Copa America Draw Finalized

CONMEBOL held the final draw for the 2007 Copa America tonight. The groups for the tournament look like this:

Group A
Venezuela
Uruguay
Bolivia
Peru

Group B
Brazil
Ecuador
Chile
Mexico

Group C
Argentina
Paraguay
Columbia
United States

I have to say that Group B has the most right to the label “Group of Death.” Brazil should still send a very talented and solid squad, as should Ecuador. Mexico will most likely send a squad that will be able to throw down with anyone, and Chile isn’t a push over.

Group A is a very, very soft group. If Uruguay doesn’t take all 9 points and win this group, I will be shocked. I expect this to be the group that only gets two teams advancing to the knock out stage.

Group C is another tough one, but not as tough as Group B. Argentina will most likely send a good squad, with a mix of current First team players and a sprinkling of newer younger players. Columbia will essentially be playing home matches for their three group games, so they should have some spirit on their side. Paraguay qualified for Germany 2006 last year, going 1-2, scoring two goals and letting in two goals. They will be tough as well.

I like the USA’s chances of advancing to the knock out round. The top two teams from each group, along with the next two teams to advance are the top two third place teams. With the USA playing Argentina first, I really cannot see getting more than 1 point off of the Argentine’s. However, getting four points from the next two matches is not that difficult, hell six points isn’t that far out of reach.

The draw wasn’t for the USA wasn’t a “Group of Death” nor was it a gift like group A. The USA was put into the moderate group, which is a good situation for Bob Bradley and his squad. Now we will need to see what type of squad Bob (or who ever is the coach at this point) brings in. Will he bring in a group of seasoned veterans or will he use the 2007 Copa America as a sharpening stone for 2010 World Cup qualifying?