DC United get Veron

After months of whispers, it looks like it has happened, DC United signed Juan Sebastian Veron. This deal is worth $3-4 million a year.

As shown in this summer's Copa America, Veron will give United even more power in the midfield, but he does have a tendency to slow teams down. This might not be a major issue, but it is something to watch. Even with his lack of pace, he is very dangerous due in large part to the way he reads a game.

However, Veron has had a number of injuries over the last couple months that have greatly limited his playing time for Estudiantes. They have been minor, but still, after the whole Beckham '07 farce, even with a number of months till his first match, his recovery is an issue.

It will be interesting to see how Veron works with Fred and Gomez (then again, maybe this is a sign that Gomez is soon to go) in the midfield. I could see the three giving United a style that could really throw teams off since each brings something different to the mix, however, if it doesn't work right, there could be a major mess.

Overall, this looks like a good signing for DC and the league. It brings in another quality player who still has some good years ahead of him. Also, Veron is someone who is technically good on the ball, which is an aspect the league has been trying to improve.

So welcome to the fifth designated player in league history.

Update: And now we take down all the welcome signs and put away the hats and noise makers as Veron appears to have rejected DC's offer, saying “It was a lot of money, but in my situation the best thing is to do things in life that give you satisfaction ... the fans here are superb and I want to stay with my friends.”

At least MLS has a quote about it with 'a lot of money' in it. A nice change.

2007 Copa America - Brazil reins supreme

Argentina looked to be the stronger team during the whole tournament, but in the end, Brazil came out on top. It was an evenly played first half but thanks to an amazing goal by Julio Baptista and some Brazilian luck in the form of an own goal by Roberto Ayala, the Samba Kings went to the break feeling very good.

Argentina came out hunting for a goal in the second but Brazil still dominated. Even when Alfio Basile came on for Argentina in the 58th, they could not push hard enough. The men in yellow soon nailed the coffin closed thanks to Daniel Alves finishing a wonderful counter attack.

This defeat must sting the Argentineans hard as they brought everything they had to this Copa while Brazil was lacking a number of stars and didn't seem overly interested at the start of the group stage.

With the win, Brazil earns their eighth Copa America title and has now won four of the last five tournaments. Argentina still dwarfs Brazil in the total number of Copa titles (14), however, they have not won it all since 1995.

As champions of South America, Brazil will join South Africa, Italy and the USA along with the winners of the 2007 Asian Cup, 2008 African Nations Cup, 2008 Euro and 2008 OFC Nations Cup at the Confederations Cup in 2009 in South Africa.

Congrats to Brazil and to Robinho who won the golden boot with 6 goals.

Here is the final placement of the 12 participating teams.
1. Brazil
2. Argentina
3. Mexico
4. Uruguay
5. Paraguay
6. Venezuela
7. Peru
8. Chile
9. Columbia
10. Bolivia
11. Ecuador
12. USA

2007 Copa America - Brazil tops Uruguay on kicks

The soccer gods again smiled down on Brazil tonight as they took Uruguay on kicks to advance to the final on Sunday. Both sides looked strong through out the full 120 minutes. Every time it looked like Brazil was about to pull away, Uruguay would push themselves right back into it.

Then came the kicks. Brazil could have won it on their fifth attempt, but Afonso bounced it off the bar. Then Uruguay had their chance to win it on the seventh kick after Fernando failed to convert. Strangest thing, Pablo Garcia knocked it off the side bar. At that point, it just felt like a night for Brazil.

Sure enough Gilberto converted Brazil's next chance and Diego Lugano's must make was saved.

Brazil goes wild.

2007 Copa America - USA worst team in tournament

Colombia 1-0 USA
The US men slumped their way out of Copa America tonight with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Colombia. The lose gives the side 0 points from their matches with a goal difference of negative 6, thus making us the worst team in the Copa.

As far as tonight's game, sloppy would be kind. The Nats did not sustain pressure at any point nor could they put together more then two or three passes at a time. The good news is they didn't suck as much at finishing chances but the bad news is that has more to do with the lack of such chances then some sudden increase in the team's ability at the end.

The other thing that just glared was how lacking in pressure we were. So many times when Colombia got in front of goal, the team swarmed, making it difficult to clear, but when the US was in the area, there might have been one or maybe two other people around, and they didn't really get involved with the play. If players don't have options, they are going to get picked.

