Copa America

Soccer is cruel.

Before we show the video, you know which one, we need to get some things straght. First, Brazil did not deserve to win that game. They were lethargic in attack and only slightly less lethargic in defense.

Second, a case can easily be made that Brazil did not even deserve to advance. They scored seven goals against Haiti, but didn't score any goals against Ecuador or Peru. To win in soccer, you have to score goals. I've always said that.

Some players feel that the colors of their country fit better than anything else. The whole team speaks the same language and shares the same culture as them. A whole country supports them.

Maybe it is the honor in wearing your national team’s jersey, maybe it is the positive pressure that international games produce. Whatever it is, it is hard not to see a pattern with some players who simply play better for their country than for their club.

Here is a short list.

Uruguay had a terrible Copa America, getting bouced after playing just two games (losses to Mexico and Venezuela), and one moment sums up their tournament perfectly. During Mexico vs. Uruguay, Uruguay's players were imploring an assistant ref to call a handball, and the assistant ref is supposed to have grabbed his crotch in response.

Don’t laugh, the United States of America has every reason to believe they can win the Copa America Centenario. Having clinched a birth in the quarter-finals, it’s as good a time as any to dissect this American squad. 

In Brad Guzan, they have one of the best goalkeepers on the continent. John Brooks absolutely nullified Paraguay in the most complete manner a defender can. Michael Bradley continues to grow in stature from his holding midfield role, and the USA boasts enough attacking options to trouble the entire Copa field.

When the United States Men’s National Team takes on Paraguay in its final game of the group stages, we will have a chance to see a story book moment unfold. Christian Pulisic, the 17-year-old wonderkid who is next in line as the bearer of the “Holy s*** he might be the chosen one” title in American soccer, will have a chance to play in his home state of Pennsylvania for the first time with the USMNT. 

There is a time where we think that we are all humans, where Panama can hold on to Argentina and fight fiercely.

And then, the clock strikes the 61st minute. Lionel Messi trots on the field to remind us that he comes from up there.

Messi has the beard of an experienced captain and helps Argentina bloom in an explosion of goals. 

Four in 24 minutes. 

Argentina can hold back a rowdy Panama, who played good soccer until Messi came on the pitch, but Messi just showed the Albiceleste the way.

Bolivia were done and dusted before the match even started. Chile, the defending Copa champions, were determined to make the world’s 82nd ranked side suffer. It was all Chile could do to make up for their disappointing defeat to Argentina.

Chile spent the first hour of the match accumulating almost 80% of possession while limiting Bolivia to a single shot. In the 58th minute, Bolivia introduced little-known playmaker Jhasmani Campos. Campos must not have been following or paying attention to the script,  because he immediately turned the game on its head. 

Uruguay vs. Venezuela ended 1-0 in favor of La Vinotinto, as a Suarez-less Uruguay basically bowed out of the Copa America without a fight. Venezuela frustrated La Celeste, and continually hit them on the break to great effect, with Salomon Rondon scoring the lone goal. Neither team are assured of anything yet, but barring a shock result when Mexico take on Jamaica later tonight, Uruguay are out, and Venezuela are through. 

Mexico’s task in front of 80,000 plus supporters at the Rose Bowl had been clearly defined following Uruguay’s shock 1-0 defeat to Venezuela earlier in the day. Win and they advanced to the Copa America quarter-finals. Thanks to a powerful header from Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez and a neat finish from Oribe Peralta, Mexico have guaranteed their place in the Copa's knockout rounds.