Maybe an interesting side note... certainly interesting for me: People have often said that the rise of MLS, while maybe or maybe not having helped the USMNT, has certainly helped raise the level of other NTs around Latin America (mostly in Central America, but a little around the board as well). Of the four matches that have been played in this tournament so far, three featured players in NWSL or UWS/NCAA; in those three matches, those players scored 4 of the 6 goals. I'd say that's a pretty hefty US-club stamp on the tournament so far!
I know little about COMNEBOL, except that Brazil and Colombia are expected to qualify. The rest seem quite evenly matched. Argentina, Chile and Venezuela perhaps have an edge? Banini is a clever player for the Argentines, and they kept it a very respectable 2-1 with Brazil until the closing minutes. Can anyone else with better knowledge comment on who is expected to advance?
Advancing from the groups, or advancing to the WWC? You've already identified the 5 teams I'd say have a solid chance at the final 4. Brazil will almost certainly qualify for the WWC, and I'd bet on Colombia for the second guaranteed WWC spot, but for the playoff spot? I honestly don't know. I'd lean on Chile for that playoff spot, since ARG hasn't finished higher than 4th in a while and VEN might be too green still at this point... I could even venture to suggest that Chile might challenge Colombia for the second guaranteed WWC spot, since they've got a good league and are hosting.
Brazil and Colombia are cetainly above the rest. Then I would say Chile, Argentina and Venezuela are very evenly matched (but lately Chile has defeated Argentina regularly). The host (Chile) did the same thing than the late host (Ecuador) and draw in a group where they should be second place and advance to second stage. And then they only need defeat one team to advance to playoff with Concacaf (just like Ecuador did the last time) and go to the World Cup. For Chile the tie with Paraguay will hurt them a lot, now the second place will be to the team who sores the most against Perú and Uruguay (and the lack of Chilean finish could leave them out). On the other group the match Venezuela vs Argentina probably will be decisive. On the final round (a round robin between 4 teams) Brasil and Colombia should get 1st and 2nd place. For the very important 3rd place (gets a playoff match with Concacaf) if Chile advance to this stage, Chile can defeat Argentina or Venezuela (60-40 chances I would say) but if Paraguay advance, Argentina or Venezuela will get to the playoff match.
I'll admit, I had already forgotten about that draw.... Blotted it out of my mind... To be fair, though, I don't think it's just who runs up the score on the other two teams. I would wager that Chile is more likely to get a draw versus Brazil and Paraguay is, and likewise Paraguay is more likely to drop points to Peru and Uruguay than Chile is. So I'd still give the edge to Chile, but it's also certainly possible it comes down to GD.
Paraguay 3-0 Perú 1-0, 70' Liz Peña (PAR); 2-0, 84' Jessica Martínez (PAR); 3-0, 90+3' (PAR) Just as planed Paraguay changed all the players who played against Chile two days ago, and in the last part with fresher players and Perú exausted and leaving spaces with the disadvantage, they get two extra goals that can be important. Now Chile-Colombia http://futbolchile.net/2018/04/06/chile-vs-colombia-1900-h-copa-america-femenina-chile-06-04-18/
I started watching about halfway through the first half, and overall I've seen Chile have the better of play almost the whole time I've been watching - certainly more possession. Colombia is just a bit more controlled when they do have possession themselves, though. Been quite the show Chile's been putting on in the past ten minutes, though!
Take a look at your avatar strength? No. Add some more tactical awarness and discipline into this team and you'll have another Spain.
Uuuf. Very good result for Chile. Except Paraguay beating Colombia, Chile should be able to reach the last game knowing how many goals need to score. Chile 1-1 Colombia 0-1, 49' Catalina Usme (COL); 1-1, 80' Camila Sáez (CHI)
Argentina 3-0 Bolivia 1-0, 33' Soledad Jaimes (ARG); 2-0, 40' Soledad Jaimes (ARG); 3-0, 81' Mariana Larroquete (ARG)
Yup... Bolivia have never earned points in more than one match per tournament, and often gone 0-4. They're the worst-ranked team in CONMEBOL with a lowly 1217 Anyway, in group A action today, hosts Chile are off and thus could be ranked as low as 4th in the group by the end of the day, but you've got to think that they have 6pts waiting for them in their final two matches. Assuming Colombia beats Paraguay, Chile should be good. Should. Today's Uruguay vs Peru will likely be the match to see who avoids last place.
Yesterday Brazil 8-0 Ecuador Cristiane 10', 90'+2'; Beatriz 21', 82'; Andressa 48'; Formiga 65'; Rafaelle 70'; Débora 87'. Today Uruguay-Perú and Colombia-Paraguay