So the red, white and blue dump out of one of the great tournaments. It is a shame, but the greater shame is that it is not a shock. When Bob Bradley released his roster for the tournament, it was obvious that we were heading for a slaughter. There are many reasons why the best were not brought (and some of them have merit), but I have to wonder why we accepted the invitation if we were not even going to try?

One of the biggest problems the US national team face is getting top-quality matches with anyone but Mexico. Other then the World Cup, prior to the Copa, the men have only played three national powers, excluding Mexico, since 2004 (Netherlands Feb '04, England May '05 and Germany March '06). In the Copa, we had a chance to play three big games, including one against Argentina, but the best reward could have come if we had showed something in those matches. If we could have done something down south, our program would have earned some much-needed respect, which would make it easier to convince teams to play us.

Instead, we look like a wet, paper doll. Yes, we can say that we would have done better with our best there, but that is just an excuse. Results are what people remember and in the eyes of the world's soccer community, we look pathetic. If we are not going to bring our best (or at least a roster that stands any sort of a chance) then we should not accept invitations to future Copa Americas. It is much too wonderful of a tournament to disrespect in such a way.

Group A

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Venezula	5	3	1	0	2	4	2	+2
Peru	4	3	1	1	1	5	4	+1
Uruguay	2	3	1	1	1	1	3	-2
Bolivia	2	3	0	1	2	4	5	-1

Group B

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Mexico	7	3	2	0	1	4	1	+3
Brazil	6	3	2	1	0	4	2	+2
Chile	4	3	1	1	1	3	5	-2
Ecuador	0	3	0	0	3	3	6	-3

Group C

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Paraguay	6	2	2	0	0	8	1	+7
Argentina	6	2	2	0	0	8	3	+5
Colombia	3	3	1	2	0	3	9	-6
USA	0	3	0	3	0	2	8	-6

US-Colombia starting lineups

USA (0pts) vs. Colombia (0pts)

The final Copa America match for both these sides is about to kickoff and although it is not important in many ways, this is not a junk match. The US need to get a win out of this to have anything good to say about their trip down south.

Anyway, here are the starting lineups.
USA
GK: Brad Guzan
D: Bobby Boswell, Heath Pearce, Dan Califf, Drew Moor
M: Sacha Kljestan, Kyle Backerman, Ricardo Clark, Justin Mapp
F: Herculez Gomez, Eddie Johnson

Yesterday afternoon Bradley said that no matter what the results from the matches later in the evening, they were not going to cause him to change his lineup. Perhaps that is true, but looking at the list above, I have trouble believing that. If the US still had a chance, would Guzan really be getting the start over Keller? Don't get me wrong, it is great that Guzan is getting the chance but why not just say that if we cannot advance, I will give other people some chanecs?

Anyway, here is Colombia's lineup:
G: Zapata
D: Yepes, Arilaza, Perea, Viafara
M: Castrillion, Torres, Banguero, Zuniga
F: Rodallega, Valoyes

My prediction: USA 1-0 Colombia
The wife's prediction: USA 0-2 Colombia

US vs. Paraguay - Do it now or say goodbye to Copa edition

USA (0pts) vs. Paraguay (3pts)
6:35pm ET/ 3:35pm PT
TV: TeleFutura, GolTV
Internet: US Soccer matchtracker text play by play

The US men find themselves in a unique spot where they have to get some kind of result or their Copa experience is all but over. They are coming off a huge beating at the hands of Argentina and about to take the pitch against a Paraguay side that but an even bigger beatting on Colombia. Not an easy situation for a newish coach with a young, inexperience squad.

So what will happen? Either they will fold in such an ugly way that it will make us all wish for the Argentina match again or they will correct some errors (no Marvell Wynne as a starter) and readjust.

A lot of this match will be decided by Ben Olsen who, instead of pushing forward, had to track back on Thursday night to cover for Wynne. If he can spend more of his time in a higher position feeding balls like Donovan normally does, it will equal a much better match.

Then we have the mess up top. Eddie Johnson was the best of the bunch the other night but his effort was nowhere near the level needed. Twellman will likely get the start and if he does he needs to greatly rework his game. Other then a couple times where he tracked back to pressure, he was not seen against Argentina.

