Page 74 - Soccer360 Issue 106

GROUP D FIXTURES MACTH DAY 1:
COLOMBIA VS PARAGUAY JUNE 24 6:OOPM EST BRAZIL VS COSTA RICA JUNE 24 9:OOPM EST
GROUP D - COPA AMERICA 2024
BRAZIL
COPA AMERICA APPEARANCES: 38
GROUP D FIXTURES MACTH DAY 2:
COLOMBIA VS COTA RICA JUNE 28 6:00PM EST PARAGUAY VS BRAZIL JUNE 28 9:00PM EST
COPA CHAMPIONSHIPS: 9
Brazil, a perennial powerhouse in South American soccer, faces challenges after falling short of expectations in recent tournaments. Since winning the 2019 Copa America, Brazil experienced setbacks, including a defeat to Argentina in the 2021 final and an early exit in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals against Croatia. Complicating matters, the team will be without veteran star Neymar due to a left knee injury. However, Brazil boasts immense talent across the roster, led by players like Vini Jr., Casemiro, and Rodrygo. With a rich history in the Copa América, Brazil is the third- winningest team in the tournament’s history, clinching their first title in 1919 when they hosted the tournament for the first time. Their most recent victory came at home in
2019, marking a century
since their inaugural
triumph. As they
prepare for their 38th
edition of the Copa
América in 2024, Brazil
adds another chapter
to its storied legacy, continuing the tradition set by legendary figures like Pelé, Cafú, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and countless
others who have graced the tournament with their talent and charisma.
VINI JR.
summer
COLOMBIA
COPA AMERICA APPEARANCES: 24
Colombia, a seasoned team with talent across the pitch, boasts savvy goalkeeper David Ospina and the dynamic Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, a true game-changer.
The ‘cafeteros’ reached the pinnacle of
the Copa América when they became champions in the 2001 edition held at home. In an impressive campaign, Colombia won all six of their matches, with goalkeeper Óscar Córdoba maintaining an undefeated record and Victor Aristazábal emerging as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. Under the guidance of coach Francisco Maturana, Colombia clinched their first-ever title, with Iván Ramiro Córdoba scoring
the decisive goal in the final, fulfilling the nation’s dream of lifting the coveted cup on home soil.
COPA CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1
72 SOCCER360 SUMMER 2024
FIFA RANKING HISTORY
CURRENT 5 (April 2024) HIGHEST 1 (159 Times) LOWEST 22 (June 2013)
TEAM BREAKDOWN
COACH: Dorival Junior
NICKNAME: Selecao (The Selection)
BEST TOURNAMENT RESULT: Champions x9 STAR MAN: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
ON THE RISE: Rodrygo and Endrick
(Real Madrid)
The Superstar looks
to add to Brazil’s
trophy case this
FIFA RANKING HISTORY
CURRENT 12 (April 2024) HIGHEST 3 (August 2016) LOWEST 54 (June 2011)
LUIS DIAZ
TEAM BREAKDOWN
COACH: Nestor Lorenzo
NICKNAME: Los Cafeteros (The Coffee Growers)
BEST TOURNAMENT RESULT: Champions STAR MAN: Luis Diaz (Liverpool)
ON THE RISE: Yaser Asprilla (Watford)
4 Goals in
8 Apps in
Copa America
Tournaments