Copa América

[joew2005]

The 2011 Copa América shall be held in Argentina 2011,fr July 1 till July 24.
Tis will be the 43rd edition of the Copa América, which is the main international football tournament 4 the national teams in South America.
The competition was organized by CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body.

Both Japan & Mexico were invited 2 join the 10 CONMEBOL nations in the tournament,following a proposal by UEFA regarding national teams competing in tournaments organised by confederations different than their own.
On March 31 2010, CONCACAF confirmed tat Mexico will be allowed 2 send their 2012 U-23 Olympic Team, supplemented with 5 over-age players.
Japan participation was in doubt aft the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake & tsunami, but its football association has confirmed they will participate.

The draw 4 the tournament was held in La Plata,Argentina on November 11, 2010. The 12 nations were divided in2 4 different pots:
Pot 1 - Argentina, Brazil & Uruguay.
Pot 2 - Chile, Colombia & Paraguay.
Pot 3 - Bolivia, Peru & Venezuela.
Pot 4 - Ecuador, Japan & Mexico.

The 1st round(Group Stage) will see the 12 teams divided in2 3 groups of 4 teams.
Group A : Argentina, Colombia, Japan & Bolivia.
Group B : Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador & Venezuela.
Group C : Uruguay, Chile, Mexico & Peru.

The teams finishing 1st, 2nd & the 2 best-placed 3rd teams among the 3 groups will qualified for the quarterfinals.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Copa_Am%C3%A9rica

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Past Winner -

1916 Uruguay
1917 Uruguay
1919 Brazil
1920 Uruguay
1921 Argentina
1922 Brazil
1923 Uruguay
1924 Uruguay
1925 Argentina
1926 Uruguay
1927 Argentina
1929 Argentina
1935 Uruguay
1937 Argentina
1939 Peru
1941 Argentina
1942 Uruguay
1945 Argentina
1946 Argentina
1947 Argentina
1949 Brazil
1953 Paraguay
1955 Argentina
1956 Uruguay
1957 Argentina
1959 Argentina
1963 Bolivia
1967 Uruguay
1975 Peru
1979 Paraguay
1983 Uruguay
1987 Uruguay
1989 Brazil
1991 Argentina
1993 Argentina
1995 Uruguay
1997 Brazil
1999 Brazil
2001 Colombia
2004 Brazil
2007 Brazil

[joew2005]

Fixture schedule for 2011 Copa -

Group Phase
1 July Group A - Argentina vs Bolivia
2 July Group A - Colombia vs Japan
3 July Group B - Brazil vs Venezuela / Paraguay vs Ecuador
4 July Group C - Uruguay vs Peru / Chile vs Mexico
6 July Group A - Argentina vs Colombia
7 July Group A - Bolivia vs Japan
8 July Group C - Peru vs Mexico / Uruguay vs Chile
9 july Group B - Brazil vs Paraguay / Venezuela vs Ecuador
10 July Group A - Colombia vs Bolivia
11 July Group A - Argentina vs Japan
12 July Group C - Chile vs Peru / Uruguay vs Mexico
13 July Group B - Paraguay vs Venezuela / Brazil vs Ecuador

Quarter Finals
16 July - Group A Winner vs Best 3rd Place 1 (Q1) / Group A Runner Up vs Group C Runner Up (Q2)
17 July - Group B Winner vs Best 3rd Plac 2 (Q3) / Group C Winner vs Group B Runner Up (Q4)

Semi Finals
19 July - Q1 Winner vs Q2 Winner
20 July - Q3 Winner vs Q4 Winner

3rd Place Place Off
23 July -

Final
24 July -

[joew2005]

Latest Conmebol/Fifa ranking update on 9 March 2011.
Next update on 13 April 2011.

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ra...23915&rank=202

1. Argentina (Fifa 4)
2. Brazil (Fifa 5)
3. Uruguay (Fifa 7)
4. Chile (Fifa 14)
5. Paraguay (Fifa 24)
6. Ecuador (Fifa 49)
7. Colombia (Fifa 50)
8. Peru (Fifa 59)
9. Venezuela (Fifa 63)
10. Bolivia (Fifa 97)


Japan is currently ranked AFC 1st & Fifa 15th, while Mexico is 2nd in CONCACAF & Fifa 19th.

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http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...nvited?cc=4716

Japan withdraw from Copa America

Japan have pulled out of tis summer's Copa America tournament, as the country continues 2 deal with the fallout fr the devastating March 11 earthquake & subsequent tsunami.

The Asian side had been invited 2 play as a guest national team in the South America, along with CONCACAF's Mexico, 4 the competition which begins on July 1 in Argentina. However, they hv been forced 2 withdraw 2 deal with the the huge problems caused by the natural disaster.