All this should give Benny Feilhaber a few good chances to show off his talent. Although I forgot to note it, he was a bright spot for the US in their first match. The more touches he gets, the better chances we have.

No matter what their opening result says, Paraguay is not a strong offensive power then Argentina so the red, white and blue defense should have a little more breathing room. If they can settle early then they have a shot. Still my biggest concern is the lack of a bench. Once we hit the hour mark, the true test for this side will begin.

Predicted lineup:
GK: Keller
D: Simek, Conrad, DeMerit, Bornstein
M: Mapp, Olsen, Clark, Feilhaber
F: Twellman, Johnson

Predictions: Me USA 2-1 Paraguay, Wife USA 1-1 Paraguay

Screams of 'Freedom' at Copa America

While the US men was busy with Argentina, something interesting happened in the stands. Just a little into the second half, a number of fans started chanting anti-Chavez slogans including 'Freedom' and 'This government is going to fall'.

In order to combat large anti-government protests, President Hugo Chavez banded protesting near games, airports, highways and hotels (ie anywhere people might see them) and also promising a crackdown on anyone who breaks these rules. Still, about half of the 40,000 people in the stadium chanted for about 3-minutes.

This has nothing much to do with soccer, but it is interesting to watch.

2007 Copa America - Day 3 - USA 1-4 Argentina - Ouch

USA 1-4 Argentina

The US men have suffered their first loss since the World Cup and did it in a big way. The Nats looked all right during the first half but fell to pieces as the match went along. With very little support available off the bench, Argentina was able to just want the US out. This match reminded me a great deal of the friendly against Germany back in March of last year. In both games we went in with weak sides, played a decent first half and then fell apart just a bit after the hour mark.

Anyway, it was a bad night. Instead of doing a full player grade, I'll just point out the folks that I thought had at least an average or better night: Johnson, Mapp, Conrad. Others had some okay moments, but overall it really doesn't matter as it was a painful game to watch. That said, at least they didn't fall as bad as Colombia did against Paraguay. Then again, the US face Paraguay on Monday.

Goals:
US: Johnson (1) 9'
Argentina: Crespo (1) 12', (2) 65', Aimar (1) 79', Tevez (1) 86'

Paraguay 5-0 Colombia
This one became an official sack beating late in the match as Paraguay got three goals in the final ten minutes. The first half was a snore in this one but then Paraguay took charge in the second. Colombia had a couple of chances but nothing to cause worry. The score is about equal to the play on the pitch.
Goals:
Paraguay: Roque Santa Cruz (1) 30', (2) 46', (3) 80', Cabanas (1) 85', (2) 88'

Group A

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Peru	3	1	1	0	0	3	0	+3
Venezula	1	1	0	0	1	2	2	0
Bolivia	1	1	0	0	1	2	2	0
Uruguay	0	1	0	1	0	0	3	-3

Group B

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Mexico	3	1	1	0	0	2	0	+2
Chile	3	1	1	0	0	3	2	+1
Ecuador	0	1	0	1	0	2	3	-1
Brazil	0	1	0	1	0	0	2	-2

Group C

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Paraguay	3	1	0	0	0	5	0	+5
Argentina	3	1	1	0	0	4	1	+3
USA	0	1	0	1	0	1	4	-3
Colombia	1	0	1	0	0	0	5	+5

Golden Boot
3 - Roque Santa Cruz - Paraguay
2 - Hernan Crespo - Argentina
2 - Salvador Cabanas - Paraguay
2 - Humberto Suazo - Chile
1 - Juan Carlos Arce - Bolivia
1 - Jaime Moreno - Bolivia
1 - Carlos Villanueva - Chile
1 - Cristian Benítez - Ecuador
1 - Luis Antonio Valencia - Ecuador
1 - Nery Castillo - Mexico
1 - Ramón Morales - Mexico
1 - José Paolo Guerrero - Peru
1 - Juan Carlos Mariño - Peru
1 - Miguel Villalta - Peru
1 - Giancarlo Maldonado - Venezuela
1 - Ricardo David Páez - Venezuela
1 - Pablo Aimar - Argentina
1 - Carlos Tevez - Argentina
1 - Eddie Johnson - USA

USA 1-1 Argentina - Half time

USA 1-1 Argentina
Halftime
Who knows what the second 45 will bring but the first half was not that bad for the US. Johnson has had some dangerous moments and they are winning some balls in the midfield. Keller had a bit of a slip on Argentina's goal but made up for it later on stopping a Veron blast.

