Copa America groups have been drawn today at La Plata, Argentina.
The Copa America, one of the oldest continental competitions in the world (since 1916), will include also, Mexico (8 consecutive appearances) and Japan (participated in 1999).
Here are the groups
Group A: Argentina, Colombia, Japan and Bolivia
Group B: Brasil, Paraguay Ecuador, Venezuela
Group C: Uruguay, Chile, Mexico and Peru.
First game is set on July 1st at new stadium La Plata between Argentina and Bolivia.
Now, I believe many will be asking why is Japan there. The answer is quite simple. The CONMEBOL, reserves the right to send 2 invititations to whomever they like. Usually Mexico gets one, and the other one goes to another CONCACAF member. However, they must produce a full strength squad. USA would only be able to send youngsters. Japan while having a close relationship with the CONMEBOL basically through the sponsorship of Copa Toyota Libertadores and Copa Nissan Sudamericana.
In any way, dont be surprised if England, Germany or Spain might be invited in future Copa America´s competitions.
The Copa America, one of the oldest continental competitions in the world (since 1916), will include also, Mexico (8 consecutive appearances) and Japan (participated in 1999).
Here are the groups
Group A: Argentina, Colombia, Japan and Bolivia
Group B: Brasil, Paraguay Ecuador, Venezuela
Group C: Uruguay, Chile, Mexico and Peru.
First game is set on July 1st at new stadium La Plata between Argentina and Bolivia.
Now, I believe many will be asking why is Japan there. The answer is quite simple. The CONMEBOL, reserves the right to send 2 invititations to whomever they like. Usually Mexico gets one, and the other one goes to another CONCACAF member. However, they must produce a full strength squad. USA would only be able to send youngsters. Japan while having a close relationship with the CONMEBOL basically through the sponsorship of Copa Toyota Libertadores and Copa Nissan Sudamericana.
In any way, dont be surprised if England, Germany or Spain might be invited in future Copa America´s competitions.