2024 Copa America Round 1 BreakDown

 Written By: Danny Albers 

Group A 

1. Argentina VS Canada

 

Result: Argentina wins 2-0 (Argentina: 1-0-0, 3 Points; Canada: 0-1-0, 0 Points) 

Defending World Cup Champions Argentina took on Canada in the opener of the 2024 Copa America. The first half was not how Argentina intended to start. They were shaky, allowing the explosive Canadian offense to get some rushes and shots on goal. But nothing broke through. In the second half, Lionel Messi took over as the quarterback getting the assist on both Argentinian goals. He connected on an insane pass that was nearly deflected to Julián Álvarez in the 49th minute. Álvarez would find the back of the net with this chance as Argentina would take a 1-0. In the closing minutes of the game, Messi would do it again, this time finding Lautaro Martinez in the 88th minute, putting the nail in the coffin on Canada.

2. Peru VS Chile

Result: Draw 0-0 (Peru: 0-0-1, 1 Point; Chile: 0-0-1, 1 Point) 

If you’re Peru, you want an upset win, but you will gladly take a draw with the favored Chilean squad. Chile brought the pressure, but only had 1 shot that was actually on target. Peru cracked the Chilean defense a little more even though the amount of shots for them were a little light. Neither team looks remotely close to being able to compete with Argentina, but a draw at least keeps both teams' hopes alive to secure that runner-up spot. 

Group B 

1. Ecuador VS Venezuela

Result: Venezuela wins 2-1 (Ecuador: 0-1-0, 0 Points: Venezuela: 1-0-0, 3 Points) 

The South American rivals took to each other in the group B opener. The difference in this game wasn’t a goal, but a penalty. Enner Valencia got a red card for Ecuador in the 22nd minute, causing Ecuador, the favorite, to play down a man. Despite being down, Jeremy Sarmiento would score in the 40th minute, putting Ecuador up 1-0 before half time. However, coming into the second half fresh and up a man, the Venezuelan attack became too much to handle for the Ecuadorian defense. Venezuela tied it in the 64th minute with a goal by Jhonder Cadiz, and took the lead in the 74th minute with an electric goal by Eduard Bello. Venezuela had 14 shots on goal, the majority of those coming in the second half. After the game, Ecuadorian players were on the ground in tears, as this loss makes it very difficult to advance to the knockouts. 

2. Mexico VS Jamaica

 

Result: Mexico wins 1-0 (Mexico: 1-0-0, 3 Points; Jamaica: 0-1-0, 0 points)

Mexico’s lack of a finisher on offense is a problem that will rear its head at some point in the tournament. The Mexican side dominated possession in this game, and had 20 shots on goal, 9 of them being on target. Gerardo Arteaga scored in the 69th minute for Mexico which sealed the deal. If Mexico can jump out on you, they are very good at limiting your touches and running clock down. Jamaica is a familiar CONCACAF Gold Cup opponent that Mexico has faced many times, and have had previous success against. They don’t stand a chance against Brazil, Argentina, or Uruguay if they can close out opportunities. 

Group C 

1. USA VS Bolivia

Result: USA wins 2-0 (USA: 1-0-0, 3 Points; Bolivia: 0-1-0, 0 Points) 

A strong performance for the Americans in their opening match against Bolivia. Star striker Chirstian Pulisic scored 3 minutes into the game on a beautiful curved shot from outside the box. From there, the US would dominate possession, play great defense, and maintain pressure on the Bolivian defense and goalkeeper. Florian Balogun scored the second US goal right before half time, and they coasted for the entire second half. As great as a shutout win is, Uruguay dominated Panama in their opener, and offensively looked unstoppable. Bolivia is also the lowest ranked FIFA team in the tournament. I will hold off until after our game against Panama on Thursday to decipher if I should be excited about this team. One thing is for certain, Christian Pulisic might be the best American player we’ve seen in the history of the US Men’s National team.    

2. Uruguay VS Panama

Result: Uruguay wins 3-1 (Uruguay: 1-0-0, 3 Points; Panama; 0-1-0, 0 Points) 

Uruguay got off to a fast start in the Copa America opener against Panama. Maximilliano Aruaujo opened the scoring for the powder blue South American power house. Despite the final score, Panama played pretty well and kept this game 1-0 all the way until the end of the game. But starting in the 85th minute, Panama would go on a 5-minute collapse, and Uruguay took full advantage. Darwin Nunez broke the Panama defense and scored to go up 2-0, and just 6 minutes later, Matias Vina scored the kill shot. Michael Amir Murillo would score 4 minutes into stoppage time, but by then it was too late for Panama to mount a comeback.    

Group D 

1. Colombia VS Paraguay

 

Result: Colombia wins 2-1 (Colombia: 1-0-0, 3 Points; Paraguay: 0-1-0, 0 Points) 

Colombia, the favorites, came out swinging against Paraguay. Daniel Muñoz scored in the 32nd minute for Colombia, and 10 minutes later Jefferson Lerma scored giving Colombia a 2-0 lead before halftime. However Paraguay did not go away, and they made this game quite uncomfortable for the colombians. Paraguay outshot Colombia in this game, and when Julio Enciso netted a goal for Paraguay in the 69th minute to make it 2-1, he shifted the momentum of this game.  

2. Brazil VS Costa Rica

Result: Draw 0-0 (Brazil: 0-0-1, 1 Point; Costa Rica: 0-0-1, 1 Point)

It felt like Costa Rica wasn’t even playing in this game. Brazil outshot Costa Rica 19-2, and controlled this game for 74% of the game. Costa Rica had 0 shots on target, and only 1 corner to the Brazilian 9. Brazil dominated this game. But they didn’t score, and in the standing they are dead even with Costa Rica. Costa Rica’s game with Colombia will be very important. If Costa Rica gets out of that game with a point, they will set up an elimination game between Brazil and Colombia.