2015 Copa America Groupings, Schedule, Facts & Preview: Everything You Need to Know
Each continent (except, of course, Antarctica) has their large soccer tournament that is held once every two to four years by FIFA.
South America's largest soccer tournament is the Copa America, and it is played primarily by CONMEBOL teams.
The 2015 Copa America will have 12 teams divided into three separate groups:
Group A
1. Chile
Chile is the host nation and they would love nothing more than to win the tournament on their home soil. Chile has never won a Copa America championship before, but they have placed second four times.
2. Mexico
Mexico is an interesting team, because they are a CONCACAF squad, but they accepted the invitation to play. Wouldn't it be something if Mexico stunned the South American soccer world by winning their tournament on their soil?
3. Ecuador
Ecuador could be a long shot surprise team, but not many people are picking them to win. Just like Mexico and Chile, Ecuador has never won a Copa America tournament either. Group A is the "underdog group."
4. Bolivia
Ronald Raldes leads the wild card Bolivian squad in Group A. Bolivia hasn't won a Copa America championship since 1963, but head coach Nestor Clausen has this team ready to go.
Group B
1. Argentina
The Argentines come in as heavy favorites. At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, they were so close to winning it all, but fell to short to Germany in the finals. All eyes will be on team captain Lionel Messi. Argentina has won 14 Copa America titles.
2. Uruguay
Argentina may be the best South American nation in the World Cup, but Uruguay plays the best at home. Uruguay has won a record 15 Copa America championships, including the last one in 2011. Luis Suárez will not be playing because of his biting incident during the previous World Cup.
3. Paraguay
Paraguay missed out on the World Cup in 2014 for the first time since 1994. With a great goalkeeper like Justo Villar and a strong defense led by Paulo da Silva, Paraguay will be a tough out. Paraguay has won two Copa America championships.
4. Jamaica
Just like Mexico, Jamaica accepted an invite as a CONCACAF team. Jamaica has only participated in one World Cup: 1998. This will be their first-ever appearance in the Copa America tournament.
Group C
1. Brazil
Group C is without a doubt the group of death. Brazil is widely regarded as one of the best national teams in the world, and they're loaded with talent. Neymar and Thiago Silva lead a Brazilian unit against tough competition. Brazil has won eight Copa America titles.
2. Colombia
What a coming-out party it was for James Rodriguez at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The 23-year-old led Colombia all the way to the quarterfinals. Colombia will be trying to win their first Copa America championship since 2001.
3. Peru
With Paolo Guerrero and Juan Manuel Vargas, Peru has a well-balanced team. Peru had a great run in 2011, but finished in third place. Peru had the honor of hosting the games in 2004.
4. Venezuela
Venezuela is most likely the odd team out in this group. A questionable offense and a tough schedule may have this team out in the group stage. Venezuela will face Colombia in their first match.
Location, Schedule
The 2015 Copa America will be played in Chile in nine different stadiums. The last time Chile was the host nation was 1991. The tournament will begin on June 11 with Ecuador and Chile facing each other.
History
Uruguay has won the most Copa America Championships with 15. Argentina has the second most with 14 victories. Brazil has won eight Copa America titles. The last team to win the tournament as the host nation was Colombia in 2001 when they defeated Mexico 1-0.
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