That said, the US is suffering from lack of possession and Argentina is showing no signs of frustration. If they don't start connecting on more passes and maintaining some control, they are going to be exhausted around the 80th minute. With the bench a little light on top-notch players, it might prove to be the US's undoing.

USA - Argentina starting lineup

The lineups are out and here they are:

USA
G: Kasey Keller
D: Marvell Wynne, Jimmy Conrad, Jonathan Bornstein
M: Benny Feilhaber, Ben Olsen, Ricardo Clark, Justin Mapp
F: Eddie Johnson, Taylor Twellman
No real surprises here. Olsen and Clark are going to be busy. Twellman and Johnson could earn a lot of respect if they find a way through the Argentina back line.

Argentina
G: Abbondanzieri
D: Ayala, Heinze, Zanetti, Milito
M: Riquelme, Mascherano, Cambiasso, Veron
F: Crespo, Messi

The game kicks off at 8:45pm ET and will air on GolTv and TeleFutura (Spanish). You can also find a text play by play on US Soccer's match tracker.

2007 Copa America - How does the USA beat Argentina?

USA - Argentina
8:45pm ET/5:45pm PT
TV: GolTV, Telefutura (Spanish)

The US will finally return to South America's big show tonight as they open up against the Copa favorites Argentina. If you pay attention to soccer you know the basic overview of this match. Argentina has their A+ side and is hungry to lift the trophy after 14 years without while the US decided to bring their 'less then best' squad. To say this one has all the makings of massacre is almost under rating the expected outcome.

But what fun is there in going with the tide when you can pull for the under dog. Yes, you will lose just about every time but then again if you win, then the heavens are with you. With that in mind, I took some time to think up ways that the US could win this match without an outbreak of food poisoning in the Argentine camp.

America has two chances in this game (and no, they are not slim and none). The first is the Argentina looks past the US and plays lazy, however with their best on the pitch and with Brazil's defeat at the hands of Mexico still on the front page, this one will be difficult to pull off. The other chance, Argentina does not know most of the opposition, thus they might not anticipate what the Nats will do. How this one goes is that the youngsters of the US are so inexperienced that they will react very different then expected in situations and Argentina will not know how to play them.

The common denominator in both of these situations is Argentina beating themselves because I really don't see a way the US will be able to do it alone (unless Keller turns into an absolute mad man in goal). Argentina's midfield is going to be packed with quality and will provide Feihaber and Clark with competition like they have never seen before. If the US isn't winning a good share of 50-50 balls in the middle, they have no chance.

Still the worst thing the red, white and blue could do is sit back and wait for it. Instead, they need to press forward as much as they can and get bodies in the box. They will probably only have a handful of chances in this match so they need to make them count (just ask Mexico).

If there is one good piece of news for the US it is that they really shouldn't feel that much pressure as expectations are so low. Hopefully this will help Johnson, Twellman or whomever is up top relax and actually show something, while Mapp would feel free to open it up down the side. Also, this is a great game in which to get noticed. If you can prove yourself in this situation not only will you get more national caps but also you might catch the eye of a European suitor.

In the end it would be the greatest of upsets if the Blue and White did not walk out with three points.

Predicted lineup:
GK: Keller
D: Wynne, Conrad, DeMerit, Pearce
M: Olsen, Feihaber, Clark, Mapp
F: Twellman, Johnson

Predictions: Me US 0-2 Argentina, Wife US 0-4 Argentina

2007 Copa America - Day 2

The first day of Copa America saw a bit of a shock when Peru did in Uruguay, but day two saw the stakes raised as Mexico walked in and stopped Brazil's samba before it really had a chance to get started. This match alone was enough to see why the tournament is so beloved. Now the question becomes will the upsets continue in day three?

