Mexico has ruled the stage in North America for the last few years. But the team's dominance on its continent will be tested when it participates in this year's Copa America.

Uruguay Could Struggle Without Luis Suarez

Mexico is likely to be one of the teams to get out of the group that features Jamaica and Venezuela, but El Tri's destiny could be hampered by a date with an Uruguay side that is an unknown quantity at this point in time.

Uruguay was once seen as the runaway favorite in this group and possibly the entire tournament with the attacking duo of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. However, both stars are set to miss the start of the tournament due to injury. Cavani has been nursing an injury for a few weeks while Suarez recently pulled a hamstring in the Copa del Rey final with Barcelona.

Both players made the trip to the U.S. for the tournament and are set to make returns at some point, but the questions over their form will loom large.

This is a major disappointment for Suarez who enjoyed the best season of his career, scoring 59 goals in all competitions. He has been the most lethal scorer in the world over the last nine months, essentially carrying his club to the finish line. He was poised to have a big tournament after missing the showcase last summer due to suspension.

Cavani also had a solid season for Paris Saint-Germain and had started to find his form for his country. Not having either could be a huge blow to Uruguay's attack, which is far less convincing without both stars. Uruguay's current squad, which is solid through and through, averages the age of 28 and is among the older sides in the tournament. Durability will be a huge question with 11 players over the age of 30.

Mexico Should Remain the Favorite

Venezuela and Jamaica are weak sides overall but could pose problems with stringent defense against a direct Mexican attack. The team is loaded up with forwards and only four defenders, which should indicate the 5-3-2 playing style that Juan Carlos Osorio is going to implement in this tournament. Eyes will be on Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who enters the tournament just four goals shy of being Mexico's best goal scorer ever. He had a solid year for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 26 goals in all competitions, his best season to date.

The goaltending situation will be interesting to observe with three veterans competing for time. Jose de Jesus Corona has declined this year while Guillermo Ochoa struggled for playing time over the last two years. Alfredo Talavera could be poised to be the one who started in between the pipes.

Best Player in the Group

If he plays, Suarez is without a doubt the best player in this group and possibly in the entire tournament. He can score and has tremendous strength on and off the ball.

Predictions

Suarez plays at some point and leads Uruguay to the top spot. Mexico makes it through, but not without some defensive struggles along the way. Venezuela finishes last with Jamaica getting third.

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