5 Unmissable Matches in the 2015 Copa America Group Stage
With the first edition taking place way back in 1916, the Copa America holds the distinction of being one of the world's oldest international football competitions still played to the present day. Ninety-nine years from that first "South American Championship," the Copa will be disputed for the 44th time in Chile.
Mexico and Jamaica join the 10 Conmebol members for the 2015 competition and the group stage, drawn in Vina del Mar (per Goal), has thrown up a handful of extremely enticing fixtures.
A hectic schedule means that the 18 group matches will take place over just 10 days of competition, making it tough to catch every game. Fans of South American football, however, should make a special note to watch the following five clashes, which stand out as highlights of the first stage of the region's prestigious tournament.
5. Peru vs. Venezuela
1 of 5
June 18, Valparaiso
On the face of it, a group-stage clash between two of the four South American teams that failed to reach the World Cup may not sound appealing. But that qualifying campaign should not lead to false conclusions, as both Peru and Venezuela are improving as football nations.
The Inca finished third in the 2011 Copa before an admittedly poor Conmebol qualifying competition. Venezuela, meanwhile, lost out to Peru in that third-place play-off and came closer than ever to qualification before faltering at the end and letting Uruguay sneak into Brazil 2014.
With both teams going into the competition with new coaches and some promising new talent, the match will be an excellent gauge of where the nations are and if a place at Russia 2018 could be on the cards.
4. Argentina vs. Paraguay
2 of 5
June 13, La Serena
While it is another of Argentina's Group B games that will be the focus of attention, a clash against neighbours to the north Paraguay will also be a stern test for Gerardo Martino's men. The Guarani have rebuilt after a frankly disastrous World Cup qualifying competition, and they are keen to make amends.
Promising youngsters such as Tonny Sanabria, Derlis Gonzalez, Jorge Rojas and Angel Romero have begun to filter through the Paraguay ranks. At the other end of the age scale, 33-year-old Roque Santa Cruz will still be around and desperate for success having reached the Copa America final in 2011.
Martino and his troops cannot underestimate the Albirroja, who will go all-out for victory in La Serena.
3. Chile vs. Mexico
3 of 5
June 15, Santiago
Both Chile and Mexico turned heads at the World Cup in Brazil, impressing before making an exit in unfortunate circumstances at the last-16 stage. A thundering shot against the crossbar by Mauricio Pinilla would have sent Jorge Sampaoli's men through against the hosts, while in Mexico the theatrics of Arjen Robben will not be soon forgotten.
The nations will have the perfect chance to show that tournament was no fluke when they meet in the Copa America's Group A.
Chile will have home advantage and Sampaoli's ever-attacking tactics on their side, not to mention Alexis Sanchez. But the Tricolor have their own ace up the sleeve: striker Carlos Vela, who has wasted no time in hitting the net since ending his international exile.
2. Argentina vs. Uruguay
4 of 5
June 16, La Serena
No explanation required here as to why Argentina's battle with Uruguay will be one of the, if not the, highlight of the Copa America first round. The Group B members dispute a footballing rivalry that dates back to 1901, making it one of the oldest international fixtures in the world.
It also has not escaped any Argentine's attention that the Celeste dumped their team out of the same competition back in 2011, and on Albiceleste soil to add insult to injury. The team masterminded by Diego Forlan went on to take the trophy. Gerardo Martino's charges will be keen to banish memories of that humiliating quarter-final defeat in Chile.
The veteran Oscar Tabarez, meanwhile, will face the challenge of retaining the Copa America without suspended striker Luis Suarez, a tough test for the 15-time winners of the continental trophy.
1. Brazil vs. Colombia
5 of 5
June 17, Santiago
Brazil's World Cup quarter-final clash with Colombia earlier this year failed to live up to expectations. Having played some of the tournament's most attractive football up to the last-eight, the Cafeteros appeared unsettled by some rough play by the Selecao and could not reproduce their best form.
Jose Pekerman's men will have another chance in Group C in 2015. A new-look Brazil under Dunga await Colombia, in a clash that most likely will decide who goes through to the last-eight at the top.
