kind of difficult when you can't see the matches there is a southamerican club in stockholm that shows copa america as well as eliminatorias but it's far from my barrio and i have to get up really early for work these days
I can't really say. The quality of play hasnt been great, but there have been some great goals and almost every game have had goals. If not mistaken there hasnt been any 0-0 games yet.
You are right ... the closest to a goaless game was the Brasil-Chile, when Brazil scored in the 90th. Overall, the level of play is not up there yet ... I expect the quarterfinal games to bring some excitement thou.
I was expecting worse teams and low quality. However, even if they did not send their top players, most teams sent a nice collection of people, who can play and are showing hunger. The level has not been top-notch but the emotions are high!!! Nice Copa
I see the 2 people who voted 'pathetic' are from Europe, probably Eurosnobs. Let them stick with their Eurorated cup, a tournament full of boring 0-0s won by the catenaccio team of Greece.
The level of play from a pure technical standpoint has been pretty disappointing. But every game I've watched has featured two teams fully committed to attacking soccer, going at each other, forcing saves and generally looking dangerous. As a neutral, that's all I ask for. RS
I think the level of play in Copa America 2004 has been average. Personally, I dont think level of play is as important as passion shown on the field. Last nights Peru Colombia game was extremely exciting. I am a diehard DC and US fan but the game last night was extremely exciting. It was obvious that both teams were giving 100%..I would rather watch people I dont know giving their best effort then Davits and Van Nistelroy...Im not Hispanic or European so my opinion is not biased.
You will be surprised by how many of the Brasilian players on the Copa team will be in Germany. It will be more than you think.
Argentina-Uruguay was a great game. There were some excellent goals, great attacking football, and lots of passion on both sides. On the other hand, there was also lots of hacking, some poor goalkeeping and defense at times, and poor refereeing. I watched several matches from Euro and the only one which could be comparable in terms of excitement, excellent goals and great scoring chances would be the Holland vs Czech Republic contest, won 3-2 by the Czech. But Argentina-Uruguay had more passion, as one might expect.
How many Brazilians are playing in Europe? in Germany? I think there is enough material to assemble 3 teams, sans goalies, those will have to be imported from Brazileirao (except Dida). Let me do some research, because I think the number is over 200 for Europe.
I would say that EURO 2004 was better soccer, but there have been 2 games in particular which were very entertaining. Colombia v. Peru: was not very good soccer, but in terms of goals it was absolutely amazing... 2 diving headers (with one guy sliding into the post and the other one getting a boot in the face) and numerous scoring chances. Uruguay v. Argentina: argentina... i can't stand them. and i'm glad uruguay was going after them physically (i know physically for south america is usually hacking, but i don't care how you go after argentina... just make sure they end up getting the brunt of the punishment). This was a game of good soccer. Uruguay's goals were absolutely amazing. It comes to no surprise both of their goals came off volleys, one of those goals with a man down. Argentina cheapster, Ayala, deserved a red card in the 2nd half but the ref failed to show the courage to give it to him, and then ayala scored the 4th goal to finish off the uruguayans... I do not like the soccer displayed in south america. Always play bunch ball and not very much space created. They always think they can do that extra move, and everyone knows that they are a bunch of actors as well. The acting is what really makes me laugh. Lots of players take dives, but it's the acting on the ground that takes away from the game... and south americans are kings of the acting. Having said all that.... I have still been entertained by a few of these matches... it is obvious they have skill, but the soccer just seems entirely different from europe and the united states, which is to be expected... that's what makes it so exciting when those 2 continents get together for the world cup. Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil are obviously very strong sides... throw a very good United States team and also Colombia and Uruguay and you have some pretty good representatives for the western hemisphere....those 6 sides will always put a great showing at the world cup from now on.... that is when they decide to play well. Sorry for making this long....
Why so much hostility against Argentina? Have you ever been there? You will find that it is actually a lovely place and most people are very nice, really.
i'm not talking about the actual country and people there... i am sure it is a very beautiful place... i'm strictly talking about their athletes that i have the extreeeeme pleasure of watching. not a fan of the argentine athletes.
I go for great. The only thing is. Last minute goal score in round of play. Now I follow within black and white for analogy (PRINT). Confederation has not disappoint although seemingly thwart representives. This could allow Mexico and Costa Rica to sneak alittle glory, avail of; they have.
The Euro is tactically better, but the Copa is more entertaining in a sense that they players have more flair (and also play acting). The crowd isn't as loud in Peru as in Portugal though.
I agree , the crowd doesn't sound as passionate as they do in Brazil and Argentina . But it is a good tournament so far .
Widely varying, of course, but the thing that stands out for me is they are playing with a kind of freedom that I just don't see in European players. Players in the Copa America are routinely trying things they may not be able to do. So, there are a lot more mistakes, but there are also a lot more of the kinds of plays that pulled me into this sport. Even in the Bolivia-Venezuela game (not only did neither team deserve to win, but I don't think they even deserved the point for a tie), the lack of big-money-game caution went along way towards compensating for the poor performances by both teams.