Brazil regains confidence, but not enough
Brazil regained the trust of their fans with an exceptional performance when they defeated Paraguay 4-1 on June 29. This was the Selecao's first win at Copa America 2024, after a poor 0-0 draw in their opening match against Costa Rica.
After being heavily criticized, striker Vinicius responded with a brace. The other two goals were scored by young star Savio (20 years old) and midfielder Paqueta. "This Selecao is the Selecao that won the world championship 5 times and the Copa America 9 times," said Marca (Spain).
However, this is only a necessary condition; Brazil must show their full strength in the next match against Colombia. In Group D, Colombia (6 points) has already secured a place in the quarterfinals, while Brazil (4 points) is still uncertain. The two teams will meet in the final round at 8am on July 3. A draw is enough for both teams to advance. But Brazil will not want that. Their second place in the group will give them a high chance of facing Uruguay (currently ranked first in Group C) in the quarterfinals.
Colombia and Uruguay are emerging as the opponents who can stop Brazil from reaching the expected final against arch-rivals Argentina. Colombia can still knock Brazil out of the group stage with a big win, while in the other match of Group D, Costa Rica (1 point, still a slim chance) also beat Paraguay (0 points, already eliminated). In case of a tie, Brazil and Costa Rica (0-0 draw) will go through goal difference to determine the position. Selecao has the advantage with a goal difference of +3, while the CONCACAF team has a goal difference of -3.
Who are the people that are making the whole of Argentina worried?
The Argentine press expressed admiration for coach Marcelo Bielsa, 68 years old, who is helping the Uruguayan team fly high at Copa America 2024 with two consecutive victories in Group C and scoring the most goals compared to the remaining teams (8 goals, the next team Colombia only scored 5 goals). La Celeste still needs 1 more point in the final match of Group C against the host USA (at 8:00, July 2) to get a ticket to the quarterfinals as the top team.
Since taking charge of Uruguay in May 2023, coach Marcelo Bielsa has only lost 2 matches, won 9 and drawn 3, achieving a winning rate of 64.29%. This experienced strategist is also building a young, enthusiastic Uruguay team with a dynamic and effective playing style. Mr. Marcelo Bielsa is Argentine, having led the national team from 1998 to 2004 and the U.23 team won the 2004 Olympics gold medal.
"If there is any team that can stand in the way of Argentina and Messi defending the Copa America title this year, it can only be Uruguay under Marcelo Bielsa. It is admirable that he has revived a team with the most achievements in Copa America (Uruguay has 15 championships, equal to Argentina)," said TyC Sports (Argentina).
At Copa America 2024, there are up to 7 Argentinian coaches working for the national teams, including coach Scaloni of the national team. But only Mr. Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay, and to some extent coach Nestor Lorenzo (Colombia team), promise to be the Argentinians who will make the home team worry in the journey to defend the championship.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-dua-vo-dich-khong-con-danh-rieng-cho-argentina-va-brazil-185240629220742123.htm
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