2024 Copa America (after 2 games)

Group A

Peru 0-1 Canada

Rather even match between two so-so squads, Canada got the late goal off a nifty breakaway, but honestly that was really the only noteworthy moment of the whole match. 

Chile 0-1 Argentina

Felt bad for Chile's keeper: one moment of chaos during a corner kick shortly before the final whistle and he goes out with the L even though Chile dueled Argentina nicely for (almost) 90 full minutes. Seriously: Argentina's keeper had to work a lot harder than Chile's for the most part. These might be the two best teams in the tourney, but Argentina got the W and Chile did not.

Which game to watch next? The winner of Chile-Canada moves on to the next round (Canada benefits from a draw), whereas Argentina is in and Peru is out.

Group B

Ecuador 3-1 Jamaica

Ecuador is a spicy little number, for them to buffalo their way through Jamaica's beefy backline multiple times is impressive. Jamaica has no offense at all but that defense is stout, so for Ecuador to touch them up three times is noteworthy. Not sure if Ecuador will be able to hang with Brazil or Argentina, but I can see them ripping right though USA or Mexico.  

Venezuela 1-0 Mexico

Very chippy match, don't know what happened between these squads but they were talking shit and delivering cheap shots all the way through. One of those rare matches where I kinda felt sorry for the ref, who had to play the role of babysitter for 90 minutes. Mexico has a real scoring problem, they're good on D and strong in the midfield but around the goal, they don't look scary at all. They even missed a PK and several chances in the last 10 minutes or so (furious action down the stretch). Are they in a funk or is this who this team is now? Venezuela is a nice team, got the PK they needed (the correct call) and secured this victory after stealing a W from Ecuador. So far, so good for them, not sure they're this good, but we'll see. Curious to see if Mexico can find their scoring touch, if not they'll be bounced right soon. 

Which game to watch next? Ecuador-Mexico will be a good one, Ecuador has the upper hand (and I think is the better team), so Mexico has one last chance to pull it together. Venezuela is on to the next round and Jamaica is heading back to their beautiful home.

Group C

Panama 2-1 USA

Ouch! This one hurts. USA had a goal taken off for offsides (the right call) early in the match, felt like we'd get another one and we did--but only after Weah was sent off for a red card (bonehead play, man, the guy was trying to get under your skin and you let him do it). Even though we were a man down, we still had the lead and it felt like we were in good shape. But Panama tied it up rather quickly on a nice rip from the top of the box (it didn't feel like it was going in, but it eluded the keeper). Even though Panama out-fouled USA by a wide margin, they didn't receive their equaling red card until after they'd taken the lead. I didn't think the ref was interested in a USA victory and I wonder why they only added 4 minutes even though there was a goal, a red card, numerous subs and an extended replay on a bogus penalty call--dude, they added 6 minutes to Venezuela-Mexico and nothing happened in that game! But, to get down to it: USA had a stupid and damaging red card, sloppy play from the goalie (really should've had that second goal) and the defense just couldn't hold its shape. There's plenty to complain about but USA had their chances, they were still the better team, and they couldn't keep Panama out of the goal. Panama played the chippy game and it worked for them.

Uruguay 5-0 Bolivia

(Didn't get to see this because Fox pre-empted it for the presidential debate. Ugh! The problem with Democracy is it just leads to elections)

Which game to watch next? Well, I'll be watching USA-Uruguay no matter what, but we need Bolivia to have a strong performance against Panama (eh, could happen), to give the Americans a chance to move on. Uruguay is already in, perhaps they mail it in and give the USA a real chance to get a good W (eh, could happen).

Group D

Colombia 3-0 Costa Rica

Yeah, Colombia was just better than Costa Rica, who clearly played their best possible match against Brazil and is probably saving their next best effort to score a big W from Paraguay.

Brazil 4-1 Paraguay

Brazil has been scuffling lately (5-4-5 in their last 14 matches) and they actually started kinda slow here, missing a PK and hitting the crossbar at point blank range. But once they found the scoreboard, it was all Brazil after that. Paraguay's goal was a lovely strike early in the 2nd half but they couldn't muster more than that and the game was already by then anyway.

Which game to watch next? Brazil-Colombia will be the fun one, especially since they both seem to have found their mojo. There is a chance that Costa Rica sneaks past Brazil, not likely but it does suggest Brazil needs to bring their best game (which I think they will). Brazil-Colombia is gonna be a good one, maybe even an all-timer.