The Copa America calendar for 2021 will begin on June 13th, 2021. Between June 13th and July 10th, 2021, all of the matches will take place. This year's competition will feature only ten countries, which will be divided into two groups. Only four teams will compete in the quarter-finals.
Colombia and Argentina were to host the competition, which had been postponed owing to the coronavirus outbreak last year. Last month, Colombia was eliminated due to a wave of anti-President Ivan Duque protests, while Argentina was ruled out due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country. More than 17 million coronavirus cases have been documented in Brazil. More than 476,000 people have died as a result of the virus in the country, which ranks second only to the United States in terms of the death toll.
Brazil's team has criticised CONMEBOL for relocating Copa America but has begrudgingly accepted the hosting duties that have been foisted upon them. Following their 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Ecuador last week, Selecao captain Casemiro suggested that the entire players, as well as their boss Tite, were against the choice. The Brazilian squad has already issued a formal statement confirming this, but they have also committed to continuing playing despite the setback.
“We are against organizing the Copa America, but we will never say no to the Brazilian national team,” the players said in a joint statement.
Brazil has chosen a 24-man roster for the tournament, which includes Manchester United midfielder, Fred. Dani Alves and Thiago Silva, two veteran defenders, were also recalled to the Brazil squad.
Brazil Copa America 2021 Squad :
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)
Defenders: Dani Alves (Sao Paulo), Danilo (Juventus), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Lucas Verissimo (Benfica)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Lucas Paqueta (Lyon)
Forwards: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Richarlison (Everton), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Gabriel Barbosa (Flamengo), Everton (Benfica)
Key Player: Neymar Jr.
Neymar, who has been described by his coach as "both bow and arrow, constructor and goal scorer," remains the best hope for Brazil to win the 2021 Copa America. Since 2019, Argentina, Uruguay have improved massively and this year’s Copa America is going to be tough. On his tiny shoulders, Neymar must carry not just the expectations of 200 million supporters, but also the hopes of one of his country's greatest legends.
Neymar has been given the responsibility of leading his team, despite not wearing the captain’s armband. The 29-year-old, like Ronaldo in 2002, returns to Copa America after a stint on the sidelines due to injury. Although Neymar lacks Ronaldo's all-star supporting cast, the current squad's strength comes in their coach and his ability to persuade them to play as a unit. While Tite has a plethora of world-class footballers at his disposal, if the Selecao is to win the championship for the tenth time, Neymar will undoubtedly be key to their prospects.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
During the previous international break, Tite's team was unable to compete since FIFA decided to postpone the qualifiers owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Fred, a Manchester United midfielder, was called up for the first time since 2018, and Dani Alves, 38, was also named. There is only one real newcomer, Lucas Verissimo, a centre-back who was just signed by Benfica. Alex Sandro has been called up instead of Manchester United's Alex Telles, but Fred remains the most shocking pick. Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is suspended for the first game, and Fred has come in to provide cover in that position, according to Tite. The recall of striker Gabriel Barbosa is the most interesting development for the local people. He's been in fantastic form for a fiery Flamengo side.
Neymar has also had an amazing season at PSG and has performed really well in the two World Cup qualifiers played recently. Richarlison has also stepped up for Brazil and did really well against Ecuador. The squad is stacked with superstars and this makes Brazil the favourites. But Brazil attacks more from the left, where Neymar plays. The left-wing doesn’t have someone who can defend well and allow Neymar to attack. We all know Alex Sandro is past his prime and Lodi is an attack-minded full-back. But they have got it all to lift the Copa America once again.
Check here | Argentina Copa America 2021 Squad and Team Profile