Chile 3-2 Ecuador
It is nice to know the US is not the only team that can't kill off teams. Ecuador had at least three great chances that should have resulted in additional goals, but instead they walked away with nothing. Ecuador was living large for most of the match but as the second half rolled on, Chile continued to pressure. All the attacked paid off as they owned the final ten minutes.
Goals:
Ecuador: Antonio Valencia (1) 16', Christian Benitez (1) 23'
Humberto Suazo (1) 21', (2) 80', Carlos Villanueva (1) 87'

Mexico 2-0 Brazil
Could this match have saved Hugo Sanchez's job? Brazil controlled so much of the possession but seemed to think the yellow jerseys alone would take the night. Mexico did get a break early on as Diego's goal was called back due to a poor offside call. But El Tri made a lot of their few first half chances and at the break was on top by two. Brazil came out more aggressive in the second half however Mexico still owned the midfield till a little after the hour mark. The next thirty minutes saw the Samba boys finally realize they were in a match but Mexico was able to make the saves on defense including a fantastic save off the line. As great as that was, Nery Castillo had two wonderful chances to put the game away but he made the wrong choices both time. However, it was not needed and Mexico has pulled off the biggest of surprises.
Goals:
Mexico: Nery Castillo (1) 24', Ramon Morales (1) 29'

Group A

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Peru	3	1	1	0	0	3	0	+3
Venezula	1	1	0	0	1	2	2	0
Bolivia	1	1	0	0	1	2	2	0
Uruguay	0	1	0	1	0	0	3	-3

Group B

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Mexico	3	1	1	0	0	2	0	+2
Chile	3	1	1	0	0	3	2	+1
Ecuador	0	1	0	1	0	2	3	-1
Brazil	0	1	0	1	0	0	2	-2

Group C

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Argentina	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Paraguay	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Colombia	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
USA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Golden Boot
2 - Humberto Suazo - Chile
1 - Juan Carlos Arce - Bolivia
1 - Jaime Moreno - Bolivia
1 - Carlos Villanueva - Chile
1 - Cristian Benítez - Ecuador
1 - Luis Antonio Valencia - Ecuador
1 - Nery Castillo - Mexico
1 - Ramón Morales - Mexico
1 - José Paolo Guerrero - Peru
1 - Juan Carlos Mariño - Peru
1 - Miguel Villalta - Peru
1 - Giancarlo Maldonado - Venezuela
1 - Ricardo David Páez - Venezuela

2007 Copa America - Day 1

Copa America Day 1 is over and done and what a surprise in the first match. Perhaps a few more shocks, but of a bigger variety, could still happen in the first round.

Peru 3-0 Uruguay
Little Peru topped the heavy group favorites Uruguay in an excellent match. This is the type of game soccer lovers enjoy viewing as it was an open attacking event. Peru was up 1-0 at the half and Uruguay came out in the second wanting to equalize fast, but Peru's keeper was there when needed. Uruguay kept pushing forward but over reached and left themselves open to quick counter attacks. This lead to the second goal, which was a piece of art, that flew from the right corner of the box into the net. The pressure was on the favorites and they were going for everything but Peru was not only able to hold but also score one more to finish it all off.
Goals: Peru: Miguel Angel Villalta (1) 26', Juan Carlos Marino (1) 68', José Paolo Guerrero (1) 88'

Venezuela 2-2 Bolivia
For DC United fans, it must have been enjoyable to watch this one as Jaime Moreno put on a wonderful show. He was causing pain for Venezuela and taking the game to their end yet someone the host nation made things happen against the run of play. Bolivia repeatedly put good balls into the area or at the net but they either were cleared or went off target while Venezuela used their limited chances wisely. There are huge gaps in the Bolivian backline and they were exploited tonight.
Goals: Venezuela: Giancarlo Maldonado (1) 20', Ricardo David Páez (1) 55'
Bolivia: Jaime Moreno (1) 38', Juan Carlos Arce (1) 83'

Group A

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Peru	3	1	1	0	0	3	0	+3
Venezula	1	1	0	0	1	2	2	0
Bolivia	1	1	0	0	1	2	2	0
Uruguay	0	1	0	1	0	0	3	-3

Group B

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Brazil	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chile	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Mexico	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ecuador	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Group C

Team	Pts	GP	W	L	D	GF	GA	GD
Argentina	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Paraguay	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Colombia	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
USA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Copa America - No protesting where people will see you

Venezuela has outlawed protesting near stadiums, airports, highways or hotels during Copa America which starts next Tuesday (26 June).

Justice Minister Pedro Carreno said Tuesday that "all the protests staged near stadiums, airports, highways and hotels are not permitted, and the state's security forces will have act diligently to break them up."

This move is to prevent opponents of President Hugo Chavez from disrupting the tournament, but it could pave the way for a very disturbing backdrop. If the opposition decides to go ahead and stage mass protests across the country and the Chavez government does confront them, it will get mighty violent, mighty fast and at some point FIFA will have to decide if continuing the tournament is appropriate.

With the increase media that will be in country to cover the games, the world will be watching, so it will also be interesting to see if reporters are kept on a short leash or not.

Copa America quarterfinal moved

FIFA has decided the first quarterfinal of the Copa America cannot be played in La Carolina stadium in Barinas because of its low capacity. Instead, the game will move to Estadio Puerto La Cruz in the eastern state of Anzoátegui.

The interesting thing about this is the game was originally suppose to take place at Maracaibo's 40,000-capacity Jose Encarnacion Romero stadium before it moved to the 27,500-capacity stadium in Barinas. The fact that Barinas stadium is in the home state of President Hugo Chavez adds another dimension to everything. In moving the game for the second time FIFA said the smaller stadium was "insufficient to accommodate a match of this nature," but why did they allow it to move to a smaller location in the first place?

Here is the really interesting part:

The Venezuelan government has spent at least US$1 million (?750,000) to construct two new stadiums, remodel seven others, and renovate airports and surrounding areas for the tournament, which is being hosted in Venezuela for the first time from June 26 to July 15. But the projects have suffered from delays due to labor disputes and problems with bonus payments to workers.

Could all these moves have something to do with these delays?

Between the threat of violence against boycotts and the moving stadium situation, Copa America 2007 might turn out to be more interesting off the pitch then on.

Venezuela President warns groups not to boycott Copa America

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has faced two weeks of street demonstrations, has warned opposition groups not to boycott the Copa America games starting later this month.

"If they try that, it will be bad for them,'' Chavez said in a televised speech today in southern Apure state. "These people are against the fans, the country and the world.''

This could add a very odd element to the tournament.

2007 Copa America schedule

Copa America, South America's regional championship, will take place from June 26-July 15 in Venezuela. Tweleve teams will compete, ten from South America and two invited guests (Mexico & USA).

Here are the groups and their schedules:

Group A
Venezuela
Uruguay
Bolivia
Peru

Date	Time (ET)	Teams	City
June 26	20:45	Venezuela 2-2 Bolivia	San Cristóbal
June 26	16:00	Peru 3-0 Uruguay	Mérida
June 30	18:15	Venezuela 2-0 Peru	San Cristóbal
June 30	16:00	Bolivia 0-1 Uruguay	San Cristóbal
July 3	18:30	Bolivia 2-2 Peru	Mérida
July 3	20:45	Uruguay 0-0 Venezuela	Mérida

TV information: All games for Group A will air on GolTV in English and Spanish as well as TeleFutura in Spanish.

Group B
Brazil
Mexico
Chile
Ecuador

Date	Time (ET)	Teams	City
June 27	20:45	Brazil 0-2 Mexico	Puerto Ordaz
June 27	18:30	Chile 3-2 Ecuador	Puerto Ordaz
July 1	16:00	Brazil 3-0 Chile	Maturín
July 1	18:15	Mexico 2-1 Ecuador	Maturín
July 4	18:30	Mexico 0-0 Chile	Puerto la Cruz
July 4	20:45	Ecuador 0-1 Brazil	Puerto la Cruz

TV information: All games for Group B will air on GolTV in English and Spanish. All Mexican matches will air in Spanish on Univision as will the Brazil-Chile match on July 1. The Ecuador-Chile (June 27) & Brazil-Ecuador (July 4) will air on TeleFutura in Spanish.

Group C
Argentina
Paraguay
Colombia
USA

Date	Time (ET)	Teams	City
June 28	20:45	Argentina 4-1 USA	Maracaibo
June 28	18:30	Colombia 0-5 Paraguay	Maracaibo
July 2	20:45	Argentina 4-2 Colombia	Maracaibo
July 2	18:30	USA 1-3 Paraguay	Barinas
July 5	18:30	USA 0-1 Colombia	Barquisimeto
July 5	20:45	Paraguay 0-1 Argentina	Barquisimeto

TV information: All games for Group A will air on GolTV in English and Spanish as well as TeleFutura in Spanish.

