The 2024 Copa América began with three planned records: the largest number of matches in Lionel Messi and a movement on the podium of the oldest promoted by a Chilean and a Peruvian.
In addition, the day ended on Thursday with an expected victory, that of Argentina about Canada (2-0) and a yawning tie between Blanquirroja and Red.
Records and controversy have rocked the tournament
And before closing this Friday the first day of Group A with a goalless draw in between Peru and Chiletwo controversies with no apparent solution darkened the atmosphere: the poor state of the field in the opening match criticized by the Argentines, and the hint of racist slurs against the Canadian Moise Bombito.
Serious insults against the defender were unleashed following a brutal tackle Messi, which raised fears for the integrity of the Albiceleste captain, who on Thursday in Atlanta completed 35 games in his seventh appearance in America Cupanother unmatched record in tournament history.
A few hours later, the Conmebol and Concacafthe confederations involved in it America Cupreacted to the complaint made by the Canadian federation of racist insults released on social networks against bombito.
Bravo is not far behind
Claudio Bravoone of the last references of the ‘golden generation’ of Chilean football, enters the 48th edition of America Cup another record: at 41 years old the goalkeeper surpassed his nationalized Bolivian teammate in Argentina Carlos Trucco as the oldest player to play in the continental tournament.
deception He did this until he was 39 years old in the final of the 1997 Copa América Bolivia lost to Brazil 3-1.
But the one from Viluco didn’t stop there with his brands. Count Messiis playing the Copa América for the seventh time.
Warrior and 40 years gone
At 40 years old on January 1, the Peruvian striker Paolo Guerreroor join the goalkeeper of Chile Claudio Bravo 41, in the exclusive club of Copa América’s oldest.
The 48th edition starts low on goals
The 47th edition of the Copa América, played three years ago in Brazil, got off to a more exciting start than 2024, with Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela and the 1-0 Colombia’s victory over Ecuador.
Four goals were scored on the first day of the Group B match where that tournament began, and only two were scored in the first Group A match.
Action begins in Group B
This Saturday the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and the NRG in Houston are the theaters of the confrontations of the Group that makes up Ecuador and Venezuela, Mexico and Jamaica.
La Tri, of Spaniard Félix Sánchez, and La Vinotinto of Argentine Fernando Batista will meet in Santa Clara. And at the end of Saturday, a Mexican team that was under suspicion will test against a Jamaica that arrived with the peace of mind that they had nothing to lose.
The phrase of the day
Jaime Lozano, Mexico coach, showed his courage in the face of criticism and emphatically said on Friday, a day after his debut against Jamaica, that he cannot say he will be sacked if he does not complete a satisfactory Copa America.
“I don’t get tired of saying that whether I continue with the national team or not, that they will kick me out if I don’t win. I try to help my players achieve their goals. I have to take care of what depends on me, when there is a good result We will tip the balance in our favor,” he said.
Jamaica will be the judge and party to this dispute.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