"The priority @ tis moment is 2 continue saving lives & rebuilding the country," Japanese Football Association president Junji Ogura said on the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) website. "We r sorry 2 be pulling out."

CONMEBOL President Nicolas Leoz said in a statement tat he "deeply lamented" Japan's decision, while a spokesman said tat the organisation ''will make a final decision relying on the consensus of its members" over who should replace them.

Costa Rica & Canada hv been rumoured 2 be interested, while WC winners Spain hv revealed they hv received an invitation.

President of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) Angel Maria Villar told the press: "Spain has received a proposal 2 participate in the Copa America. We hv been asked many times & it's something tat Spanish football owes 2 South America 4 the great players who hv come 2 play here.

"I am in favour of Spain participating in the tournament. It is something tat must be evaluated with care. I consider it a great honour & I will take the proposal 2 the board.''

[joew2005]

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/fifa-rule-c...25942-525.html

FIFA rule change may bring Japan back to Copa

FIFA is considering bending the rules 2 help Japan take part in the Copa America 2011 aft a quake-tsunami disaster forced them 2 withdraw fr the event, the country's football chief says.

The March 11 catastrophe has thrown Japan's J-League in2 disarray & 5 rounds of matches which were suspended r now due 2 be played around the same time as the the July 1-24 Copa America in Argentina.

Under the current rules of world football's governing body, clubs r not obligated 2 free up Japanese players 4 the South American championship becos Japan hv been invited only as guests.

But FIFA president Sepp Blatter is considering a 1-off exceptional measure asking clubs 2 free up players, Japan Football Association (JFA) president Junji Ogura told Japanese media on Friday aft visiting South America.

The measure would apply 2 Japanese clubs as well as teams in Europe & elsewhere who hv Japanese players.

Ogura said tat Argentina Football Association president Julio Grondona, who is also a senior FIFA vice president, had asked Japan 2 reconsider pulling out when they met on Tuesday.

"Grondona knows tat European clubs don't hv 2 release their players, but he called Blatter tis morning & Blatter said he would consider changing the rules," Ogura said, according 2 Kyodo news agency.

"Grondona knows how many Japanese players r playing in Europe & says if they r needed 4 the Copa America, then CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) would take responsibility & negotiate their release.

The JFA board is expected 2 make a decision on the matter @ a board meeting next Thursday, he said.

The J-League is opposed 2 releasing players in July becos of its revamped calendar. European clubs may be reluctant 2 free up players 4 fear of injury as the summer break is important 4 them 2 tune up 4 the new season.

The JFA has submitted 2 the CONMEBOL a list of 28 Japanese playing in 14 countries in Europe's 1st or 2nd divisions, who may make up the core of the Blue Samurai bound 4 Argentina, Ogura said.

He added tat the JFA would also make a fresh plea 2 J-League teams 2 release their best players.

[valkyria]

For the good of Japanese football, it's in their interest to participate, since it's not very often that they play against the likes of ARG, BRA on a competitive basis, and also since ARG lost in a friendly to then last year, they may play much more serious then they did.
Fixture congestion in the J-League can be dealt with.

[joew2005]

Latest Conmebol/Fifa ranking update on 13 April 2011.
Next update on 18 May 2011.

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ra...23915&rank=203

1. Brazil (Fifa 3)
2. Argentina (Fifa 5)
3. Uruguay (Fifa 7)
4. Chile (Fifa 14)
5. Paraguay (Fifa 23)
6. Colombia (Fifa 49)
7. Peru (Fifa 54)
8. Ecuador (Fifa 56)
9. Venezuela (Fifa 67)
10. Bolivia (Fifa 102)

Japan is currently ranked AFC 1st & Fifa 13th, while Mexico is 2nd in CONCACAF & Fifa 26th.


http://sg.news.yahoo.com/japan-part-...10412-040.html

Japan to take part in Copa America football clash

Japan's FA said 2day it would take part in the Copa America, reversing an earlier decision 2 withdraw fr the event in the aftermath of a massive earthquake & tsunami.

Japan FA vice president Kozo Tashima told a news conference: "We as the Japan FA reached the conclusion 2day tat we will take part in the Copa America."

"We r preparing 2 send a letter 2 the South American Football Confederation abt our participation."

The March 11 twin disasters severely damaged a nuclear power plant in the country's northeast, causing widespread electricity cuts tat forced the temporary suspension of the J-League.

The league has rescheduled its backlogged fixtures 2 be played during a break in July, which clashes with the South American championship, where Asian champions Japan r invited as non-member guests along with Mexico.

J-League clubs hv said they r opposed 2 sending top players 2 the July 1-24 Copa America in Argentina.

