Copa America 2015 Standings & Schedule: Chile, Uruguay & Brazil Jump Out to First Place Lead
The 2015 Copa America has been an exciting tournament thus far. Chile has provided soccer fans with a dramatic soccer environment with diving saves, amazing goals and disappointing defeats.
This tournament may be young, but each and every game is extremely critical. Let's take a look at the standings so far.
Group A
1. Chile: 1 win, 1 draw. 4 points
2. Bolivia: 1 win, 1 draw. 4 points
3. Mexico: 0 wins, 2 draws. 2 points
4. Ecuador: 0 wins, 2 losses. 2 points
Chile, the host nation, was picked to win this group, and they're out in front early on. When you look at the standings you might be wondering why Chile is ahead of Bolivia even though they have the same record. Chile has a plus two goal differential whereas Bolivia is just a plus one. When determining a tie breaker, this is the first procedure. Chile had a disappointing tie with Mexico in their last game, but they still got a point in that game. Group A teams have played by far the most games of any group so far.
Remaining Group A Schedule
Mexico vs. Ecuador: Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m. EST
Chile vs. Bolivia: Friday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. EST
Group B
1. Uruguay: 1 win. 3 points
2. Argentina: 1 draw. 1 point
3. Paraguay: 1 draw. 1 point
4. Jamaica: 0 wins. 0 points
Group B teams have only played one game thus far, and the defending champions are the only squad to get on the win column. Uruguay defeated Jamaica despite not having Luis Suarez on the field. As for the No. 3 ranked team in the world, Argentina, they suffered a terrible draw against Paraguay in their opening game. Lionel Messi scored on a penalty kick, but Lucas Barrios scored in the 90th minute to erase a 2-0 deficit for Paraguay. Argentina has to be able to close games better if they're going to win this event. As for Uruguay, this is just business as they've won this South American tournament more than any other nation.
Remaining Group B Schedule
Paraguay vs. Jamaica: Tuesday, June 16 at 5 p.m. EST
Argentina vs. Uruguay: Tuesday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. EST
Uruguay vs. Paraguay: Saturday, June 20 at 3 p.m. EST
Argentina vs. Jamaica: Saturday, June 20 at 5:30 p.m. EST
Group C
1. Brazil: 1 win. 3 points
2. Venezuela: 1 win. 3 points
3. Peru: 1 loss. 0 points.
4. Colombia: 1 loss. 0 points.
This was viewed as the "group of death" before the tournament began. Neymar and James Rodriguez highlight two young superstars on their way to all-time greatness. Brazil narrowly escaped with a 2-1 win against Peru in their only game, but Colombia lost against Venezuela, 1-0. Colombia is the No. 4 ranked team in world, and failure to qualify for the knockout stage would be extremely disappointing. A Colombia-Brazil showdown is just what soccer fans wanted to see, and they'll get it next.
Remaining Group C Schedule
Brazil vs. Colombia: Wednesday, June 17 at 8 p.m. EST
Peru vs. Venezuela: Thursday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m. EST
Colombia vs. Peru: Sunday, June 21 at 3 p.m. EST
Brazil vs. Venezuela: Sunday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m. EST