The past two days of the Copa America has seen not just one, but four of its 'top contenders' eliminated in spectacular fashion. Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, and Chile have all been knocked out via a combination of shambolic penalty taking, inability to convert chances, and a general lack of urgency on the pitch in all four matches. At the moment Uruguay, conquerers of Messi and company, have emerged as clear favorites in a tournament where nothing has gone to plan for some of the best and most talented teams on the planet...
Perhaps the most unlucky of the aforementioned slew of losers were the Samba Boys of Brazil, who comprehensively dominated a plucky, defensive Paraguay side before being thwarted by a penalty spot that seemed to be completely detached from the rest of the pitch.
I was actually impressed by Neymar and Ganso, perhaps the two most scrutinized players in the world at the moment. While Neymar certainly needs to work on not collapsing to the turf when a stiff breeze intercepts his path, his creativity and ability to ghost past defenders make him an absolutely pleasure to watch. Ganso looks like a left-footed Wesley Sneijder when he's in the mood, but far too often drifts out of games as he has done many times in the Copa America. Both were replaced late on as Brazil failed to breach Paraguay's defense. However, as the video above shows, it was quite clear that Brazil was the superior side, and lest we forget that this is particular Selecao team is in transition. An attack of Pato, Neymar, Ganso, and Robinho yielded an average age of about 23 years, and this talented group of youths are still trying to find their international legs. Brazil's biggest problem, despite keeping a shutout against the Paraguayans, is that it's back four is comprised of ancient superstars in the forms of Lucio and Maicon, and two unreliable wild-cards in Thiago Silva and Andre Santos. Combine this with an ever-shaky Julio Cesar, and the Selecao is left with an unbalanced side that is still coming into its own. I do suspect, however, that this will be a side to be reckoned with come 2014, especially on its home soil.
Such optimism cannot be dually expressed with respect to Argentina, who labored through a gutless 0-0 draw before being vanquished by a positively dire Carlos Tevez. The Manchester City (or Corinthians...or maybe even Real Madrid) star was on the pitch for the last 40 minutes, and managed a yellow card for diving, countless turnovers, and the only miss during the dramatic spot-kick shootout. His performance, though, was one of countless mediocre displays by a floundering Argentina side. Even Messi, who put on a dribbling and passing clinic in the first 45 minutes that culminated in a beautiful assist for Argentina's only goal, drifted out of the game and ended up being more or less a non-factor in the closing periods.
Aside from an encouraging performance (capped with a well taken goal) by Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina was largely undone by the same problems that have plagued them in the post-Maradona (coaching) era. It would appear to the neutral fan that Argentina is a team positively stacked with attacking talent, yet is unwilling to unleash said talent for fear of being beaten on the counter attack. Too often in this semi-final tie was Argentina's attack left relying on the wizardry of Messi and the movement of Higuain alone. Agüero and Tevez were left largely as spectators, when they should have been complimenting their compatriot's attacking prowess.
Chile and Columbia, I feel, were more undone by luck than by a lack of talent surrounding their superstar players. Alexis Sanchez put in another world-beater performance, and contributed a fantastic assist for his side's lone goal, yet his side struck the crossbar on at least three separate occasions when the goal was begging. This lack of a cutting edge with their profligacy of chances allowed an upstart (and quite frankly very impressive) Venezuela side to keep the game knotted at 1, before they capitalized on a second set piece to take a late lead. Better was expected of this Chile side though, who essentially beat themselves in this very uneven tie. They still remain a talented, young dark horse pick for Brazil 2014.
The final upset of the Copa America Quarter Finals came in the form of a 2-0 victory for Peru over favorites (and previously undefeated) Columbia. Unfortunately, this was the lone game of the Quarters that I was not able to see at least a part of, but the game reports all conclude that Columbia was undone by superstar Falcao's penalty miss on the hour mark. This accompanied by a catastrophic performance from Columbian keeper Luis Martinez lead to the previously fantastic Columbians being dumped out of the tournament.
So what is the football world supposed to make of the fact that so many South American powerhouses have been unceremoniously dumped out of this year's biggest international tournament? Unfortunately, this fanatic does not believe that parity is to blame for so many closely contested games. I truly believe that fatigue is largely to blame for so many superstar-based teams being ousted at the hands of such inferior opponents. Many of the performers in this summer's competition haven't had a summer off since 2009, and I believe that whereas they are able to parlay their summer experience into successful club seasons, the gas begins to run out when another soccer tournament appears over the horizon.
Or maybe this is too narrow minded of a view? Perhaps Peru, Venezuela and Paraguay are worthy opponents to Argentina and Brazil in this day and age. Maybe the great South American teams of old are stuck in transitional phases, where a wealth of talent is corrupted by a lack of experience on 'big stages'. Moreover, maybe Uruguay simply is the best team from South America. Recent results seem to echo this statement, and a roster full of hardworking, talented individuals has indeed proved itself time and again over the past two years. Whatever the case, if you haven't been keeping up with the Copa America this year (and shame on you if the Women's World Cup has been distracting you from above-water, actual soccer), you have been missing out.
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