Knockout rounds
The top two teams of each group and the best two third place teams advance to the playoffs.
TV information: All games will air on GolTV in English and Spanish. Matches will either air on Univision (U) or TeleFutura (T) in Spanish.

July 7 - Quarter final 1 - Venezuela 1-4 Uruguay - Estadio Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui (U)
July 7 - Quarter final 2 - Chile 1-6 Brazil - Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo, San Cristóbal (T)
July 8 - Quarter final 3 - Mexico 6-0 Paraguay - Estadio Monumental de Maturín, Maturín (U)
July 8 - Quarter final 4 - Argentina 4-0 Peru - Estadio Metropolitano de Fútbol de Lara, Barquisimeto (U)

July 10 - Semi final 1 - Uruguay 2-2 Brazil - Brazil advances 5-4 on pks - Estadio Olímpico de la Ciudad Universitaria, Caracas (T)
July 11 - Semi final 2 - Mexico 0-3 Argentina - 8:50pm EDT - Estadio Polideportivo Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz (U)

July 14 - Third place - Uruguay 1-3 Mexico - 5:05pm EDT - Estadio Olímpico de la Ciudad Universitaria, Caracas (T)

July 15 - Final - Brazil 3-0 Argentina - 5:05pm EDT - Estadio José Pachencho Romero, Maracaibo (U)

Here is the final standings for the 12 teams:
1. Brazil
2. Argentina
3. Mexico
4. Uruguay
5. Paraguay
6. Venezuela
7. Peru
8. Chile
9. Columbia
10. Bolivia
11. Ecuador
12. USA

Copa America draw - US gets a tough group

If the main idea of the US playing in the Copa America this summer was to see them face some difficult teams, well the wish has been granted. The US men have been drawn into Group C where they will face Argentina (28 June), Paraguay (2 July) and Colombia (5 July).

This is some serious competition for the red, white and blue and it will be very difficult for them to get out of their group. That said, it is not impossible. A reminder that the top two teams from the three groups advance as do the two best third place teams. Much like Germany, a lot will probably come down to how they perform in their opening match. If they can force a tie or pull off a shock victory, they will be well positioned, however, if they sink hard, it will be difficult to rise again.

The US has played Argentina 7 times with a record of 2 wins and 5 defeats, but one of those wins was a 3-0 victory in the 1995 Copa. They have come up against Colombia 14 times and have won3, lost 8 and tied 3. Paraguay is the only team in the group that has never beat the US as America has won 2 and tied 2 against them.

By the way, if the US makes it to the final game of the Gold Cup (6-24 June), they will have just four days to get to Venezuela and prepare for the match against Argentina. However, there is a good chance that Bob Bradley (or whomever is coaching in June) will have a number of different players in the two tournaments.

If Mexico is in the Gold Cup final, they will only have three days as they open against Brazil on June 27.

In the other groups, A has host Venezuela, Uruguay, Peru and Bolivia while B has champions Brazil, Ecuador, Chile and Mexico.

We all wanted the US to have more challenges and I'm happy to see it happening.

Ticket information has not beeen released.

Mexico wants to host 2008 Copa America

Mexico wants to be the first non-South American country to host the Copa America and they want to do it in 2008. However there is just one problem, the next scheduled Copa is not till 2009.

Mexican soccer federation president Julio Compean explained his choice of 2008 over 2009 by pointing out all the other soccer tournaments already scheduled for that year. They include the FIFA Confederations Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying. He thinks 2008 offers a greater opening as far as availability.

A South American Confederation official said they would look at the proposal.

As the Copa becomes more of a North and South America event (there is talk of having up to 4 CONCACAF teams) it is very likely that, eventually, it will happen somewhere north of Columbia, however 2008 seems a bit quick.

With Argentina next in line for hosting duties, I'd be very surprised to see this change happen. However, Compean has said Mexico will apply to host the 2011 Copa if they do not get it in 2008.

If the change did happen in 2008, I'm guessing it would be easier for US Soccer to attend since they will have no other commitments.