Copa America 2015: 5 Reasons Chile Wins Group A Over Mexico, Ecuador & Paraguay
What a tournament this should be. The 2015 Copa America will test the wills of 12 national teams separated in three groups beginning later this week. The biggest soccer tournament in South American history is here, and everyone is making predictions.
Let's begin with Group A. Group A features Chile, Mexico, Ecuador and Paraguay. An interesting group, but Chile will find a way to win it. Here are five reasons why.
1. Claudio Bravo
One could argue that Chile has the best goalkeeper in this tournament. Claudio Bravo led Barcelona to a La Liga championship in Spain over Real Madrid as well as a Copa del Rey title in net. For his efforts, he was awarded the Ricardo Zamora Trophy, becoming the first ever Chilean-born goalie to do so. Bravo is the most experienced player on Chile, and head coach Jorge Sampaoli has named him team captain. With Diego Alves out (injury) for Brazil, Bravo has to insert himself as the best goalkeeper in this competition.
2. Home Field Advantage
Let's not kid ourselves. Teams have more success when they play on their home soil when compared to on the road. For example, Brazil won the Copa America in 1949 at home, and didn't win it again until 1989, the next time they were the host country. To win this tournament would be an all-time great achievement, but to do it in front of your fellow countrymen would be extremely memorable. The last five times Chile has been the host nation they have placed third, second, third, third, and third place. Every time this tournament is in Chile's backyard, they are always competing at the end.
3. Mexico Playing for Gold Cup
Mexico is the most successful CONCACAF Gold Cup nation having won the tournament six times. The United States has won that five times. The 2015 Gold Cup will be played right after this year's Copa America, and coach Miguel Herrera has made it clear which one he is focusing on. Notable players such as Francisco Javier Rodríguez, Javier Hernandez, and Andrés Guardado will not be playing in the Copa America. Even starting goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is not scheduled to play until the Gold Cup.
4. Balanced Squad
Chile's best and most experienced player may be their goalkeeper, but let's not overlook the rest of this roster. Mauricio Isla, Gonzalo Jara and Gary Medel lead a great defensive unit in front of a good middle field led by Matías Fernández, Jorge Valdivia, Arturo Vidal. Offensively, Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez is teamed up with Eduardo Vargas and Mauricio Pinilla. Chile should easily allow the fewest goals against in Group A winning low scoring games throughout. This Chile squad really doesn't have a huge weakness to pick apart.
5. They're Just Better
Chile will win Group A . . . because they should. Chile is ranked No. 19 in the world, and No. 5 in the CONMEBOL confederation behind only Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay. Thankfully for Chile, none of those four teams will be competing in Group A. Mexico ranks No. 23 in the world, but again, they're not at full strength. As for Ecuador and Paraguay, they rank No. 31 and No. 85 respectively. If Chile can win Group A, that means that means that they would face the third place squad of Group B or C. A second place finish for Chile in this group is unacceptable.
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