The USA? The thread is specifically about Mexico and Costa rica, and whether they should be in the Copa America. Unless you dont think Costa Rica is worthy? in which case I would love to hear your reasoning.
Clearly not. Mexico has a history of entering with the B team. And last time around, IIRC, when the US played, they also played with a B squad
Mexico hasn't sent an A team, or close to, only 2 times.Mexico sent a depleted u23 team last Copa, and a reserve team this one. There's a few reasons for this. Apparently there are some "unwritten rules" that Mexico has to field an A team at the gold cup, and ATM Mexico has more players in Europe then ever before, which causes problems because European teams are less willing to let a player play two tournaments in one summer. So it's not fair to say that Mexico "Historically" sends B teams to the Copa, unless you think that Mexico reached 2 finals and 3 third place finishes with a B team.
My bad. Tbh, I've only gone with what's been said. And, since the last 2 have been with depleted teams as you've said, people are already reluctant about it (or have been in many different boards of opinion and stuff like that.) Though what matters at the end is what CONMEBOL wants. Mexico did really well for having a B squad this tournament (for me anyways) just got unlucky
Mexico might have done better than expected, but that shouldnt mean theyre excused for that gutless performance VS Ecuador. And in the end, like you said, CONMEBOL is going to do what theyre going to do regardless of what a bunch of internet dwellers think. Personally I think Mexico and C.R. are good choices for the extra teams needed, and CONMEBOL should just make them permanent participants, and stop playing hard to get. This is my opinion of course.
Actually you're right, I definitely noticed a lot of missing key players for Mexico. I saw the roster that got called up for the Gold Cup and I was like "now that's more like it!". Mexico certainly would've gone a lot further in the Copa America if they played with their A-team. No doubt CR would've done well this year too if they were invited to play.
Mexico is rockin a pretty awesome golden generation, similar to chile. The core of u-17 world champs in peru and the team that crushed brazil in the majestic wembley stadium for the gold.....so my guess is we would have done awesome in chile
Its pure speculation of course, but Mexico has done pretty well in the Copa since they've been invited. I think a full strength Mexico would have gotten to the final. The Mexico that went to the Copa was the backups of our second stringers, and they managed to tie the host( to an embarrassing tie) who is now in the Semis.
Eh I wouldn't say Mexico's A-team would've "smashed Chile", but they could've defeated Chile for sure.
of course. what isn´t an opinion though is that Olympic gold medal around our golden generation´s necks!!
Minimum lock for the semifinals with the history of success Mexico has in this tournament and the level of talent currently at their disposal. It's a moot point in the end though, sadly.