Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals: A Match Made in Football Hell/NY RedBulls win Emirates Cup

Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals: A Match Made in Football Hell.

The Cincinnati Bengals has been one of the most dysfunctional franchises in all of sports. Quarterback Carson Palmer has given The Bengal organization an ultatium saying that he will retire if the organization refuses to trade him. Carson Palmer has been a joke for the last five years, and he expects the Bengals to just award him with his wish of being traded to a contender. Many NFL fans around the country believe the Bengals owner Mike Brown should comply with Carson Palmer’s wishes and trade the fading quarterback. I think Mike Brown is doing what is correct in this situation because Palmer hasn’t proven much to the football world. Athletes today have the ability to demand where and when they will play, and that is not right to the sports fans.

         I can’t wait to witness Carson Palmer sitting on the bench and observing Andy Dalton create magic with stud receiver AJ Green. During this age of free agency, various athletes are caring about themselves more than the fans. I agree that The Cincinnati Bengals are not the greatest organization in sports, but Carson Palmer owes the fans a little more than a quick departure. The funny thing about this whole divorce between The Bengals and Palmer is the assumption that another team wants Palmer. Last year, the weakest link on the entire Bengal squad was number 9. The organization has eradicated headache players such as Ocho Cinco and Cedric Benson. I applaud owner Mike Brown for not allowing the prisoners to run the asylum.

Here are my top ten impactful rookies for the 2011-2012 NFL Season.

1. Patrick Peterson- Arizona Cardinals
2. Nick Fairley- Detroit Lions
3. Marcell Dareus – Buffalo Bills
4. Andy Dalton- Cincinnati Bengals
5. AJ Green- Cincinnati Bengals
6. Julio Jones- Atlanta Falcons
7. Mark Ingram- New Orleans Saints
8. Prince Amukamara- NY Giants
9. Cam Newton- Carolina Panthers
10. Mike Pouncey- Miami Dolphins

 NY RedBulls win Emirates Cup

A team who has the likes of Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez, world soccer stars, the NY RedBulls have not shown nor proven their star quality in Major League Soccer thus far. There are two games where they thrashed their opponents but besides that, a few close games which turned out to be wins, losses, and many draws.

This team has potential and they do show it whether one would like to believe it or not. The problem is that they show this potential in games that don’t really matter, exhibitions. It’s always good to play hard in these types of games but the same amount of dedication is mandatory in the league.

The RedBulls have faced a lot of injury problems this season and due to international tournaments, players such as Rafael Marquez, Dane Richards, Juan Agudelo, and Tim Ream have all missed a few games. Rafael Marquez has missed more than just a few. Winning the Gold Cup with Mexico, Marquez was team captain for most of that tournament.  He is a very important figure.

For the Redbulls, he plays sometimes in defense but most of the time in front of the back four as the defending midfielder. His job is to orchestrate the defense and send out accurate passes to the players in front of him. He also has to back up the midfielders and sometimes fill in the defenders’ shoes when they push up.

Marquez took part in this tournament and luckily did not get injured. The fact that he recently returned to the team makes me wonder why the coach decided to let him play in this friendly tournament. If he were to get injured, his team would once again be missing a key piece to their puzzle. Lucky for Coach Hans Backe, he is readily available for their next league match.

The RedBulls were invited to take part in the Emirates Cup as one of four sides including Boca Juniors (Argentina), Paris Saint Germain (France), and tournament hosts Arsenal (England). NY defeated PSG 1-0 in the opener yesterday thanks to a goal by Estonian international Joel Linperre. Today they were down 1-0 to Arsenal for the entire second half until they created some magic. Former Arsenal player Thierry Henry sent Roy Miller down the left side of the 18 yard box and his cross was deflected in by an Arsenal defender. This draw gave New York the right to lift the Emirates trophy.

They were not expected to win this with the likes of Arsenal and PSG who are two of Europe’s toughest sides but they did manage to pull through. The confidence gained from this should allow them to perform at a higher level in the states throughout the rest of this year’s MLS campaign. The RedBulls have the talent and a good coach. They just need to put all that together and create something special. 

Major League Baseball: Where are The African Americans?/Women’s Soccer is making a Statement

Major League Baseball: Where are The African Americans?

