Copa America - International Soccer

By: Jane Richy

The XLII edition of the Copa America will be hosted, for the first time, by Venezuela from June 26th until July 15th, 2007; the teams will play in nine different cities: Maracaibo, San Cristóbal, Mérida, Barquisimeto, Barinas, Ordaz, Caracas, Puerto La Cruz and Maturin.

The twelve countries that participate in the competition are: ten from the South American football confederation, CONMEBOL, and the other two; Mexico and USA guests from the CONCACAF -- the North American federation. Argentina and Uruguay are the countries that have won this title most times and on the other hand, Chile, Ecuador and Venezuela have never won it.

The teams will be divided in group A: Venezuela, Uruguay, Perú and Bolivia, group B: Brazil, Ecuador, Chile and Mexico and Group C: Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia and the United States.

Among the favorites Argentina and Brazil are the main ones. Though stars like Ronaldinho and Kaká won’t be part of the event, the two Brazilian players asked the “Canarinha” technical commission not to call them to participate as they are on vacation of their formal teams.

The Venezuelan government has invested around 900 million dollars, and it will be the most important sport event ever celebrated in Venezuela after the Pan-American Games in 1983.

About the Author:
Jane Richy is a leading writer on the sports world and the sports betting industry. Feel free to reprint this article in its whole on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.