It is Copa America time

The nonstop world of international football rolls on. With the Gold Cup in the books, the attention now turns to the Copa America, a tournament featuring 10 teams from South America as well as Mexico and the United States. The first match kicks off on Tuesday when Uruguay plays Peru and Bolivia takes on the host country Venezuela.

In the hours leading up to the start of the tournament it is the venue for the Copa America that is receiving much of the attention. The fact that the competition is being played in Venezuela during a time when its leader Hugo Chavez continues to be a controversial figure is somewhat expected. The fact that he is concerned with the event being used as a platform for demonstrations is also expected.

Venezuela is a country that is not known for its football. It is a nation that has produced some excellent baseball players, but has never captured a trophy in a major international tournament. Its best finish in the Copa America was fifth place way back in 1967. It is a place that has rushed to prepare the nine stadiums that will host the games featuring the 12 teams and where one of the venues for the semifinals has been switched at the last moment out of concerns for security.

The tournament itself should be an interesting one. The cup holders Brazil have not played well since the World Cup and are bringing a weakened team that is devoid of many of its stars. Argentina, on the other hand, is fielding a team that on paper will be tough to beat. The United States features a largely “B” team of young players, while Mexico is bringing most of the team that finished in second in the Gold Cup. Colombia is eager to take its place once again amongst the giants of South America, while Ecuador and Paraguay continue to adjust the teams that they fielded in the 2006 World Cup.

Here are the Factboxes for the various teams. Sorry, Bolivia and Uruguay. I couldn’t find one for you.

Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Mexico
Paraguay
Peru
United States
Venezuela