Previewing the Copa America candidates – Analysing group A: Special Feature (Part 2)
After taking a look at Argentina’s chances of winning the Copa America as the competition’s host nation, it is now time to shed some light on the other teams in group A which will accompany http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841 in the group stages of 2011 Copa America...
Colombia
Colombian football has been on a low since the past decade and the South American nation even failed to make it to the FIFA 2010 World Cup due to their woeful performances in the qualification stages of the World Cup proper. Last time, Colombia won the Copa America was in 2001 when they hosted the tournament itself. Back then Colombian football prospered as they bested the likes of Argentina and Brazil on their way to the final.
As defending champions in 2004, Colombia failed to make it past the semi-finals and they ended up losing their third place play-off match against Uruguay by two goals to one as well. When Colombia won the Copa America in 2001, they defeated http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mexico-c2956 in the final by a solitary goal to clinch the title. It will be interesting to see how the South American minnows will fare in group A where Argentina are the favourites to qualify for the knockout stages as group toppers.
Bolivia and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chile-c2871, Argentina and Brazil in South American football.
Goalkeeping
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Ospina-c10573 will be Colombia’s first choice goalkeeper. The Colombian shot stopper currently plies his trade in the French league with Nice. In the past, Ospina has been seen as a reliable goalkeeper with a tendency to come out on tops in one-on-one situations. This might help Colombia when they come up against Argentina but like all South American goalkeepers, Ospina has a tendency to lose the plot as well. His errors over the past two years have cost Colombia some friendly wins but nothing too serious. The Colombian football fans will be hoping that they will be able to see a better side of their goalie in Copa America.
Defending
Colombia probably has the second best defence in the tournament after the holder’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristian-c9491 Zapata will probably accompany Yepes in central defence for Colombia throughout the Copa America in Argentina.
Midfield
Midfield might be the weakest area of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Elkin-Soto-c12327 on the wings.
Forwards
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Defence-c38904 as well as his incredible aerial ability which will help him against South American sides which are not accustomed to dealing with long balls.
To be continued in part 3...
The views expressed by the writer are his own and do not reflect the editorial policy of www.bettor.com
Tags: