Copa America 2015

What is it?

The Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América (aka Copa America) is the oldest and perhaps most iconic international continental football/soccer competition. The tournament is usually held every four years, but there will be one in 2016 to honor the 100th year of existence of the Copa America and CONMEBOL. The Copa America is composed of South American countries (who will be discussed later in the blog) and has the most passionate fans you will ever see in the sport. Think of the Brazillians that you saw on TV during the World Cup. Now think of them for each team in this competition. That's how intense it is.

The 2015 tournament is taking place in Chile.

note: the United States usually takes part in the Copa America. It's actually HOSTING the 2016 Copa America! This will be the first Copa America to take place outside of South America

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Who's involved?

-Brazil
-Argentina
-Bolivia
-Chile
-Colombia
-Ecuador
-Jamaica
-Mexico
-Paraguay
-Peru
-Uruguay
-Venezuela

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Here's how I think each group stage will turn out:

Group A:
1. Chile
2. Mexico
3. Ecuador
4. Bolivia

Group B:
1. Argentina
2. Uruguay
3. Paraguay
4. Jamaica

Group C:
1. Brazil
2. Colombia
3. Peru
4. Venezuela

Third Place Qualification Group:
1. Ecuador
2. Paraguay
3. Peru

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Knockout stages (note: unlike the Champions League, Copa America matchups are pre-determined based on group stage finishes, not through a draw)

Quarter finals:

Chile vs Ecuador

Mexico vs Colombia

Argentina vs Paraguay

Brazil vs Uruguay

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Semi-finals:

Chile vs Colombia

Argentina vs Brazil

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Finals:

Argentina vs Colombia

Third place match:

Brazil vs Chile

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That's it. If you want to know why I said one team will lose/win against another, just ask in the comments. What are your predictions? And how do you feel about the USA hosting the 2016 Copa America? Let me know!