The Copa America Centenario needs no introduction as the event speaks for itself. But here are eight great reasons to watch this June…
8. First Time Invites
The countries of Haiti and Panama will be playing in Copa America for the first time. This is new territory for the Creole island as they’ve never qualified for the World Cup, always exit from the Gold Cup early, and won their only Caribbean Cup in 2007. Panama however is looking to build momentum after their strong showings in last year’s Gold Cup, and the 2014 Copa Centro Americana (third place in both).
7. Twice Is Nice
Jamaica and Honduras will be making their second appearances in this event. Jamaica went winless last year, but they made quite the defensive impression by only allowing three total goals. Honduras impressed with a third place finish in 2001.
6. Major League Soccer is Well Represented
A record 47 MLS players are taking part in Copa America this year, and only 19 of those players are on Team USA’s roster. In years past, MLS was an afterthought in this tournament. Now we get to see just how far MLS has come and how they’ve established themselves as a worldwide league.
Also, it’s like Rachel Bonnetta says in the video, this is their home and their not about to let visiting players forget that!
5. Major Group Play Matchups
Group play alone should be entertaining as we’ll see matchups between the U.S.A. and Colombia, Argentina against last year’s champion Chile, and Brazil against Ecuador.
4. International Stars on U.S. Soil
At least one-third of this year’s players are contracted to European club teams. Most notably from the English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga, France’s Ligue 1, and Italy’s Serie A among others. It’s another example of why Europe is a top continent for the sport. More importantly, we get to see the sports best in action. With Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, Colombia’s James Rodriguez, Uruguay’s Luis Suarez, and Brazil’s Hulk are among the many global stars that American fans will get to see first hand.
3. How Brazil performs without Neymar
While Brazil is talented from top to bottom, Neymar is the face of the team. But since he decided to forego this tournament in favor of the Olympics, players such as Hulk, Gabriel Jesus, and Ricardo Oliveira will need to step up in his absence.
2. U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Is Participating
This is only the third time that Team USA will participate in Copa America. They finished fourth during their first run in 1995, and failed to make it out of group play in 2007. Maybe home field advantage will lead to success this time.
1. The United States is Hosting Copa America for the First Time
This 100 year anniversary of the event marks the first time it has been hosted by the U.S. So American fans will finally get their first taste of it. Until now, any U.S. citizen who wanted to see Copa America in person had to travel to South America. But with this year’s edition taking places in 10 major U.S. cities, American fans finally get to experience the atmosphere of Copa America.
