Page 68 - Soccer360 Issue 106

GROUP A FIXTURES MACTH DAY 1:
ARGENTINA VS CANADA JUNE 20 8:OOPM EST PERU VS CHILE JUNE 21 8:OOPM EST
GROUP A - COPA AMERICA 2024
GROUP A FIXTURES MACTH DAY 2:
PERU VS CANADA JUNE 25 6:00PM EST CHILE VS ARGENTINA JUNE 25 9:00PM EST
TEAM BREAKDOWN
COACH: Lionel Scaloni
NICKNAME: La Albiceleste
(The White and Sky Blue)
BEST TOURNAMENT RESULT: Champions x15 STAR MAN: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
ON THE RISE: Julian Alvarez (Man City) and Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
ARGENTINA
COPA AMERICA APPEARANCES: 44
Argentina, a foundational force in the CONMEBOL Copa América since the inaugural 1916 tournament in Buenos Aires, returns as the defending champions and the world’s top-ranked team, eager to defend their crown. With a history rich in soccer legends like Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Mario Alberto Kempes,
the team boasts a record-tying 15 titles, including the most recent victory in Brazil 2021. As they participate in their 43rd edition, Argentina’s loaded roster continues to blend unparalleled skill, star power, and chemistry. Headlined by the ageless Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste are well-equipped and eager to pursue a repeat of their triumph, demonstrating why they are perennial favorites in the tournament.
PERU
COPA AMERICA APPEARANCES: 34
Peru, with its experienced roster, returns
to the Copa América determined to avenge their 2019 final loss to Brazil, where they were defeated 3-1. As they make their
19th appearance, the White and Red team boasts a proud history in the tournament that began with their debut in 1927. Peru clinched its first title in 1939 when the tournament was held in Lima, with Teodoro Fernández leading as the top scorer. Their second triumph came in 1975, a unique edition without a fixed venue, featuring stars like Héctor Chumpitaz, Teófilo Cubillas, and Juan Carlos Oblitas under the guidance of coach Marcos Calderón. This storied past underscores Peru’s deep roots and historic successes in South American soccer.
COPA CHAMPIONSHIPS: 15
LIONEL MESSI
13 Goals, 17
Assists in
34 Apps in
Copa America
Tournaments
TEAM BREAKDOWN
COACH: Jorge Fossati
NICKNAME: La Bicolor, La Blanquirroja
(The White and Red)
BEST TOURNAMENT RESULT: Champions X2 STAR MAN: Renato Tapia (Celta Vigo)
ON THE RISE: Piero Quispe
(Club Universidad Nacional)
FIFA RANKING HISTORY
CURRENT 32 (April 2024) HIGHEST 10 (October 2017) LOWEST 91 (September 2009)
COPA CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2
RENATO TAPIA
1 Assists in
17 Apps in
Copa America
Tournaments
66 SOCCER360 SUMMER 2024