The game of baseball has always been a game that was positioned close to my hearts. During the past couple of years, I have seen a dangerous trend within the game that I admire so much. There are have been such a heavily decline in the correlation between professional baseball and African Americans. As I watch the game, I can count on my fingers the amount of African Americans that avidly support and follow Major League Baseball. When I go and watch my beloved Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, I see no other minorities in the ball park. Around the country, there has been a evolving disconnect between African Americans and baseball. If I wasn’t a sports fanatic, I don’t believe that I would enjoy watching or patronizing Major League Baseball.

     The people that run professional baseball need to address this dilemma because African Americans are patronizing other sports such as football and basketball. Baseball has to begin to start building parks around areas where young African Americans participate in recreational sports. Baseball is a great game, but it turns into an ugly game when it is not distributed to the every demographic. African Americans help enhanced and elevate the game to where it is today. If this issue of race in baseball wasn’t imperative, various sports outlets wouldn’t take the time to examine the lack of African American representation in baseball. As an African American male, I know there are black minority athletes out there that would play baseball if they felt the game embraced their culture and people. This issue will circulate through the game like an incurable disease, until baseball takes a stand and starts promoting the game to the African American demographic.

"But if Mr. Rickey hadn't signed me, I wouldn't have played another year in the black league. It was too difficult. The travel was brutal. Financially, there was no reward. It took everything you make to live off." Jackie Robinson

Women’s Soccer is making a Statement

The FIFA Women’s World Cup has recently ended and most fans, even males, are saddened by this halt. However, the action for the lovely women is not even close to over. Sure we have our expectations after the magnificent tournament, but we have to be reasonable because women’s soccer is still continuing to grow each day.

The USA unfortunately lost in the WC final against a team they had never been beaten by in 25 tries, Japan. They were brilliant, passionate, brave, and did not quit until it was all over. Japan did win the tournament but the US won our hearts.

The US boasted talents such as Alex Morgan, Hope Solo, and Abby Wambach. Solo stood tall and strong in goal while Wambach led the attack with Morgan providing an effective spark off the bench. Megan Rapinoe also was important for the US to winning the right to advance to the semi-finals. She gave the accurate cross to Wambach who headed in the equalizer against Brazil in the finishing seconds of extra time.

Now that the cup is over, they are required to head back to club duty. Hope Solo of MagicJack is on a short break allowing her injured shoulder and leg to heal. She has appeared on a few day/night time shows to keep herself busy in the mean time.

Abby Wambach who also plays for MagicJack already returned to her club just days after playing in the WC final. She made the return to her home town of Rochester, New York to play against the Western New York Flash where Marta of Brazil and Alex Morgan both play. The game ended in a 3-1 defeat for Wambach’s MagicJack in a game where she did not see any minutes.

Alex Morgan played in that game after coming off the bench to a huge ovation from the home crowd. The game where she shone was last night when her Flash travelled to Boston to play the Breakers. She came off the bench and just minutes after her team went down 2-1, Morgan scored what could be voted as goal of the year. The ball bounced at her side and she just flicked it off the crossbar and in with the outer side of her foot.

The Women’s Profession Soccer league does boast a lot of World Cup talent and this is what is needed to make Women’s soccer known not just in the US but around the world. For men a good reason to watch is that they are beautiful women but we could also learn a thing or two. They not only have to looks but the talent to make it a full package.

Sometimes during the World Cup they played better than the men do. The heart they showed was truly impressive and it inspired many to do better in their own lives. Soccer is already un popular with the men playing professionally but after the Women’s World Cup, the interest level has risen to newer heights.

For those that do not enjoy soccer, give it one more chance by watching the women play. These girls really do know how to put on a clinic when they need to. They truly do know how to get your heart thumping against your chest. 

Chad Henne and Tony Soprano: A Match made in AFC East Hell/The Year of the Upsets

Chad Henne and Tony Soprano: A Match made in AFC East Hell

I have been a die hard Miami Dolphins fan ever since I can remember. I am frustrated with the state of the organization, and I believe that some of the most loyal fans are as well. Year after year, we fail to make the playoffs, and I think several changes should have been constructed during this offseason. Starting quarterback Chad Henne is not the person that is going to help us win a division title this year. His decision making is mediocre at best, and he lacks the intangibles to survive in one of the toughest divisions in The National Football League. When you are in a very competitive division, you have to take the necessary steps in order to compete. Our offensive line has one of the best offensive linemen in football in Jake Long. On the defensive side of the ball, former Canadian Football League player Cameron Wake had defensive player of the year type season last year.

