2019 marks the return of one of the most fiercely fought continental tournaments in football and this year sees it take place in Brazil, the Copa America. The colossal collaboration of the South American nations always results in some spectacular football and is something that everyone should try and tune into, even if it is for the one game. The powerhouses of Brazil and Argentina are set to take on the comparative minnows of Bolivia and Paraguay. If you have seen this years teams you will notice something strange in groups B and C. According to Geography, Japan and Qatar aren’t in South America. But come Saturday they will be. The two Asian nations have been invited by CONMEBOL (South American Football Federation) to participate in this year’s Copa America and are set to add something different to proceedings. There are the group stages in which the 1st and 2nd ranked teams in each group go through along with the third place in either A/B or B/C going through to the knockout rounds. Then it flows through like a usual tournament from Quarter to Semi to Final.

Group A

Group A looks to be a tough group to call. It is easy to see the one team that will be favourites, everyone’s favourite yellow and blue clad nation of Brazil. However the second and third spots are completely up for grabs.

Bolivia

Bolivia’s most recent game was a 2-0 defeat to World Cup holders France just last week. The most challenging game they will have to face in the group stages looks to be Brazil. However, the challenges of both Peru and Venezuela could prove just as tricky, mainly because these two are their closest rivals to get out of the group. The large bulk of Bolivia’s team are all playing in the Liga de Futbol Profesional Boliviano or the Bolivian football League to you and me. There are a couple of exceptions to the rule too with a couple finding themselves in nearby Mexico.

Manager – Eduardo Villegas

Key Player – Marcelo Martins : Shijiazhuang Ever Bright (China)

Brazil

After what may be considered an underwhelming World Cup campaign the history seeped Brazil side will look to make sure they can take something from this. With players coming from some of the finest teams across the world, from Firmino, Allisson and Fabinho coming from Champions League glory, to the cohort of Brazilian’s who just tore a hole in the French top league. Off all the teams that have a chance in this competition you would think that Brazil would be top of the list, however they haven’t been crowned champions since 2007. The team still have the same tactical flow and the same prowess that they would have had, this year is all about if they can seal the deal on home soil. However without golden boy Neymar it could prove more difficult than is believed.

Manager – Tite

Key Player – Fernandinho : Manchester City (England)

Peru

The last time that Peru managed to lift the Copa America was all the way back in 1975 and since then they have struggled to make a real impact in the tournament, despite the underestimated quality of players. They managed to have somewhat of a resurgence in recent competitions, finishing in third during the 2011 and 2015 events. Players will be called playing their team football from Russia in Jefferson Farfan to Saudi Arabia where Andre Carrillo plays since his departure from Watford. The Peru fans gave a great showing during the World Cup in Russia and hopefully they will have the same enthusiasm closer to home.

Manager – Ricardo Garecia

Key Player – Paolo Guerrero : Internacional (Brazil)

Venezuela

The 2011 4th place team Venezuela will be coming into this game with at least some hope of getting into the next stage. Currently up to 29th in the world rankings and winning their last game before the tournament 3-0 against a rather lethargic USMNT, this could prove to be a purple patch for them. There is a chance that they will be able to get out of the group stages next to Brazil (Because let’s face it that’s the reality of the group.) An experienced group of players tends to be something that comes good in the Copa America and that’s something that Venezuela have. Examples of which include 2015 champions Chile. Captain and most capped player in the squad is Thomas Rincon, who plays his football in Italy with Torino will provide the leadership of the team. The combination of that and an injection of pace through Darwin Machis and the power of Josef Martinez they could prove a tough challenge to even the most established of teams.

Manager – Rafael Dudamel

Key player – Solomon Rondon : Newcastle (On loan from West Brom) (England)

Group Prediction

Brazil Venezuela Peru Bolivia