But the Japan FA decided @ an executive meeting 2day tat it would send a squad mostly made up of Europe-based players who will be having a pre-season break in July, an association official said.

JFA president Junji Ogura said earlier he had been given assurances tat world football's governing body FIFA was considering an exceptional measure 2 require European clubs 2 free up Japanese players 4 the Copa, despite their guest status.

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CONMEBOL to back Blatter

South America's confederation (CONMEBOL) will back Sepp Blatter in the upcoming FIFA Presidential campaign against rival Mohamed Bin Hammam.

Blatter's recent criticism of the organisation of WC 2014 to be held in Brazil saw suggestions tat he would not be a popular choice in South America, but Argentina football chief Julio Grondona told the CONMEBOL executive board he was in no doubt as 2 who he would be voting 4 next month.

"South America is unanimously & resoundingly committed 2 supporting the candidacy of Joseph Blatter 4 another period as president of FIFA, there's no doubt in tis regard," he told Reuters. "Tat's how we started in 1998 & tat's how we 1 2 continue 4 the good of world football."

Blatter, who was 1st elected 2 the position in 1998, said he was counting on support fr CONMEBOL.

"It was CONMEBOL tat already in January or February 1998 made a declaration tat the 10 countries of CONMEBOL were fully behind Sepp Blatter,'' he said. "Therefore, I'm fully confident tat they r still in the same mood. I don't know why they shouldn't be."

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Injured Ganso could miss Copa America

Brazil starlet Ganso could miss tis summer's Copa America aft it was revealed tat he will be out of action 4 around 6 weeks with a thigh injury.

Ganso, 21, suffered the injury while playing 4 club side Santos in the Sao Paulo state championship final against Corinthians on Sunday, although Brazil coach Mano Menezes claimed he would wait until the last minute 4 the playmaker 2 prove his fitness.

"We're going 2 wait a little longer. Maybe it won't be so much (time he is out), let's wait a bit 2 see how his recovery goes," Menezes said. "Look how capricious football is. He only managed 2 play 1 match against the U.S [a 2-0 friendly win]. With the ligaments injury he was out for 199 days, he came back & had a few games, not enough 2 be called up, & now he's had another muscle injury.''

Menezes' side play Netherlands on June 4 & Romania on June 7 in friendlies @ home b4 the Copa America begins on July 1 & the coach is keen 2 hv Ganso involved.

"Ganso is an organiser who reads the game 4 the team, he puts the pass thru on goal, he sets the rhythm. Tis player is harder 2 find,'' he added.

The Santos player will move 2 Italy tis summer, but has yet 2 decide whether he will join Milan or Inter.

[joew2005]

http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?...aamerica-japan

Japan pulls out of Copa America for 2nd time

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)—The Argentine football association says Japan has pulled out of July’s Copa America 4 the 2nd time due 2 problems forming a team following March’s earthquake & tsunami.

The AFA, the Copa America host, quoted Japanese football association president Junji Ogura on its website Monday saying “the majority” of European clubs with Japanese players hv refused 2 release them 4 the July 1-24 tournament.

Ogura was quoted as saying it would be difficult 2 call up Japan-based players becos delays caused by the natural disasters had forced changes 2 the domestic football schedule.

Japan pulled out of the tournament 4 the 1st time in April, but reversed its decision 2 weeks later. The JFA has refused 2 confirm the latest withdrawal & says a press conference will be held later Tuesday.

South American confederation spokesman Nestor Benitez told The AP a replacement 4 Japan will be decided shortly.

“I can’t 4ward names of possible candidates 2 take up the vacancy becos tat would start speculation,” Benitez said. “We will wait 4 the final decision, which won’t take long.”

The AFA website says an invitation 2 compete would be sent Monday on behalf of CONMEBOL to Central American nation Costa Rica.

Costa Rica had already requested a place in the competition aft it became clear tat Japan was struggling 2 form a team.

Since 1993, CONMEBOL has invited at least 2 nations 2 join the 10 South American teams tat contest the Copa America. As usual, Mexico was also invited 2 tis year’s tournament.

Other countries tat hv taken part in the past include the US & Canada.

Japan was due 2 play in the tournament’s Group 1 alongside Argentina, Colombia & Bolivia.

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Batista announces experimental squad

Argentina coach Sergio Batista has recalled ManC's Pablo Zabaleta & Real Madrid's Ezequiel Garay 2 play against Nigeria & Poland next month.

The vast majority of Batista's squad r under the age of 25 & the Argentina boss has elected 2 give an international debut 2 Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio as he runs the rule over his fringe players.

The squad will be under close scrutiny during the 2 friendly matches & will be hoping 2 make the final cut 4 the Copa America, which begins in Argentina on the July 1.

