The best soccer nations from the Americas will converge in the United States for the 2016 Copa America Centenario, which begins on June 3, 2016. The giants from CONCACAF (Argentina, Brazil and last year’s Copa champions Chile) are all considered the big favorites, but can the COMNEBOL nations (like the host country, America) spoil the South Americans’ party and claim the centennial title?
Let’s check out some of the top nations to watch out for, with their odds to win this year’s tournament. And for more Copa America Centenario coverage, check out our picks for potential tournament sleepers and long shots to win the title.
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No country will be bringing more firepower to the Copa America than Argentina. La Albiceleste, who were last year’s losing Copa America finalists on penalties, have named a very strong squad headlined by five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi. The Barcelona star should be fine after suffering a slight injury scare in a recent tune-up match.
Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi will join Messi in Argentina’s star-studded attack. No other country can hold a candle to that selection of attacking talent, which is why the Argentines are the big +190 favorites despite failing to win the Copa since 1993, and losing three of the last four finals.
Brazil
At +450, oddsmakers see Brazil as the biggest competitor to Argentina in the tournament. This despite a Seleção squad which will be without superstar striker Neymar, who will be participating in the Rio Olympics, and captain Thiago Silva among other big names.
With no Neymar, it’ll be up to the likes of Hulk and Lucas Moura to lead a diminished Brazilian attack lacking that trademark Samba flair.
The Brazilians should still be able to top a relatively weak Group B, but their likely quarterfinal opponent (US/Colombia/Costa Rica) definitely won’t be a cakewalk and could result in another quarterfinal exit. They were ousted by Paraguay in the last eight of last year’s Copa America on penalties.
Chile
Defending Copa America champions Chile will bring a very strong squad to the US for their title defense. La Roja are priced at +750 to successfully defend their Copa crown. The core of their title-winning squad – led by Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Charles Aranguiz and Claudio Bravo – will be back, but they will have a new manager in Juan Antonio Pizzi.
Pizzi doesn’t play the same intense, high-pressing game which previous manager Jorge Sampaoli used to lead the country to the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals and the 2015 Copa triumph, but Pizzi’s squad certainly has enough talent to make another deep run in the tournament.
Sleeper
USA
Despite homefield advantage and an experienced roster composed mainly of 2014 World Cup squad members, the US men’s national team is priced at just +900 to claim the Copa America Centenario on home turf.
Manager Jurgen Klinsmann will continue to rely on veterans Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley to supply some much-needed quality in a team that is still missing a truly elite talent. Meanwhile, the Americans will be lacking an established goalscorer up front during the tournament with Jozy Altidore (34 goals in 93 caps) ruled out due to injury.
Long shot
Costa Rica
Don’t be too quick to overlook Costa Rica, whose long odds of +6,600 to win the could turn out to be excellent value. Admittedly, they’ll first have to survive the toughest group in the tournament, Group A, which features Colombia, the United States and Paraguay.
The loss of Champions League-winning Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas due to injury will also be a big blow, but Los Ticos can call on the other stars of their 2014 World Cup quarterfinal campaign – namely, striker Joel Campbell and veteran playmaker Bryan Ruiz – to make another shock run in the tournament.
Writer’s Prediction
Argentina (+190) won’t be denied again as Messi and co. claim their record-tying 15th Copa America title.
