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After a prolonged delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 is set to kick off from June 13, with the exhilarating clash between last edition’s finalists Argentina and Chile. With a host of countries making their way into the Copa America 2021 in different fashions, expect the unthinkable with a plethora of superstars in fine form.
Which teams resurrects their best international form to fetch the prestigious South American silverware remains to be seen. With a host of footballing greats featuring in their last ever Copa America edition, this year’s tournament could form some ever-lasting memories. Justifying the same, in this article, we will take a look at the top five nations who can emerge as the champions of Copa America 2021.
5. Colombia
A civil unrest brought end to Colombia’s dream to host the Copa America in 2021. With a shocking call from coach Reinaldo Rueda to drop James Rodriguez from the squad, the former looks to replicate the success of 2001, having the likes of Juan Cuadrado and Radamel Falcao.
An experienced squad with a much required experience at the top, Columbia could make a significantly deep run into the tournament, given they feed upon their strengths.
4. Chile
The recent two-time Copa America Champions are undoubtedly the underdogs of the tournament. Having won the previous two editions, it seems like Chile has none of their marquee players in prime form. Yet if they combine and play together as a team once again, Chile surely has the potentially of defending their title.
With a group of veteran stars in Eduardo Vargas, Alexis Sanchez, Vidal and captain Gary Medel, these marquee players can once again guide newly formed young team deep into the Copa America 2021 finals.
3. Uruguay
This country will look to clinch their 16th Copa America title in 2021. With La Celeste making the finals on 21 occasions, they have replicated the same form only once in the 21st century, when they won in 2011.
Coach Oscar Tabarez has a plethora of experienced and in-form players at his disposal at each place, be it Gimenez and Diego Godin at the back, Fred Valverde in the center and Luis Suarez along with Edison Cavani at the top. Not only that, Uruguay has the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur also available. Uruguay could use their new players to cause the major surprise in the competition.
2. Argentina
Having lost both the finals against Chile in 2015 and 2016, Argentina have been left at their vulnerable best in Copa America previous editions. Having not won this title since 1993, La Albiceleste surely has the team to change the fortunes around for them in 2021.
With the G.O.A.T, Lionel Messi leading the team, the likes of Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul are in fine form to provide the ultimate trust to the team’s morale.
1. Brazil
The reigning Copa America champions have one of the best squads in the world, in consideration of all the attributes. Moreover, they are playing this tournament in their home land. With all their key players in fine form, Brazil shows no reason why they cannot retain their title.
With Neymar leading the team, Brazil’s 2021 Copa America squad has both youth and experience to make a perfect balance. Lastly, Brazil has cemented their ranking at No.3 in the world as per the latest FIFA World rankings, behind only Belgium and world champions France.