Top Stories

After a return to prominence, Copa America 2011 could be one of the best

CopaAmericaLogo

By NESTOR F. SEBASTIAN

The tournament that essentially inspired the World Cup had been watered down.

Little by little, Copa America had lost some of its prestige. CONMEBOL decided to implement a two-year cycle in the South American tournament in the mid-1980s to give each nation a chance to host the competition.

It slowly began to suffer a little more than a decade later when players made the exodus to Europe to fully concentrate on their club careers and put their national aspirations on the backburner.

It happened even more after the globalization and increasing business output of the game climbed in the past 15 years or so.

At Colombia 2001, Argentina withdrew its participation after questions arose about Colombia's safety issues. Guests Canada disbanded its camp when CONMEBOL initially cancelled the tournament, leaving the continential governing body to scramble and bring in Honduras and Costa Rica at the last minute.

While Peru 2004 and Venezuela 2007 saw all teams participate without a problem, it did lack some top-name players, most of whom either were injured or took time off after grueling campaigns at their respective clubs. World Cup qualifiers, which were around the corner from both tournaments, obviously took precedence.

CONMEBOL didn't want to admit it, but it knew it had to act. As soccer continues to become more and more lucrative, the idea of Copa America coming around every two or three years gave the sense of oversaturation. Also, the idea of possibly competing or sharing the spotlight with the ever-increasingly popular European Cup was ludicrous. The result? CONMEBOL rightfully pushed back the continental contest back to a four-year cycle, beginning with this year's edition.

And it's appropriate that it is taking place in Argentina. The first tournament was held there in 1910 to commemorate 100 years of the May Revolution, which marked the beginning of Argentina's independence although the first competition is not recognized by CONMEBOL. Officially, the first South American championship took place in 1916, also in Argentina.

The country has a passionate culture, and its supporters are world-renowned. The concept of holding Argentina's first senior official tournament after 24 years most likely seduced federations and administrators as well as players themselves, given the numerous interviews in the past several days.

There is a real sense of anticipation and anxiety that hasn't been felt in years. Some managers have admitted that this could be the best Copa America edition in a long time, given the atmosphere and tradition known in Argentina.

It's been a long four years since Brazil lifted the trophy in Venezuela in 2007 and about a year since the successful showing by South America in in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. CONMEBOL's World Cup qualifiers start in October, and many teams recognize that a positive display this month in Argentina will give tremendous momentum to its respective teams, fans and press, especially with an extra spot to dispute since Brazil won't have to qualify for 2014.

This year, about 3,000 press credentials have been recorded for Copa America. Every side — except for guests Mexico and Costa Rica — have deployed full-strength teams. Most games have been sold out for weeks. Many outlets will broadast the tournament around the world. YouTube announced it will stream the games live. And best of all, fans will finally get to enjoy a top-tiered cup competition that deserves that respect it's been lacking for a long time.

Comments

  1. +++ WATCH LIVE ONLINE +++

    This is the Best Way to watch 2011 Copa America Argentina Live Stream Online.

    Copa America Argentina v Bolivia Live Stream Match Online

    http://neosportsonline.com/soccer/copa-america-argentina-bolivia-live-stream-match-online.html

    Argentina v Bolivia Live Stream

    http://neosportsonline.com/soccer/copa-america-argentina-bolivia-live-stream-match-online.html

    WATCH Argentina v Bolivia live match

    http://neosportsonline.com/soccer/copa-america-argentina-bolivia-live-stream-match-online.html

    Argentina v Bolivia Live Stream

    http://neosportsonline.com/soccer/copa-america-argentina-bolivia-live-stream-match-online.html

    WATCH Argentina v Bolivia live match

    http://neosportsonline.com/soccer/copa-america-argentina-bolivia-live-stream-match-online.html

    Thank You

    Reply
  2. I look forward to watching Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

    But I also second the comment about hoping to see US as one of the guest teams in the next tournament. I know we got hammered in 07, but it was still fun to see the US in a major tournament more than once every 4 years.

    Reply
  3. Be nice to watch a good tournament where I don’t have a horse in the race, if ya know what I mean. I look forward to seeing how Argentina performs at home.

    Reply
  4. Mexico and Chile are vying for the right to host the tournament. Since Brazil are hosting World Cup. They will not be hosting Copa America 2015.

    Reply
  5. was just going to comment the same thing…..do ppl. even read the articles anymore..lol. VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!!

    Reply
  6. I expect the USA will be at this tournament in 2013: no confed cup, we can send a stronger team than last time, etc. I guess that might be a silver lining to not winning Gold Cup this year…

    Reply
  7. Not televised in English in USA. But I believe the youtube games will be with English commentary. Not 100% sure on that though.

    Reply
  8. CONCACAF should take a hint and go to a 4 year cycle. Doubtful though, since the Mexico games must make them a good amount of $$$.

    As entertaining as the final was, anyone but the most stubborn homer could have predicted the outcome before the tournament even started – a close yet decisive Mexican win over the US in the final.

    Meanwhile, our club game had to suffer the loss of a lot of the precious little talent we have, furthering the perception that it’s not a serious league.

    Reply
  9. I’m pumped. South American futbol is fast-paced, technically sound, and fiercely competitive and passion-fueled. Coming off the continent’s great WC showing, this Copa is gonna be nuts.

    Reply
  10. Does anyone know what tv channels will broadcast the games? I know youtube.com is actually showing it, which is a bit odd, but curious about the tv.

    Thanks for any helpful responses.

    Reply

Leave a Comment