US to Face Argentina in Copa America; CONMEBOL Announces Groups

February 15th, 2007 | by: Connor Fabiano |

Official tournament organizers of the Copa America announced Tuesday that the United States will face Argentina on June 28, kicking off the third appearance in the CONMEBOL event for the Stars and Stripes.

The last time the Americans participated in the South American tournament was 1995, when they beat Argentina 3-0 in group play, earning them a quarterfinal birth against Mexico. The US went on to beat their rivals across the border, yet lost 1-0 to superpower Brazil in the semis.

Argentina’s currently ranked 3rd in the February FIFA Rankings (the US jogs in at 28th). As such, the South American team should prove to be a formidable challenge for the “norteamericanos.” Bob Bradley’s ready though, saying, “we know what we are in store for.” “When you can play [Argentina] first, it gives you the ability to really prepare well for the first game. We look forward to that match up.” (Quote Sheet) As do I, it should be more than exciting to watch the Americans battle it out against Argentina.

The official draw for the 2007 Copa America was held at the teatro Teresa Carreño de Caracas Wednesday, and there it was announced that, in addition to Argentina, the US will join Paraguay and Colombia in Group C this summer.

For those unfamiliar with the Copa America, the first phase of the tournament is standard group play. There are three groups, each comprised of four teams. Like the World Cup, the top two teams from each group – and the two best third-place teams – advance to the knockout phase.

After Argentina, the US will meet Paraguay on July 2 and Colombia on July 5 to finish up group play.

All of this comes right after the CONCACAF Gold Cup, when the US look to defend their championship title, and tie Mexico for the most ever cup wins.

The Americans have two more friendlies to prepare them for this summer’s intense action. They face Ecuador March 25, and Guatemala March 28, both on home soil.

Tags: 2007 Copa America, Argentina, USA

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Comments

By Laurie | February 15th, 2007 at 9:22 am

If France can’t beat ‘em, I kind of doubt the US can. But what do I know? Paraguay and Colombia sound perhaps a little more promising.

(P.S. If somebody were to take out Gabriel Heinze… Well, I’d kind of be okay with that.)

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By Chuck | February 15th, 2007 at 11:52 am

Well, what team are they going to put out. What team are we going to put out?

I’ve heard the Copa America called a “glorified U-23 tournament” before…

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By Connor | February 15th, 2007 at 12:17 pm

Chuck: I’m a little worried about that myself.

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By cheoregon | March 30th, 2007 at 7:49 pm

Last I heard and read, Argentina’s DT, El Coco Basile, will be selecting and fielding player’s currently based in Argentine clubs such as Boca, River, Velez, etc…and very few if any from his armada of stars currently based in European clubs, such as the young star Messi and many others to choose from.
Bottom line is that, like Brasil, Argentina can easily field about 10 or more full competitive teams from their never ending pool of local talent. Believe me, whatever Argentine team shows up, they’ll be one of the teams to beat for the trophy. Argentina teams have taken the trophy home a record 15 times, yes, more than twice as many times as Brasil’s 7.
As far as USA’s chances of getting out of this group, probably not so good, but they may surprise and go to the next round, we’ll see. I just want to see some real good futbol played, no matter who wins.

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By Connor | April 2nd, 2007 at 11:18 pm

It is definitely a much harder group than the Gold Cup!

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By Dennis | June 18th, 2007 at 5:23 pm

CHEOREGON… this is the official argentina team for the copa america:

Arqueros:
Abbondanzieri(Getafe, Esp)
Ustari(Independiente, Arg)
Carrizo(River Plate, Arg)

Defensas:
Pinola(Nuremberg, Ale)
Zanetti(Inter, Ita)
Milito(Juventus, Ita)
Ayala(Valencia, Esp)
Burdisso (Inter, Ita)
Garay(Racing, Esp)
Heinze(Manchester Untd, Ing)
Daniel Diaz(Boca Jrs, Arg)

Mediocampistas:
Mascherano(Liverpool, Ing)
Cambiasso(Inter, Ita)
Lucho Gonzales(Porto, Port)
Veron(Estudiantes, Arg)
Gago(Real Mad, Esp)

Delanteros:

Palacio(Boca Jrs, Arg)
Tevez(West Ham, Ing)
Crespo(Inter, Ita)
Messi(Bar, Esp)
Milito(Zaragosa, Esp)
Saviola(Bar, Esp)

STILL THINK THEY AREN’T TAKING THEIR ARMADA?? WITH THAT TEAM THE CUP IS PROBABLY THEIRS..

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