2001 and 2006, while being runners-up in 2005.  This season, they looked likely to win with a six point cushionat one stage, but recent results have caused them to look nervously over their shoulders at Marseille.  The southern port club are sitting a couple of points behind, but have a game in hand.

Despite my inherent impartiality as a journalist, I personally hope Lille go on to win both the League and Cup, and achieve a famous double.  It would revitalise both the sport and league competition in the country, while returning the team to the Champions' League and spread some of the wealth around.  However, with smaller teams like Lille, success or the very prospect of it, often causes more problems than it can handle as bigger clubs come hunting for their players.  Retaining their star names over the January transfer window was a coup, but if Lille do hold on to capture the Ligue 1 title, the ensuing summer months may prove too much for chairman Michel Seydoux to resist.

Well who are Lille?  Most of you will barely know the team since mainstream media typically ignores the lesser lights.  Well, let's meet them:

Manager Garcia usually goes for an attacking, robust 4-3-3 but will often fall back to a more traditional 4-4-2 when defending a team or playing away.

In net, goalkeeper Landreau has been an ever present, with poise and experience augmenting his excellent technique.  His tally of 11 French caps may well be added to in the summer if he keeps up his good form, although his injury in 2009 stunted his career at a time when he should have been peaking.

At the back, youngster Rami, on loan from Valencia, has been a revelation at centre-back, alongside Cameroonian Aurelian Chedjou, with the pair starting 28 league games together.  Brazilian Emerson da Conceicao and Frank Beria patrol the left and right side of defence respectively, while experienced Czech defender David Rozenhal (recently at Newcastle, Lazio and Hamburg) provides important minutes off the bench.

Lille's midfield is one of their strengths, with several talented players blending creativity and gritty determination to provide the catalyst for Lille' title charge.  Mathieu Debuchy is one of the pillars of the side as he alternates between playing as a right side midfielder, nominal right back as well as a deep lying playmaker.  Beside him are captain Mavuba and club stalwart Cabaye, both displaying the classic tenacity and ball control that define box-to-box midfielders.  All three have started 31 league games and played almost every minute of Lille's season so far.  Additionally, 31 year old Florent Balmont is often a fourth midfielder who provides a steadying hand to proceedings.  His experience of over 200 top flight games, including a treble of championship winning seasons with Lyon in the mid 2000s, brings pedigree to the lineup.

Up front Belgian forward Hazard can play anywhere along the frontline and although at his best whilst on the wing, or just behind the main striker, has recently been deployed to lead the attack as well.  The traditional striking duties fall to Ivorian Gervinho and Senegalese Moussa Sow with their usual remit being to bomb forward and create havoc amongst opposing defences.  The pair has scored 33 goals between them and is the main source of goals for a team that is solid but hardly prolific.  Experienced super sub Frau, once a gunslinger at Lyon, has weighed in with five goals while Hazard has added another six but Lille are built on their defensive prowess.

Garcia, a creature of habit, likes to name two subs on the bench who are very similar to his players on the pitch.  He will bring one or both of Polish Obraniak and Brazilian Tulio de Melo on to change things or shore up a win.  The duo has featured in 23 games apiece but has only started two.  Obraniak for Cabaye is a common substitution as one tireless runner is replaced by another.  Similarly the need to preserve the young Hazard, both late in games and with an eye on the future, is often manifested by his replacement by De Melo, scorer of three goals himself.

With a core of 15 players who have played over 90% of Lille's season so far, the team is prone to both physical and mental fatigue as evidenced by relatively lacklustre displays over the past few weeks.  However Garcia is a master at motivation and if he can rouse his troops for the final leg of the title run in, his team will finally taste Ligue 1 glory.  And what a triumph it shall be.

Interview with TFC’s Adrian Cann

Interview with TFC’s Adrian Cann

By Karen Stemmler and Arjun Datta

Adrian Cann is Toronto FC’s highly rated defender.  Born and raised in Thornhill, just north of Toronto, Cann has represented all three of Canada’s top clubs with earlier stints at both the Montreal Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps.  He also had a spell in Europe where he played for Danish side Esbjerg for three seasons.  He got his start in the MLS when he was snapped up by the Colorado Rapids in 2004.

