Copa America Draw [R]

[Matrim55]

Is anyone else as excited about this as I am? I've been trying to keep my emotions under wraps since 2006 was the most disappointing, crushing thing since The Matrix: Reloaded, but as soon as I read the headline about us being in Argentina's group, I was hooked.

So far we know:

Group 1:
Argentina
USA

Group 2:
Venezuela
Bolivia

Group 3:
Brazil
Mexico

Clearly we're guaranteed 3 high quality, high intensity, worthwhile games here. And I want us to win, badly. I don't want this to be a chance to develop players, or build for the future. I want a scalp or two.

[Beech]

Messi's got nothing on Zavagnin.:D

[Ismitje]

When I saw the pairings, a song from my childhood came to mind (from Sesame Street):

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?
Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn't belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others,
Then you're absolutely...right!

[Lloyd Heilbrunn]

. I want a scalp or two.

Yeah, me too,

Screw the let's send our best team to the Gold Cup mentality. If we are in two tourneys, let's try to win both, otherwise, don't bother.....

[sprovi]

Is anyone else as excited about this as I am? I've been trying to keep my emotions under wraps since 2006 was the most disappointing, crushing thing since The Matrix: Reloaded, but as soon as I read the headline about us being in Argentina's group, I was hooked.

So far we know:

Group 1:
Argentina
USA

Group 2:
Venezuela
Bolivia

Group 3:
Brazil
Mexico

Clearly we're guaranteed 3 high quality, high intensity, worthwhile games here. And I want us to win, badly. I don't want this to be a chance to develop players, or build for the future. I want a scalp or two.

What I find interesting is that Bradley will be the one discussing the groups on this afternoons conference call. Not just Sunil, but the so-called interim coach. I would think that if there is a real possibility of him NOT being around, he wouldn't be in on this call. What do you think? Am I reading too much into this? Is this typical Sunil smokescreen? Or is this a strong sign that Bradley will be around for the long haul?

[Locust]

So far we know:

Group 1:
Argentina
USA

Group 2:
Venezuela
Bolivia

Group 3:
Brazil
Mexico

Clearly we're guaranteed 3 high quality, high intensity, worthwhile games here. And I want us to win, badly. I don't want this to be a chance to develop players, or build for the future. I want a scalp or two.

Still to be placed:

Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay

[DirtyJerzey]

Still to be placed:

Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay

A full US squad should shoot to qualify from group stages.

[Sportman77]

How many teams advance from the group stage?

[CyphaPSU]

Any grouping with Argentina is usually pretty difficult, but at least Mexico got Brazil. This should be fun to watch.

[NORML]

How many teams advance from the group stage?

Eight total. Top two in each group plus the next two teams with the best results.

[Friedel'sAccent]

When I saw the pairings, a song from my childhood came to mind (from Sesame Street):

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?
Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn't belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others,
Then you're absolutely...right!

Only one? ;) Why did I find 2?

[Matrim55]

A full US squad should shoot to qualify from group stages.
I'm not entirely confident of that. The crowd are going to be amazingly hostile (we're playing in Venezuela, after all), and if we get into a group with, say, Uruguay and Chile, Forlan and Matigol are good enough to beat us more-or-less on their own.

This has the potential to be a great tournament.

[Ismitje]

Only one? ;) Why did I find 2?

One pairing, not two teams. :)

[roadkit]

This has the potential to be a great tournament.

Agreed. FWIW, I like our chances. This will be a great warm-up to the next WC qualifying cycle.

[joeginto]

Where are you seeing confirmation of this draw? I've done some searches but come up with nothing thus far.

[Friedel'sAccent]

I'm not entirely confident of that. The crowd are going to be amazingly hostile (we're playing in Venezuela, after all), and if we get into a group with, say, Uruguay and Chile, Forlan and Matigol are good enough to beat us more-or-less on their own.

This has the potential to be a great tournament.

You know, I wonder whether the crowds will be as hostile as some may think. Having done a not insignificant amount of traveling in Venezuela, I've begun to think that the anger is more unidirectional than Washington lets on (setting aside a lot of hot air from Chavez). Will these be bona fide away games? Obviously. Will it be like playing at the Azteca and the Saprissa? I'm not so sure. But this is just a thought based on my own impressions of the country.

[NORML]

Where are you seeing confirmation of this draw? I've done some searches but come up with nothing thus far.

heres a spot (http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_281697.html)

[Flyin Ryan]

I'm not entirely confident of that. The crowd are going to be amazingly hostile (we're playing in Venezuela, after all), and if we get into a group with, say, Uruguay and Chile, Forlan and Matigol are good enough to beat us more-or-less on their own.

This has the potential to be a great tournament.

What kind of numbers so far are interested in going down for the USA so far? Any Sam's Army rep out there to comment?

[heasven]

Guys, I don't think the crowd is going to be hostile towards the Americans (unless Vzla plays the US). It's the venezuelan governmet who's hostile towards the US. But, to be honest I haven't been there in a long time. So...

It's offcial the red white & blue is gonna play argentina in their first game in Maracaibo, which is going to be where the play the touney's Final.

[joeginto]

Thanks, NORML. Why I didn't check the USSF site I'll never know.