Copa America 2015: TV Info, Updated Schedule and Full Group-Stage Predictions
The 2015 Copa America is underway, as hosts Chile kicked off the tournament with a 2-0 win over Ecuador to take control of Group A. All eyes will be on South American giants Brazil and Argentina, with the latter next on the schedule taking on Paraguay on Friday. BeIN Sports will provide full coverage of the tournament.
The tournament comes on the heels of a long season on the domestic front, and stars like Lionel Messi and Neymar have only just joined their respective teams after playing in the Champions League final. The tired legs for some of the key players means the Copa America is always a difficult tournament to predict and is often filled with upsets.
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Let's have a look at the updated schedule and how each individual group will play out:
| June 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Mexico | Bolivia | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 13 | 3 p.m. | Uruguay | Jamaica | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 13 | 5:30 p.m. | Argentina | Paraguay | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 14 | 3 p.m. | Colombia | Venezuela | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 14 | 5:30 p.m. | Brazil | Peru | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 15 | 5 p.m. | Ecuador | Bolivia | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Chile | Mexico | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 16 | 5 p.m. | Paraguay | Jamaica | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Argentina | Uruguay | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 17 | 8 p.m. | Brazil | Colombia | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Peru | Venezuela | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 19 | 5 p.m. | Mexico | Ecuador | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Chile | Bolivia | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 20 | 3 p.m. | Uruguay | Paraguay | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 20 | 5:30 p.m. | Argentina | Jamaica | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 21 | 3 p.m. | Colombia | Peru | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 21 | 5:30 p.m. | Brazil | Venezuela | beIN Sports | Group Match |
| June 24 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | TBD | beIN Sports | Quarterfinal |
| June 25 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | TBD | beIN Sports | Quarterfinal |
| June 26 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | TBD | beIN Sports | Quarterfinal |
| June 27 | 5:30 p.m. | TBD | TBD | beIN Sports | Quarterfinal |
| June 29 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | TBD | beIN Sports | Semifinal |
| June 30 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | TBD | beIN Sports | Semifinal |
| July 3 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | TBD | beIN Sports | Third Place |
| July 4 | 5 p.m. | TBD | TBD | beIN Sports | Final |
Group A: Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Bolivia
Ecuador gave Chile a tough battle in the first match, but the hosts came away with a 2-0 win to put themselves in the driver's seat in Group A.
Arturo Vidal opened the score from the penalty spot, and Eduardo Vargas delivered the knockout blow with a powerful strike, giving the home fans plenty to cheer about. Sport's Rik Sharma thought the Chileans looked good against a strong opponent, although he believes they are capable of much more:
Despite the loss, Ecuador will still like their chances of making it to the knockout stages. Mexico are traditionally a strong side, but they'll be playing in the 2015 Gold Cup as well and were forced to split the squad in half. And while Bolivia should never be overlooked, they lack the star quality of Ecuador, who are led by Enner Valencia and did well at the 2014 World Cup.
ESPN FC's Tom Marshall still backs El Tri to make it to the knockout stages:
It's important to remember that two of the third-placed teams will also be given a spot in the quarter-finals, so if Ecuador and Mexico can get the job done against Bolivia, they could―and perhaps should―qualify for the next round, along with Chile.
Prediction: Chile win the group, while Ecuador and Mexico advance.
Group B: Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Jamaica
Just a few years ago, Paraguay were everyone's favourite dark-horse contender from South America, a team that always appeared to qualify for the big tournaments and did well. But after coming in dead last during the qualification process for the 2014 World Cup, it's clear times have changed.
Roque Santa Cruz remains the team's biggest star, and at the age of 33, that should no longer be the case. Goal expects an easy win for Argentina, and it's easy to see why:
The Albiceleste have quality throughout the squad, and their attack in particular looks daunting. With Messi, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, they can field arguably the three most in-form strikers of the past season.
Paraguay coach Ramon Diaz is a big fan of their speed out wide, and out of all their players, he would pick Manchester United's Angel Di Maria to have on his side, as he told Ole (h/t Goal):
Jamaica are making their Copa America debut, and while that in itself is a fantastic achievement, they shouldn't have high hopes against Uruguay. The team will be without the suspended Luis Suarez, but with Edinson Cavani, the Uruguayans still have a ton of attacking firepower.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker showed just how little he knows about Jamaica in a recent press conference, a clear indication of the type of respect they command on this level:
Expect the Argentinians to take full advantage of Suarez's absence and grab the top spot in Group B.
Prediction: Argentina win the group, Uruguay advance.
Group C: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru
Brazil and Colombia treated fans to a spectacle during the 2014 World Cup, and they'll renew their rivalry in Chile after being drawn together in Group C. They're expected to take the two top spots, although Peru and Venezuela shouldn't be underestimated.
Star forward Neymar carries the hopes of his nation on his shoulders, and after a poor showing during friendlies leading up to the tournament, the pressure may be greater than ever before, per Selecao Brasileira:
"Rádio CBN commentator Carlos Éboli says Neymar deserved the boos he got yesterday because of his bad performance. pic.twitter.com/7oYahS30pD
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) June 11, 2015"
He was vital to Brazil's challenge at the 2014 World Cup, and while the Selecao appear to enter the tournament with more in-form players―Philippe Coutinho has been sensational so far―he will once again be expected to be the one to lead the Brazilians to glory.
Radamel Falcao and Jackson Martinez both need strong tournaments to benefit on the transfer market, while James Rodriguez will pull the strings in midfield.
Both Peru and Venezuela made the semi-finals of the Copa America four years ago, and while the latter have been spinning out of control recently, the former could surprise a few. Paolo Guerrero's health will be key, and if the striker is fit to play against the Selecao and Venezuela, Peru will like their chances of claiming third, or better.
Prediction: Brazil wins the group, Colombia and Peru advance.
