myeplreviews.com

Brazil stun tournament favourites Argentina 3-0 to win the Copa America for the second time in a row, showing off their ruthless side of attacking and silencing critics for their style of play.

A fourth minute goal by Julio Baptista and an own goal by Roberto Ayala took Brazil to a commanding 2-0 before halftime, and Daniel Alves then scored the third goal to seal the title for the defending champion.

Argentina went into this match as favourite having scored 16 goals before the final while Brazil lost to Mexico in the group stage and needed a penalty shootout win against Uruguay in the semi finals. Brazil were also without two of their famous stars, Ronaldinho and Kaka, who were asked to be rested and relied on Robinho for the goals.

Coach Dunga who was heavily criticised for fielding 3 defensive midfielders must be relief that his tactics worked after Brazil systematically interrupted Argentina’s usual flowing game. And as Argentiana struggle to impose their game, Brazil took advantage of Argentina’s shaky defence to score three goals and took the Copa America title for the second time in a row.

argentina, Brazil, copa america final

Popularity: 3% [?]

With the quarter final ties over, the Copa has proven to be one of the most entertaining and eventful in years. The 22 games have given us more than 60 goals. The last World Cup to provide that many goals was Mexico in 1970.

However, with the exception of USA, Mexico and Brazil, all 12 competing nations brought their top teams and still the goals keep coming. The winning fans may enjoyed the huge goal scored but to the losing team, coaches, manager and their fans, to lose by a huge margin is embarassing. More so both Mexico and Brazil with their fringe teams, are in the semis thumping their quarter finals opponents with ease.

But what can be seen is that teams adapting positive approach have reaped huge dividen such as Argentina and Mexico. Brazil who was much critisized in their first game, proves that they are still a force to be reckon with, by thumping Chile 6-1, producing an attacking display ‘jogo bonito’, expected of the defending and five time World Cup champion.

Now, all eyes will be on the semifinalist, Brazil vs Uruguay and Argentina vs Mexico, a cracking match that will see why South American style of play is highly appreciated. Hot favourites, Argentina will be backing on Lionel Messi who has been in superb form with Riquelme providing some clinical passing. Top scorer Robinho will be looking forward to break the top scorer record held by Pele, while Uruguay and Mexico will be fired up to knock down the tournaments favourites. Now, that’s football.

argentina, Copa America, lionel messi

Popularity: 4% [?]

The 42nd edition of the Copa America kicks off in Venezuela with high expectations after the host invest millions on new infrastructures, especially three new stadiums built for this event.

And with that, fans would certainly want to see the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Robinho and Diego Forlan, and their silky skills, a trademark of the South American style of play.

The favourites will be Argentina, with a full strength squad are surely the team to beat. They have a solid defence and forward players like Carlos Tevez, Riquelme and Milito are in great forms. Watch out for some all out attacking football and incisive passing manoeuvres.

But of course, you can never write off the Brazilians, even without Kaka and Ronaldinho, they still have enough resources to win this tournament. All eyes will be on Robinho and Alfonso Alves and expect the usual Brazilian flair.

Other smaller nations must not be taken for granted. Mexico and Paraguay may spring some surprises and there are bound to be some upsets. This is a tournament that you won’t wanna miss.

Copa America

Popularity: 8% [?]