Now back in his hometown, he met up with Soccer360 to talk about his life and career.

Background:

After playing youth soccer in Thornhill, Cann obtained a college soccer scholarship career at the University of Louisville from 2000 to 2003.  Cann immediately earned a place in the Cardinals' starting lineup as a freshman, starting 20 games for the team, and was named to first-team All-Conference USA.  Cann would maintain this level of performance, making the first-team All-C USA as a sophomore, junior, and senior, as well as being named the conference's Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a junior and senior.

Upon graduating, Cann was selected 16th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids.  In 2006, Cann signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps, helping the team win their first USL First Division Championship and was named the Whitecaps' Most Outstanding Defender in 2007.  In June 2008 he signed a four year deal with Danish football side Esbjerg where he played till 2010.

Cann signed with Toronto FC in April 2010 and made his debut for the club against the Philadelphia Union later that month.  Since joining fellow Canadian international Nana Attakora in the center of defence, the partnership has become one of the strongest in the league. 

He made his debut for Canada in a January 2008 friendly match against Martinique.  He has so far represented Canada in two FIFA World Cup qualification matches and was also chosen in the 23-man roster for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup where Canada won Group A with 7 points before being knocked out by Honduras in the Quarter Finals.

How did you first get into soccer?

I was exposed to soccer at a young age by my dad who showed me soccer on TV.  My brother and I used to watch a number of games on the television.  Predominantly, I was drawn to Pele. The way he moved, played the ball, I was very much attracted to both the game and started idolizing Pele.

What was your earliest memory?

From then on in, I remember going to the park with my brother and parents and pet Pomeranian.  I started mimicking Pele’s moves and trying to be more like him.  My brother and I started playing everyday and that’s how it all started.

Did you always play defense?

Growing up I was a midfielder and that’s where I played as a kid, using my creativity and scoring goals on a regular basis.  Only when I hit University and was playing in Woodbridge, I was dripped back to defence by my coach who saw my potential and I have stayed there ever since.

I was converted because it made sense to my team and I was able to bring balance by being both defensive in my duties and attacking in my attention.  So I used to try and make things happen on offence as well as primarily defend.

When you were growing up in Thornhill, games took a less conventional approach, from snow-filled fields to the narrow living room at your parent’s house, do you remember any other odd places where you’d play?

I recall playing in the hallways of the building I lived in with small nets with my cousins and friends.  Neighbours would come and complain about the noise (laughs).  Also, playing just about anywhere, schoolyard, in the streets, everywhere.  I was always enthusiastic and ready to play anywhere, anytime.

You attracted plenty of collegiate interest from the United States, ultimately choosing the University of Louisville in Kentucky where you left quite the impact - including being named the cornerstone of the team’s success, along with the team’s most valuable player as a junior and a sophomore. How did playing in Thornhill prepare you for playing in Kentucky?

Living in Thornhill, there were fewer distractions from either the city or other sports.  It made it easier to concentrate on my passion for soccer.  There was a field down from my house which was peaceful and not containing other scenarios.  A close friend of mine who lived down the street and I would play everyday.  Other friends from school, my brother and my cousins and I would hit up the field, every single day, competing, every day of the summer (laughs).  Yeah we were very committed and passionate, very hardcore.

You’ve played for the Whitecaps, the Impact and now Toronto FC. Have you noticed any differences - be it in the style of play or club culture that sets these three sides apart?

People in Vancouver are very easy going with their west coast mentality and lifestyle - very typical of Vancouver.  Their life and structure was very beneficial to me as it allowed me to enjoy the residency programme while developing my skills.  But now other cities have those programmes as well, like Montreal who are establishing it, and Toronto, whom I am biased towards, who already have it.  I think it’s really good in Toronto and young players are encouraged very well here.

Every city I have played in has been a good experience but I would say Toronto was the best (smiles).

How does playing in Europe compare to North America?