     There is no way that we were only capable of winning one game at home during the duration of the 2010 season. Tony Soprano was awarded for leading his team to consecutive 7-9 seasons. I can’t figure out why Tony Soprano was kept, when we could have signed former Stanford Cardinals coach Jim Harbaugh. We will live in mediocrity, until we find a quarterback and a legitimate coach that can lead us to prominence. We have not had a great quarterback since Hall of Famer Dan Marino. After the lockout ends, I fear that we will have another disappointing season. We are entwined in the same division with powers such as The Jets and The Patriots. I project at best we finish this upcoming season with a record of 8-8. You can’t survive in this division with a mediocre coach and a mediocre starting quarterback. I hope this upcoming season forces management to make the proper adjustments so that South Beach will no longer be known as Miami Heat territory.

The Year of the Upsets

The world of sports has brought quite a few upsets thus far into the year. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the star studded Miami Heat in the NBA Finals and some of soccer’s strongest nations have all been denied their respective championships. Yes this is the sports world where anything goes whether it is shocking, legit, or simply lucky. This year should be remembered as the teams that could have cemented their place in championship history.

First, the Miami Heat acquired Lebron James and Chris Bosh to bolster their squad. They were added to aid Dwayne Wade in becoming the big three in Miami. Once they were added, the country and the world expected them to win the NBA title quite easily. However things did not go as planned.

After a rocky regular season where they lost a number of games due to the lack of the ability to score game winning buckets and disappointing teamwork, they entered the play-offs with their heads held high. They defeated Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago in five games and won the right to play in the NBA finals against the Dallas Mavericks. They were expected to win this with ease but the Mavs had something to prove.

Miami had home court advantage in the series and at the beginning it paid off as they won the first game. However Dallas won the second evening the series at 1 apiece heading home for a three game stint. Dallas lost game 3 but won games 4 and 5 and eventually finished the job in Miami making it a 4-2 series victory.

This was sweet for Dallas because back in 2006, both sides appeared in their first ever NBA finals and it was against one another. IN their second finals against one another and in history, Dallas gained the sweetest revenge by winning the series with the same scoreline away in Miami. Back then Miami had won it in 6 with the final game being played in Dallas.

Was this victory for Dallas considered an upset? Yes because Dallas have one superstar in Dirk Nowitzki opposed to Miami who have 3 in Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. This was the first of the upsets.

Next we have Women’s World Cup where the favored United States met minnows Japan. The US had a bumpy road to the final and arguably it was their toughest game. They played very well but missed some very good chances with 2-3 hitting the wood work. He US went up 1-0 and Japan were given a golden to chance to equalize and did after taking advantage of a US defensive error.

The US went up 2-1 in Extra Time and Japan again equalized just minutes before the end with a wonder goal. Japan was equally as lucky as the US were in the quarter-finals against Brazil.

The US unfortunately lost in penalty kicks to Japan 3-1 which ultimately ended their dream of becoming world champions. It was tough for Christie Rampone (Team USA captain) and star striker Abby Wambach who are 36 and 31 years old respectively. This could have very well been their last world cups.

Keeper Hope Solo saved one penalty kick and got her hand on another but due to lady luck the ball still went in. No matter what they did, Japan’s luck, heart, and pride denied them victory. After everything their nation has been through, it was nice to see them have a glimmer of hope. However the United States were the better and more deserving side and truly took us Americans for a memorable ride.

Now there is the COPA America where favorites Brazil and Argentina crashed out of the tournament in unconvincing fashion. After tying the game at 1 apiece, hosts Argentina were unable to put away a host of chances throughout 120 minutes of play and eventually lost out to Uruguay 5-4 on penalty kicks after Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera saved Carlos Tevez’s shot. Muslera seemed invincible in front of goal as he stopped many shots from Argentina besides the 4 penalty kicks and Higuain’s headed goal. Uruguay owes him their gratitude.

Brazil was also unable to put any goals past Paraguay’s keeper in a game that ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of play. Unlike Argentina who scored four, Brazil was unable to convert any of their penalty kicks which ultimately allowed Paraguay to eliminate them from the competition as well. Chile and Colombia were also eliminated by Venezuela and Peru respectively.

