Copa America (by Joe)

We've been lucky to be in South America for the 2007 Copa America, the international soccer tournament equivalent to the Euro Championships.

South Americans are indeed as passionate about footy and as fiercely nationalistic as stereotypes would have it, and the games have been on televisions everywhere we've been for the past few weeks. It's been great fun, not least because 4 months in S. America has given us time to develop a few prejudices of our own for or against certain countries, and so the teams involved.

Begun in 1916, which makes it the oldest national teams tournament in the world, the Copa is held every two years. Current champions are Brazil, and this year's hosts are Venezuela.

The tournament always comprises the 10 South American countries (for info: Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana may be geographically in S. America but are classified as Caribbean States) plus two invitees - this year, Mexico and USA.

It's currently semi-finals stage. Argentina will play Mexico and Brazil will play Uruguay.

The initial group stage saw elimination of Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and - to everyone's delight here in South America - the USA. The quarter finals, which were completed yesterday, saw elimination of Paraguay, Chile, Peru and hosts Venezuela. The remarkable thing about the quarter finals was that all 4 games were complete walkovers (Uruguay 4 - Venezuela 1; Brazil 6 - Chile 1; Mexico 6 -Paraguay 0; Argentina 4 - Peru 0).

So who's going to win it?

Well, so far Argentina have looked the strongest in terms of consistency and have played some fantastic football. (Unfortunately, old habits die hard and I simply find myself unable to support them on the footy field, even though they have played some great football and - get this - not generally been cheating, diving or cropping).

Brazil (who I am supporting) have been occasionally brilliant/ occasionally average, but have an 'ace' up their sleeve - the undoubted star player of the tournament: striker/ right winger Robinho.

Mexico surprised everyone by beating Brazil 2-0 in their opening game, have continued to play well, and could yet be the surprise package. Meanwhile Uruguay, who hold the record jointly with Argentina for winning the Copa the most times (14), have been improving as the tournament has progressed with ex-Man U striker, Diego Forlan, looking good up front.

The semis are on 10th and 11th July, with the final on the 15th, by which time we'll be in Buenos Aires.

Personally I'm hoping it'll be the Argentina - Brazil final that most people are expecting. If it is, then although an Argentina win would doubtless ensure a great party in the final week of our trip, I'll be wearing my bright yellow Brazil t-shirt (carefully hidden under a thick jumper, of course).

Further info:http://www.copaamerica.com

Joe