In North America, playing is very intense because you have something to prove.  So, you have more pressure since you have people you know and have grown up with and want to impress and represent for.  In Europe there is a pressure to perform and from the organization but not from your roots.

Also, in Europe training is more stringent, since you train more often and they focus on development more.  Over here you can play and live as well, enjoy both and work on your game.

What type of impression has new Toronto FC coach Aaron Winter left on you? You were quoted as saying that you have to adapt to his mentality and how he broadcasts things, what does he do different than previous coaches?

Okay, I think the way Aaron coaches, they give you space to use your imagination.  There used to more restrictions in the past but Aaron now encourages you to be more creative and do something with the space you have.  In moderation of course, don’t overdo it, but he allows you to express yourself and be more creative which I personally enjoy more.  Personally, if I have space I like carrying the ball a bit, so yeah I like his style.

It makes you think more, it’s more three-dimensional than just one-dimensional.

What psyches you up before a game?

I visualize, think about my parents who motivated me to excel.  I keep them in the back of my mind as it is personal.  When I go on the field, it’s my job, my duty but also there’s more than meets the eye.

Do you have a pre-game ritual?

I have a consistent meal that I eat before a game, pasta with tuna and some cilantro with some extra virgin olive oil (chuckles).  In the morning I have some organic oatmeal.  (laughs) Hey this is my dietary plan we are talking about.

Who is your favorite footballer? Why?

Pele (laughs). Edson Orantes De Nascimento, the black pearl - that was his nickname. He’s my idol.  He was a complete player.  He conducts himself professionally off the pitch and on it.  He gives back, he lives through football but he uses it as a tool to give back to the game and to those less fortunate than him.  He’s not one-dimensional.  That’s something to look up to.  He makes people better through his image in the game.

Toughest opponent to play against?

It’s difficult (laughs). I would say it would be a player who has determination and ulterior motives.  The ones that don’t just play for the team and themselves but for things beyond the pitch like personal passions, like me.  I know where they are coming from and so we’re butting heads as we’re both powered by the same things.

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one teammate from Toronto FC with you, who would it be and why?

(Laughs) It’s funny. This is a hard question.  Let’s see.  I would have to say (Julian) De Guzman, because he makes me laugh and happiness to me is one of the most important things in life.  He is unique (laughs) and he would add some flavour to the island.

Do you have any hidden talents?

(Laughs) You mean in the bedroom? (Laughs) Oh no!

I like cooking quite a bit, it’s one of my passions.  My brother and mother taught me how to make pizza from scratch.  I like making my own dough, kneading it, making it rise and adding prosciutto and basel, very Tuscan.  I love that.

Any nicknames?

Peaches, given to me while growing up because I didn’t have any facial hair growing up, since I hit puberty later than many other players.  It still sticks, other players will often still refer to me by it, players I have played with in the past, even at TFC.

How do you relax when you’re not playing soccer?

I ride my bike around the city, going for walks.  In the West Side, Dundas and Ossington, Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods park, play some tennis, hang out with friends and brother, drink some wine, just kick it and take it easy.

If you weren’t a professional footballer, what else would you is doing?

I really like travelling, experiencing other cultures, I think I would probably be getting into some type of employment that would take me all over the world.  Meet different types of people, try different types of food.

What can you see yourself getting into after the game?

I can see myself getting into something interesting like a documentary or a sitcom - maybe be in it or direct it.

Would like to take a try at playing in Europe again – Which club?

Yes, I will always have a passion to play at the highest level possible, embrace the challenge, I like competing, so yeah.  Probably somewhere in England, where it’s hard and rugged or even Italy.

Favorite Movie?   Rocknrolla and Control.

Food?   Parisian, Italian, Portuguese, Thai.  Green Curry and Tom Yum soup.

Actor?  Johnny Depp.

Actress?  Natalie Portman.

Band?  Depeche Mode, Joy Division, Tears for Fears, Erasure.

First Car?

A Volkswagon Cabriolet.  It lasted for a few weeks only because my brother broke the transmission after a couple of weeks.  It was an old car and it lasted like a month and a half, it wasn’t pristine.

