Colombia may not be heavy favorites, but they definitely have a shot in this year's Copa America. They were eliminated by Brazil in last year’s World Cup but they looked very strong. They have an opportunity to snatch revenge on the Brazilians as Brazil are in their group along with Peru, and Venezuela. This team definitely possesses the qualities it takes to go very far in this tournament.
The Colombians have a lot of depth in their team with some stars to compliment their depth. Poster boy James Rodriguez has had a magnificent season at Real Madrid and has grown a lot since the World Cup. He has not become just a scorer; he has learned to completely take charge of the contest and play in a sophisticated manner to give his side a chance to win.
Manager Jose Pekerman has been setting his side up in a 4-4-2 formation. He has been putting Jackson Martinez with Radamel Falcao up top. Juan Cuadrado on the left, Carlos Sanchez along with Edwin Valencia in the middle, and star man James Rodriguez on the right. Colombia’s defense is not incredible though, Darwin Andrade manning down left back, Jeison Murillo and Christian Zapata starting at centre back. Juan Zuniga has been starting at right back, and Santiago Arias from PSV also goes in at a full back slot often.
Colombia definitely have one of the tougher groups in the competition. Their first game is against Venezuela, their second is against Brazil, and the third is against Peru in Group C.
The game against Venezuela could prove to be tougher than expected. Venezuela are an up and coming side that will fight and scrap every minute of play because they need to. They had their best finish ever, coming in fourth in the last Copa. Venezuela’s key man is Salomon Rondon. The star striker has had a great season in Russia, playing in 26 matches and scoring 13 goals. Rondon also has played in 16 games in Europe and scored 6 goals. Venezuela have not been known for being a tough contest, but they definitely can grind one out here. Prediction: 3-1 Colombia victory.
The second match is going to be a rematch of the World Cup quarter-finals against Brazil. This match saw Colombia out of the World Cup in a depressing defeat. That was the game when Neymar fractured his back and ultimately led to Brazil’s World Cup downfall. This time around, Neymar has been playing fantastically and is at full fitness. Neymar is looking to win some more silverware after just winning the treble with Barcelona. Brazil has incredible depth in their squad with a rock solid defense, a magnificent midfield, and a deadly attack. They will most likely stick with their 4-2-3-1 formation. Their starting Xl is predicted to be Diego Alves, Marcelo, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Danilo, Fernandinho, Casemiro, Neymar, Hulk, and Willian; this Xl could easily win this Copa. They have ridiculous depth, their bench could make a decent Xl by themselves. Brazil definitely look like a favorite to come out of group C. Colombia definitely have a chance to defeat Brazil. This is because Colombia has one of the best teams they have had in a while. A lethal attack led by Jackson Martinez and Radamel Falcao can definitely compete with the likes of Neymar, Hulk, and Willian. Prediction: 1-1 Draw
The last contest of the group stage for the Colombians is against Peru. Peru are a very decent side, with Jefferson Farfan, Claudio Pizzaro, and Paulo Guerrero as their star men. Peru, like Venezuela are a very gritty side. They are going to need to grind out an intense match against the Colombians. The Peruvians are going to need to give everything they have, as the Colombians outmatch them in every part of the pitch. The weak spot for the Peruvians can be their defense, and against Colombia that could be heavily exposed as the Colombians are great going forward. It would be astonishing if Peru pulled out a close match against the Colombians, but it does seem unlikely. Prediction: 2-0 Colombia victory.
Colombia have been a very entertaining side to watch lately. In the World Cup they reached the quarter-finals and in 2001, they won the whole Copa America. This group looks like a fairly easy one to call but there can always be surprises. Group prediction: 1st: Brazil, 2nd: Colombia, 3rd: Peru, 4th: Venezuela.
A fourth finish does look slightly harsh for Venezuela. Their side in some of the other groups could definitely contend for the second slot but a tough draw sees them with a slim chance to advance.
Moving past the group stages, Colombia look like they will move on. If they finish in first in their group, they could play one of the third place teams that move on which would be ideal as that could see them an easier match to progress. Colombia definitely have the squad to go far in this tournament and there are not that many nations much better than them. Final prediction: Runners-up.