What Is the Copa America, the Oldest International Tournament in Soccer?

We have reached the quarterfinal stage of the Copa America as Argentina continues its defense of its title. However, why is it so important and why are people all over North and South America very passionate about the tournament, which is currently being hosted by the United States?

The first tournament happened way back in 1916 and it was initially only a South American tournament. The first host was Argentina, which was celebrating the 100th anniversary of its independence at that time, with the first tournament happening in Buenos Aires. It was only until later that North American teams like the United States and Mexico were allowed to join.

Uruguay, which would go on to win the very first World Cup, was also the inaugural winner of the tournament. Argentina hosted it again the following year, and once again, Uruguay also won. The country would then get hosting rights in 1919, but Brazil won the tournament.

Over the next few years, the Copa America would only be won by three countries, namely Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil. However, Peru would interrupt this cycle when the country finally won its first Copa America in 1939. In the next few years, the "Big 3" would continue their dominance until Paraguay would win its first tournament in 1953.

As one might expect, the "Big 3" are Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, winning the most titles of any country. While other South American countries like Bolivia, Chile, and Paraguay have won the tournament as well, no North American team has ever won the Copa America. The two favorites from the continent, USA and Mexico, have recently exited, with Canada being the only member of NA's "Big 3" remaining.

Argentina, led by the one and only Lionel Messi, are the defending champions, winning it in dramatic fashion against Chile back in 2021. They would go on to win the World Cup in Qatar the next year.

Which Teams Are the Favorites of This Year's Copa America

As expected, with Canada being the only North American "Big 3" remaining, it is expected by many that another South American country would win the tournament again this year.

Even before the tournament began, Argentina, still high on its World Cup win, has been predicted by many to be retaining the title in the US. However, Brazil, which struggled in the group stage, may still pose as a huge threat. Meanwhile, Uruguay and Colombia may shock many if they continue to play well.

Which Teams Are Left in This Year's Copa America

The quarterfinals have already kicked off with Argentina winning a penalty kick-off against Ecuador, with the defending champions almost suffering a huge scare against their fellow South American nation after Messi missed the first penalty goal.

Meanwhile, Venezuela, the tournament's most surprising team, will be facing off against Canada next, while Colombia will be facing another tournament surprise, Panama, the only other North American country remaining in the tourney aside from Canada. Panama managed to somehow knock off the US.

However, the match to look out for would be the rivalry match between Uruguay and Brazil, whose three-way rivalry with Argentina has gone on for almost 100 years now. Brazil struggled while Uruguay dominated the group stages.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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