One thing you want your fans to know about you? Your image?

Off the field, I’m very relaxed, I’m content, I take it easy and I like to enjoy life but on the pitch it’s very different and a second image comes to life.  I am very committed, very aggressive, very focused on winning.  I hate losing and always want to win.  Win everything.  Winning makes everything better, life is so much better when you win, food tastes better (laughs).  Winning transcends everything. I despise losing.

Maple Hue for The Gold Cup

North and Central America’s regional championship kicks off this June with the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.  The tournament, commencing June 7-25, brings together the top nations in the region and is dominated by the two local powers, Mexico (five wins from six finals) and the USA (four from seven).  Despite having won twice, most recently in 2000, and finishing third at both the 2002 and 2007 editions, Canada has not fared well at the tournament.  All that should be about to change, with Canadian soccer on a major upswing.

With the launch of MLS teams Toronto FC in 2007 and the Vancouver Whitecaps earlier this year, soccer has exploded onto the Canadian scene.  Having long been a very popular sport at youth and amateur level, the past few years has scene the game pervade the Canadian sporting consciousness.  Backed by an ambitious federation and buoyed by the growing, urban popularity of the sport, Canada is making all the right noises as it seeks to move on from being regular participants to contenders.

Recent friendlies have shown that on its day Canada is more than a match for most opponents, outside the top 30.  And while the men’s team continues to blow hot and cold at times, this tournament should bring out the consistency not seen since the iconic triumph in 2000.  The team is combative, physical and although lacking in the level of talent that many top international teams take for granted, plays with no small amount of heart.  Gutsy wins against Belarus away and Honduras at home, have been mixed alongside road draws at Ukraine and Venezuela.

Canada is drawn in the toughest group alongside 2007 winners and perennial finalists USA, but should be ably matched in most areas of the pitch.  The other two teams, Panama and Guadeloupe, although well drilled and capable, should not pose too much of a threat as Canada seeks to march into the final eight as either group winners or runners up.  With the tournament being played across the United States, the conditions are friendly (even though the fans may not be) and this Canadian team is rarely homesick.

Moreover, although far from the finished article, the team boasts both experience and youth potential.  The 23 man squad that beat Belarus featured only 6 players above 27, while Paul Staltieri and Atiba Hutchinson boast over 50 caps each.  At the back Kevin McKenna has notched 10 international goals in his 49 appearances, while TFC’s twin pillars Adrian Cann and Nana Attakora are one of the strongest partnerships in the MLS.  Add to that the explosive talent of Julian De Guzman and Dwayne De Rosario (both absent from the Belarus game) along with Iain Hume and Daniel Imhof, and you have a good team that should go far in the tournament.

While the Gold Cup only represents an immediate return, the long term potential is present for all to see.  Having signed a new deal with shirtmaker Umbro, the CSA seem intent on investing more money into the soccer system in Canada, and developing more talent.  With a team whose core should be together for several years down the road, the future has never looked brighter for the Canadian Men’s Soccer Team.

All eyes will be on the national side as they get their 2011 Gold Cup campaign underway against the US on June 7, but the fans have to keep the faith for the long run.

USA v Canada June 7

Guadeloupe v Canada June 11

Panama v Canada June 14

Top two from each group along with the two best 3^rd placed teams progress to the quarterfinals.

All Adidas

All Adidas

Global Brand Campaign

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi joins Toronto Raptor Derrick Rose and sultry Pop diva Katy Perry, to unleash Adidas' latest Global Brand campaign, All Adidas.  In a move that unites both multiple sports with celebrities outside the game, Adidas latest venture is equal parts audacious ambition and feel good familiarity.

Great Brands are built on relating to the customer.

All Adidas now unites the World.

http://news.adidas.com/alladidas/ 

Copa America 2011 Preview

 Group By Group

Group A

Argentina, hosts and co-favourites, stand head and shoulders above the other teams in this group.  A deep and talented squad with the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Javier Pastore, Ever Banega and the two Ezequiels, Garay and Lavezzi, should easily finish as group winners, with a perfect record far from implausible.  Lionel Messi will have his work cut out for him as opposition defences look to double up to stop him.  A strong supporting cast should ensure that lapses in concentration, once the game seems won, do not recur.  Coach Sergio Batista and Captain Javier Mascherano will strive to ensure the home crowds are impressed with the fare on display, as they seek to take this team all the way.