The point is that the top teams do not always win no matter how much they deserve to do so. We all expect the better teams to provide us with a show by going on an impressive journey to championship glory. However the year of 2011 as produced upsets in the world of sports. Are there more surprises to come? Stay tuned and find out.

IS baseball on an even playing field/Japan steals WC from US hearts

Is baseball on an even playing field: I think not…

There has been a burning question that has pondered around the game of professional baseball ever since I can remember. The game of baseball doesn’t have a salary cap, and I really think the game is suffering from it. Teams such as The Yankees and The Red Sox are able to capture the best players in the game on a yearly basis because they are financially ahead of every other team in baseball. Star first basemen Prince Fielder will be departing from a great ball club in Milwaukee this offseason because they can’t afford to combat financially with powers such as The Yankees, Red sox, or Phillies. I feel that it’s ashamed that Prince can’t stay with The Brewers because they have great fans and one of the best ball parks in all of the game.

     Fans of baseball need to really wake up and see that baseball without being under the constraints of a salary cap is hindering the game. Baseball is not even half as popular as football because baseball is too predictable. Every year, you can properly determine who will make the postseason before the season even starts. The National Football League has various teams from year to year that have the chance to compete for the Lombardi Trophy. This year, we’ve seen The National Basketball Association take a massive step in surpassing baseball as the nation’s second favorite professional sport. The only reason why a team like The Pittsburg Pirates are in a playoff race this year is because The NL Central is mediocre at best this year. I yearn for the day that Major League Baseball constructs a salary cap so that all fans around the country can smile, and have something to love forward in September(besides The NFL of coarse.)

Video blogs are coming within a few weeks fans get ready.

Japan steals WC from US hearts

Japan has never beaten the USA in 25 tries with the US winning 22 and the teams sharing the spoils in 3. Today marked the 26^th game between the two sides and it was in the Women’s World Cup final. It was the US’s third ever final and Japan’s first. The US was looking to become the only team to win 3 world cups. However Japan has won the tournament.

The US led twice but the Japanese kept coming back and finished the job with penalty kicks. The way the game ended for the champions put the icing on the cake in a true Cinderella story. They were never favorites to begin with but against all the odds, they made their injured country proud.

The hero of Japan was none other than Homare Sawa who appeared in her fifth World Cup tournament and first World Cup final. It is truly a brilliant end to a fantastic career for the Japanese captain. She scored the equalizer off a 117^th minute corner kick with a back heel shot. It was simply a gorgeous dagger that nailed US hearts all over the world.

However in the 120^th minute the US won a free kick at the edge of the area which resulted with Japan receiving a red card and going a woman down. It would have been the most amazing winner in all of women’s soccer if the US had scored. Instead the game went to penalty kicks with Japan finishing as 3-1 winners.

Alex Morgan opened the scoring in the 69^th minute with a gorgeous shot into bottom far side of the goal. Japan equalized at the 80^th minute when Rachel Buehler failed to clear away the danger as Miyama scored from close range.

Alex Morgan this time provided the assist as she swung by 2 Japanese defenders and sent in the dangerous cross that was headed home by Abby Wambach. Japan then equalized through Sawa’s wonder goal.

It was déjà vu backwards for the US as they too were a man down near the end of extra time and had recently equalized 2-2 before going on to win on penalty kicks. Today Japan equalized then received a red card and won on penalty kicks. Hope Solo surely is not to blame for this.

Regardless the Japanese have won their first ever World Cup trophy and after everything their nation has been through, it is the perfect gift to heal their injured wounds. It just wasn’t meant to be for the United States but still, they grabbed our hearts with their dazzling performance throughout this epic Women’s World Cup tournament. It was truly a pleasure to watch. 

Youth Sports/US Women Steal Our Hearts

Youth Sports: It’s not a game anymore

In the year 2011, young athletes are placed upon a heavy amount of pressure and stress. Young athletes have to participate in sports many times against their will. The parents are so involved that the fun and excitement is taken away. When I was younger, my dads use to push me so hard that I hated to go to practice.  Many kids that participate in sports aren’t able to play just for the fun of it. The pressure that young athletes are under is mind-blowing because kids shouldn’t have to worry about every mistake they make in sports.