Batista's hopefuls face Nigeria in Abuja on June 1 b4 travelling 2 Warsaw 2 meet Poland 4 days later.

Squad:
Oscar Ustari (Getafe), Adrian Gabbarini (Independiente); Nicolas Otamendi (Porto), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Ezequiel Garay (Real Madrid), Federico Fazio (Sevilla), Emiliano Insua (Galatasaray), Marcos Angeleri (Sunderland), Mateo Musacchio (Villarreal); Fernando Belluschi (Porto), Alejandro Cabral (Legia Warsaw), Mario Bolatti (Internacional), Nicolas Bertolo (Zaragoza), Diego Perotti (Sevilla), Mauro Formica (Blackburn), Nicolas Gaitan (Benfica), Alberto Costa (Valencia); Jonathan Cristaldo (Metalist), Pablo Piatti (Almeria), Marco Ruben (Villarreal), Franco Jara (Benfica), Mauro Boselli (Genoa).

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Robinho back in Brazil squad

AC Milan 4ward Robinho has been recalled 2 the Brazil squad 4 next month's friendlies against Holland & Romania.

Brazil face the Dutch in Goiania on June 4 & take on Romania 3 days later in Sao Paulo in a match tat will include 2-time World Cup winner Ronaldo's retirement celebration.

Coach Mano Menezes will pick his 22-man squad 4 the Copa America, which begins in Argentina on July 1, fr the 28-man party - with the possible addition of injured Santos midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso.

Fabio, Fred & Thiago Neves were among the notable home-based players in the 28-man group.

Cruzeiro goalkeeper Fabio & Flamengo midfielder Thiago Neves hv just won the Minas Gerais & Rio de Janeiro state tournaments respectively, while Fluminense 4ward Fred was the top scorer in the latter competition.

Veteran striker Ronaldo will play the 1st half of the match against Romania, & will receive a tribute at half-time 2 mark the end of his professional career.

Brazil squad: Fabio (Cruzeiro), Vitor (Gremio), Jefferson (Botafogo), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan); David Luiz (Chelsea), Lucio (Inter Milan), Luizao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (Milan), Adriano (Barcelona), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Inter Milan); Elias (Atletico Madrid), Henrique (Cruzeiro), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Ramires (Chelsea), Sandro (Tottenham), Anderson (Manchester United), Elano (Santos), Jadson (Shakhtar Donetsk), Lucas (Sao Paulo), Thiago Neves (Flamengo); Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Fred (Fluminense), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Neymar (Santos), Nilmar (Villarreal), Robinho (AC Milan).

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Riquelme eyes Copa America call-up

Boca Juniors star Juan Roman Riquelme is hoping 2 end his 3-year international exile & receive a call-up 2 Sergio Batista's Argentina squad 4 tis summer's Copa America.

Riquelme, 32, has not played 4 the Albiceleste since falling out with Diego Maradona in 2008 but aft scoring 4 goals in his past 7 games 4 Boca, the former Villarreal playmaker believes he has done enough 2 earn an international recall.

"There's 5 matches left in the championship (Clausura) & I 1 2 do well 2 see if I can be in the Copa America," Riquelme told ESPN+.

A player whose inclusion in the squad is in doubt is Carlos Tevez aft Batista revealed the ManC captain is unlikely 2 feature in his starting line-up @ the tournament in July, which is being hosted by Argentina.

"I know Carlos is a great player - he's played in 2 World Cups, he is experienced - but right now my No. 9 is Messi," Batista said. "Messi is going 2 play in tat position & I hv Gonzalo Higuain 2 give me options."

Batista's recent revelation tat ManC captain Carlos Tevez is unlikely 2 feature in his starting XI @ the tournament, which Argentina is hosting.

Riquelme expressed his surprise @ Batista's comments, but admitted tat with such a talented group of players there is always likely 2 be some1 left disappointed.

"I believe tat Carlos has had a very good year & he can give alot 2 the team," Riquelme said. "[Though] It's understood tat being the national team manager is complicated.

"There's always 1 left out. The World Cup is a clear example. Lisandro Lopez was named the best player in France & no 1 said anything. We r fortunate 2 hv many good players & there's always 1 left out."

[joew2005]

Latest Conmebol/Fifa ranking update on 18 May 2011.
Next update on 29 June 2011.

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ra...23915&rank=204

1. Brazil (Fifa 3)
2. Argentina (Fifa 5)
3. Uruguay (Fifa 7)
4. Chile (Fifa 13)
5. Paraguay (Fifa 23)
6. Colombia (Fifa 50)
7. Peru (Fifa 54)
8. Ecuador (Fifa 64)
9. Venezuela (Fifa 68)
10. Bolivia (Fifa 102)

Mexico is 2nd in CONCACAF & Fifa 28th.