Colombia, still rebuilding, are not yet the finished article.  Having missed out on qualification for the last two World Cups, they are far removed from the high that followed their 2001 Copa America win.  However, an improving, young squad captained by veteran Milan defender Mario Yepes and containing attacking gems such as Wigan’s Hugo Rodallega and Porto’s Radamel Falcao, as well as fellow Porto midfielder Freddy Guarin, should prove strong enough for a second placed finish.  Japan, with European based players like CSKA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda and Stuttgart’s Shinji Okazaki, will still be a handful but in the wake of the disasters back home, are forgiven for having their thoughts elsewhere.  Meanwhile Bolivia, although 4-1 winners over Argentina in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, may sneak in as one of the best 3^rd placed teams.

Players to watch:  Lionel Messi, Javier Pastore, Radamel Falcao, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Shinji Okazaki

 

Group B

B is for Brazil and the South American giants should stroll through this group as winners.  Their squad is packed with talent and should easily secure all nine points on tap.  Ex Barcelona and Milan ace Ronaldinho and Manchester City old boy Elano, have both moved back to the domestic scene to try and figure in the squad.  But, with an eye on World Cup 2014 as well as perennial rivals Argentina, current coach Mario Menezes may stick to picking the best squad he has.  Expect a fit again Kaka to return and Villareal’s Nilmar to link up with Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano to lead the line.  New arrivals Neymar, Jonas, Sandro and Porto’s Hulk should all figure as Brazil fields as strong a Selecao as it ever has.  With their defence and goalkeeping situation both deep and imperious, Brazil should make up for their World Cup disappointment by winning this tournament.

 

Behind them, World Cup quarterfinalists Paraguay should clinch second, if only through their defensive solidity more than their attacking verve.  Despite the purple patches that strikers Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) and Oscar Cardozo have been in recently, the red and whites will look to the defence to pull them through.  Depending on their draw, they could make the final four.  Ecuador and Venezuela are here to make up the numbers, sadly.  The 2006 Ecuador World Cup squad is long retired and the new players, almost entirely home based, are not at the same level as Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia.  Venezuela, although improving, can hope for third spot in the group, at best.

Players to watch:  Antonio Valencia, Kaka, Nilmar, Neymar, Lucas Barrios

 

Group C

 This is easily the toughest of the groups, with three of the four teams impressing at the World Cup last year (Uruguay finishing fourth).  While the remaining team, Peru, is currently in a period of stagnation, they boast an impressive pedigree at the Copa America, having reached the final eight in each of the last four editions.  However, this group will prove to be too strong for a recovering programme and a last place finish beckons, despite the efforts of Hamburg’s Paolo Guerrero and Fiorentina’s Juan Vargas.  Above them, expect all three of Mexico, Uruguay and Chile to progress, with any of them capable of taking top spot.

Uruguay are nominal favourites, hoping to build on their World Cup campaign with practically the same squad, the quartet of Diegos (Forlan, Godin, Perez and Lugano) well augmented by Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani up front, the latter being Europe’s hottest young striker.  Chile, so tactically fluid and well drilled, will look to repeat and build on their performances in South Africa last year, with coach Marcelo Bielsa back at the helm and the entire squad intact.  Tag them as dark horses for the tournament, capable of beating almost any team on their day, despite lacking any superstars.  Look for Udinese pair Alexis Sanchez and Mauricio Isla to put themselves in a potential shop window.  Finally Mexico, who have reached the last four or better in four of their last eight appearances at this tournament, and at least the quarter final every time.  United striker Javier Hernandez will link with Carlos Vela (Arsenal) and Giovanni Dos Santos (Tottenham) to fire the El Tricolore to glory.

Players to watch: Javier Hernandez, Juan Vargas, Alexis Sanchez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan