Copa America 2021 preview – Colombia
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Colombia are one of the favourites to win the Copa America 2021. Los Cafeteros failed at the quarterfinals stage at the 2019 tournament and manager Reinaldo Reuda will aim to get the side further this time around.
Los Cafeteros find themselves in a very winnable group. Their most difficult opponent in Group B is Brazil and the Colombians will fancy their chances against the rest of the group. On paper, Brazil and Colombia should fight for the top spot in Group B.
2019 Copa America
Colombia topped Group B at the 2019 Copa America. They were a brilliant nine points from nine points available with wins over Argentina, Qatar, and Paraguay. Los Cafeteros went through the group stage without conceding a goal.
Unfortunately, Colombia’s inability to score goals in the group stage, just four, carried over to the quarterfinals were they drew nil-nil at full-time with Chile. The Chileans won on penalties 5-4 after extra-time.
Colombia have won a mere one Copa America tournament, which came all the way back in 2001. Just once have they finished second while ending up third on three occasions in the Copa America.
Key Players
Everton’s James Rodriguez has withdrawn from the tournament. The 29-year-old only played 26 games in all competitions for Everton due to a persistent calf injury. The injury led to a disappointing end to his club season.
Colombia have had a golden generation of players come through the ranks over the last eight years. Unfortunately, the team have nothing to show for their golden generation of squad members.
Without Rodriguez, Colombia will be led in attack by Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel, both players are members of Atalanta. The team will be anchored by goalkeeper David Ospina. The Napoli goalkeeper has 105 caps for the national squad.
The team’s defence was key at the 2019 Copa America. However, the attack was poor scoring just four times in four games. Reuda needs the attack to fire this year to have any chances of reaching the semifinals.
Chances
Colombia were to co-host the 2021 Copa America before losing co-host-status due to security concerns. Playing on home soil may have helped the national team. Still, Reuda’s team have a great chance of winning the tournament.
Los Cafeteros are one of the favourites to win the competition. Their most difficult game of the group stage will come on matchday 4 versus Brazil.
If they can get off to a strong start against Ecuador and Venezuela, Colombia will set themselves up well to finish Group B as winners or runners-up. Reuda just needs the team to score goals this year. If they don’t, Colombia will experience a similar fate as in 2019.
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