The 42nd edition of international football's oldest competition kicks off on Tuesday.The South American competition will take place in Venezuela for the first time and the continent's finest sides, as well as invitees United States and Mexico, will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Brazil who won the competition in 2004.
Former World Cup winner Dunga is now at the helm of the Samba stars and will be wary of the challenge of historic rivals Argentina, who lost in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the final three years ago.
Brazil may be lacking world superstars such as Kaka and Ronaldinho, but their squad is still bursting with talent and the Copa America will be an early opportunity for Manchester United fans to see new signing Anderson in action.
Rivals Arsenal will have potential new captain Gilberto Silva to cheer on, whilst Julio Baptista has also been included in Dunga's squad after returning to Real Madrid.
Argentina boast Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Heinze from the Premier League, with a whole array of stars from all over the continent hoping to bring their country glory.
Gold Cup winners United States and beaten finalists Mexico are also along for the ride after being nominated as this year's invited teams.
Group A comprises Venezuela, Uruguay, Bolivia and Peru, Group B contains Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Ecuador, whilst Argentina, United States, Paraguay and Colombia contest Group C.
The top two in each group, and the two best third-placed finishers, will then make up the quarter-finalists.
If Argentina or Uruguay triumph in the final in Maracaibo on 15th July then they will edge ahead in the history books with a 15th victory in the competition, with Brazil surprisingly lagging behind with just seven wins.
Skysports.com will be producing a preview for every game during the competition, and you can check our TV schedule for details of individual kick-off times as the tournament progresses.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
COPA AMERICA 2007 PREVIEW
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