          Young athletes aren’t able to just play sports because a lot of parents and coaches live their dreams through the athletes.  My next door neighbor is a twelve year old kid who father makes him run around the house 10 times a day with a football. The father never reached his goal of playing in the NFL; so he forces his son to play football every day for extensive periods of time.  Various times, the youth coaches are placing kids in situations that are unjust and unfair.  Many youth league coaches will only reward the kids that performed well. The kids that didn’t perform well are not rewarded, and that could directly affect the child.  The youth league coach should show the kids how sports can help them in various situations in life.  One of the biggest reasons why young athletes quit playing sports is because of the stress that coaches placed onto them. Children that are placed under a lot of stress may turn to steroids in order to handle the stress. When I was playing basketball in middle school, one of my teammates began taking steroids in order to receive praise from the coach.  

          One of the main consequences of parents and coaches stress on a young athlete is self esteem issues. The child may feel that they will not be successful in life because they failed at sports.  If you are not accelerated in the field of sports, you can still be a success in life. So many young athletes’ parents and coaches do not support their children when they are not performing well. The parents and coaches are supposed to let the child know that your performance in a game doesn’t determine your value in life.

          In conclusion, I think that there are no benefits from creating tension within a child. When you allow children to play for the sake of fun and enjoyment, you are helping to construct confidence and life skills. I see so many times how much stress young athletes are under because so many young kids live around my residence. Writing this opinion paper had me think back to all the pressure I was under when I played basketball. I started not to enjoy the game at all because of all the stress that was placed on my shoulders.  When you place pressure on young athletes’, you tend to take all of the positive objectives that youth league sports occupy. Young athletes are supposed to learn about teamwork, and working as a unit to accomplish a goal. Parents and coaches that placed stress on young athletes’ should take a look in the mirror and realize that they are harming the child.  Youth sports are constructed to ensure that young athletes’ enjoys themselves and evolve as a person.  Young athletes’ should participate in sports to learn skills that will ensure them of a productive and prosperous life.

The US Women steal our Hearts

The quarter-final in the FIFA Women’s World Cup between USA and Brazil was absolutely outstanding. The game had fans’ hearts jumping out of their chests. The game overall was a battle but in the end, the team with more heart advanced to the semis.

The US women took a 1-0 lead in the 2^nd minute as Shannon Boxx’s cross was deflected in by the Brazilian defense. It was an absolute dream start for the US as they accomplished what they desired.

There was a moment where our hearts almost stopped as Carly Lloyd who was already carrying a yellow cautionary card, almost was punished with the ejecting red as she deliberately handled the ball. The ref let it go but later in the second half the US went down a woman.

IN the 65^th minute Rachel Buehler battled with Marta shoulder to shoulder and they both went down. Questionably the ref pulled out a red card ejecting her from the game. Christiane’ pk was saved by Hope Solo but the kick was to be retaken. Confused by the call, Marta stepped up and scored to make it 1-1.  

The first half of extra time saw Marta score an absolutely brilliant goal but Maurine who crossed the ball to her was clearly offsides. While most believed and some though it was over, the 122’ minute created a miracle. 

Megam Rapinoe crossed the ball to a wide open Abby Wambach who brilliantly headed home the timely equalizer. Of course they then went on to win on penalty kicks with Hope Solo yet again saving a pk.

The same player Daiane who scored the own goal also couldn’t convert from the spot. Arguably she is the reason why Brazil did not win but in the end it is a team sport. The USA truly showed their beautiful colors as they played as a team even with just 10 women for a good portion of the game.

They will now play Wednesday against France in the semi-finals in a game where no one will or should be underestimated. The French ripped Canada 4-0 who has one of the world’s best female players in Christine Sinclair. France also equalized just 2 minutes from time at the 88^th minute then went onto to also win on pk’s.

Both sides play until the final whistle and their passion and belief will make it hard for them to lose. For those of you who think women’s soccer isn’t worth your time, I urge you to think again and again until you decide to watch the game. They play with more heart, passion, intelligence, and belief than most male athletes. Enjoy the game fans. 

