I didn't realize that the US was going to play. It said in yahoo sports that they are scheduled to play. Are teams invited to the CC or is it based off something else?
it's the champions of each confederation: concacaf, conebol, uefa, etc. plus the host. the u.s. brazil (world champ)l france (host) cameron columbia japan and new zealand. germany just said today that they aren't gonna play. fifa isn't sure who will replace them in the 8 team field.
My money would be on Portugal participating. They don't have to qualify for Euro 2004 because they're the hosts. They probably want some matches to break in new players (and get revenge for losing to the USA). Sachin
Well the Germans have informed FIFA that they won't take up the invite. They are concentrating on their Euro Qualification matches.
Then we're in because we won the Gold Cup, correct? Any news on Copa America, I thought I had seen some rumors. I'd like to see Portugal replace Germany, as Sachin said, they do need the games. I wonder if they will face the US? that'd be really interesting.
Why the Germans instead of the Italians? Were the Germans initially offered the "guest" spot instead of the Italians? Italy is the Euro 2000 runner-up, so it would make sense for them to get an invite as the UEFA rep since France is already in as the host. Anyway, Portugal would be a good pick. There's a large Portuguese immigrant community in Paris that would probably help attendance for the tourney.
Conmebol will probably call Mexico and CR for Copa America I doubt US will be call again, USSF shun Copa America a few years ago it won't be forgotten by the Conmebol
That is not true Conmebol has not stated anything about the Gold Cup champ getting an automatic invite. The only thing that Conmebol has stated is that they will invite whom they wish and that Mexico has permanent guest status.