According to newspaper (in Spanish) http://www.libero.com.pe/2003/MARZO/pdf6/sele.htm Peruvian officials say they are still awaiting confirmation from US to see if they'll participate.... In another related story in the article , Peru needs 5 million to fix their stadiums and host Copa America ... Otherwise, Mexico will try stepping in. Could the US (provided they do participate) also try hosting the tournament if Peru fails to do so? It'd be a great thing to have... Having visited Peru twice the last 10 yrs... and seeing the way the gvt works (or doesn't) i see Peru putting up cash and hosting the Cup as a 50/50 thing....
You mean we're invited? The tournament is next year isn't it? Or is it this year? I think the hard core U.S. fan wants us to go, whether the fed sees it that way is another matter.
The invited nations used to be the champs of the Concacaf Gold Cup and other country that Conmebol selected, this to make sure that Mexico was present. After the travesty that was Colombia 2001 I really don't know what they're doing, but I'm not sure that the Peruvian organizing comitee has any saying in this, is more of a Conmebol thing. We'll see what happens, but I don't think Conmebol is too fond of US Soccer as they didn't accept the Bolivia 97 invitation and after that they haven't come or haven't been invited, not sure. An important factor will certainly be that the team that comes brings its best players. I'm sure Conmebol doesn't want another Colombia 2001.
It is next year (2004) as they will have Copa America only every four years from now on.... However, the fact US officials have not yet replied to the invite yet raises question...After all US has not been to the last 2 Copas America. ABout US having a chance to organize...Well, money talks... (which is a reason Mexico applied to be back-up even before Peru's problems started surfacing)
The problem for this tournament is the availability of the MLS players. The teams give them up whenever the national team wants for friendlies, the Gold Cup this year, the Confederations Cup this year, etc. Being that WCQers start next year for CONCACAF, I would think that the fed would want all the games it can get to explore possibilities. Teams haven't been sending their best players since '99 when a few European based Argentines begged off and Brazil won.
If the US wants to play in the Copa they are going to have to win the Gold Cup or be the second best CONCACAF team if Mexico wins the Gold Cup. CONMEBOL has already said that Mexico has permanent guest status so they always get one of the extra spots. The second spot goes to the Gold Cup champion.
US won't be invited You're right the only way US nat is going to make to the Copa America is if they secure the Gold Cup... US shun Copa America a while ago... Conmebol won't forget that IMO, US should try to get into Copa America and also Copa Libertadores, US soccer has a lot to gain and learn from those competition Regards
Not sure how reliable that paper is, but reading between the lines, we've already been invited and they are waiting on our confirmation.
I really hope that the USA on the National and Club level get more involved with South America. Strong competition in a meaningful environment and on a regular schedule is the best way for Americans to improve.
I think the paper got it wrong. This is from the CONCACAF announcment The field will be completed by the addition of the pair of teams from CONMEBOL, with which CONCACAF has a reciprocal agreement for participation by teams in each other's championships. As current South American champion Colombia has an automatic place in the tournament; a similar place awaits the Gold Cup winner in the next edition of the Copa America. It will be their second participation in the Gold Cup, losing the 2000 final to Canada. http://www.concacaf.com/news/article.page/1237 So the US has to win or be the second best CONCACAF team if Mexico wins it.
First thing , we know the USA has to finish first or second in the Gold cup to qualify. If they do I would hope that they will go to this prestigious tournament, they should be honored to do so. I know it will be in the middle of the MLS season, I also know qualification for the WC will be started, but USA has players in MLS and plenty in Europe to fill rosters. If Mexico can do it so can we. Besides it is good experience.
I've argued in the past that it's not only about experience for our players and good competition that should have us play in Copa America. I big part should be MLS' health in the long term. Yes, in the short term you lose players in mid-season, but if you do well, like in 95', than more Latino fans will take notice an may begin attending more MLS matches.
I'd like to see our boys play in Copa America. It would be a good experience for them, win lose or draw.