    

The NFL Top Ten Is No Top Ten At All/Summer Soccer continues to sizzle

The NFL Top Ten Is No Top Ten At All

This year’s National Football League top ten is laughable and should be completely restructured. The number one player on this list is Patriots QB Tom Brady. Tom Brady does not deserve to be placed in the top ten in my opinion because of his mediocre at best playoff performance last season. In the AFC Divisional playoff game against The New York Jets, Tom Brady played a less than stellar game. Even though the Jets defensive scheme was great, Mr. All football should have been able to dissect the Jets defense. Peyton Manning was chosen as the second best player in the NFL. Peyton Manning didn’t’ have a Manning type year last, and his playoff performance reminded how short number 18 has come up in big playoff games during his career. This list should be called the lifetime achievement award because I don’t understand how these two players finished in the top two.

Here is my top five NFL Players of 2011

1. Aaron Rodgers- Aaron Rodgers has brought prestige and the NFL title back to its origin “Title Town.” During the duration of the Super Bowl, Aaron Rodgers played a complete game and made everyone in Green Bay forget about that what’s his name o yea Bret Favre.
2. Troy Polamalu- Troy Polamalu has every intangible a first ballot defensive hall of famer needs to encompass. Look at how dissimulated the Steelers defense was last year when Troy was out with an Achilles injury. He is the quarterback of that defense, and the most complete player in the NFL at his position.
3. Phillip Rivers- The San Diego quarterback has put up impressive numbers year after year. In that fame NFL draft that included Rivers, Roethlisberger, and Eli Manning, I feel that Rivers is the best out of all three. I know he is the only one out of the three that doesn’t possess a ring, but he talent is much more advance than the other two especially Eli Manning. Philipp Rivers is consistent every year without much of a talented team around him.
4. Adrian Peterson- There is not a more intimidating back in the NFL. Every time this man runs, defensive players are praying not to get run over. The Minnesota Vikings really didn’t have anything to smile about this year from Farve retiring to Childress dismissal as head football coach. I think as long as the have AP, they should keep fans in the seats at the new stadium.
5. Ray Lewis- No middle linebacker has able to dominate as long a Ray Lewis has. Ray Lewis is entering his mind 30’s, and he is still the most dominate player at the middle linebacker position. He has been able to hit the hardest for over a decade, and he still has one of the best eyes for the football at the defensive position. In my lifetime, I have not seen a player control the defensive side of football like the second best middle linebacker in NFL history Mr.  Ray Lewis.

Summer Soccer continues to sizzle

So the Gold Cup ended in disappointment for US soccer fans as the US lost out to Mexico in the Gold Cup final 4-2 on home soil. However there is still a lot more soccer to be played.

Now that the Gold Cup ahs come to an end, the time for Copa America has arrived as Argentina and Brazil will look to lift the trophy as two of the favorites. The tournament is being played in Argentina.

Argentina and Brazil are the teams expected to meet in the final match of the competition being that they are the most successful sides in South America. There are 8 other teams from that region as well as two guest nations from North and Central America in Mexico and Costa Rica.

Mexico and Costa Rica will field their under-23 squads due to the request of FIFA and since their A teams just took part in the Gold Cup. However one player from that senior squad is taking part in this tournament. That player is none other than Giovanni Dos Santos who was voted man of the match in the Gold Cup final after scoring the gorgeous goal to make it 4-2.

The first matches have been played in the tournament as both Argentina and Brazil were off to slow starts.

Argentina began with a surprising 1-1 draw against an underdog side in Bolivia. Bolivia struck first with a fortunate goal and then a gorgeous one time shot from Sergio Kun Aguero into the top corner leveled terms.

Brazil played Venezuela in a game where they did not play with their familiar Samba style. Their game was slow and boring as none of their four stars in Robinho, Ganso, Neymar, or Pato were able to put on a show. The final score was 0-0.

In Argentina’s group, Colombia defeated Costa Rica 1-0 and the hosts will meet the winners of that match on Wednesday night. Messi, Tevez, Aguero, and Di Maria will look to lead their beloved nation to victory while Colombia will look for the upset.

Brazil will play Paraguay on Saturday as both teams will look to get their first victory in the group. Paraguay tied Ecuador 0-0 in their first fixture and Brazil will be even tougher.

The Copa America has proven to be tightly knit thus far and will only get more difficult as the games progress. No team is taking this tournament lightly as they all possess the desire to put it all on the line for victory. However the most pressure is on the hosts Argentina as they will look to finally win the title after losing out in both 2004 and 2007 to arch rivals Brazil.

Stay tuned folks as some of the world’s best soccer is being played in South America. This should end up being a tournament full of talent and amazement.