As the 2011 Copa America draws closer, football coaches and players are taking turns singling out the competition’s favorites.
On Monday, Brazilian defender Thiago Silva shared his views while talking to the media. The AC Milan star will be playing in his first ever Copa America tournament and he is looking forward to help Brazil overcome all challenges to retain their crown.
This week, his coach Mano Menezes had identified host nation Argentina as the Copa America’s favorites but Thiago Silva has added Brazil to this lot. The 2011 Copa America’s official website, CA2011.com, quoted the Milan player as saying:
“Between Brazil and Argentina, it will be 50/50. Argentina can be seen as favorites as they will be at home. But we are also seen as the team to beat as we won the last two editions.”
But besides Brazil and Argentina, Thiago Silva also singled out 14-time winners Uruguay. He spoke about La Celeste Olimpica before mentioning Paraguay as well, stating:
“They [Uruguay] have got a lot of quality… especially after their performance in South Africa [as they finished fourth at the 2010 World Cup].
“But in our group, I think Paraguay will be our most dangerous rivals. However, we have to respect everyone.”
Meanwhile, should Costa Rica be tipped as the total outsiders of the 2011 Copa America? The 2011 Gold Cup quarter-finalists are experiencing a tough time with Coach Ricardo La Volpe under criticism from the local media.
La Volpe failed to accomplish his wish of winning the Gold Cup and he now has to make the most of an enhanced U-23 side in Argentina in July. Costa Rica are with Bolivia, hosts Argentina and Colombia in Group A.
This week, his coach Mano Menezes had identified host nation Argentina as the Copa America’s favorites but Thiago Silva has added Brazil to this lot. The 2011 Copa America’s official website, CA2011.com, quoted the Milan player as saying:
“Between Brazil and Argentina, it will be 50/50. Argentina can be seen as favorites as they will be at home. But we are also seen as the team to beat as we won the last two editions.”
But besides Brazil and Argentina, Thiago Silva also singled out 14-time winners Uruguay. He spoke about La Celeste Olimpica before mentioning Paraguay as well, stating:
“They [Uruguay] have got a lot of quality… especially after their performance in South Africa [as they finished fourth at the 2010 World Cup].
“But in our group, I think Paraguay will be our most dangerous rivals. However, we have to respect everyone.”
Meanwhile, should Costa Rica be tipped as the total outsiders of the 2011 Copa America? The 2011 Gold Cup quarter-finalists are experiencing a tough time with Coach Ricardo La Volpe under criticism from the local media.
La Volpe failed to accomplish his wish of winning the Gold Cup and he now has to make the most of an enhanced U-23 side in Argentina in July. Costa Rica are with Bolivia, hosts Argentina and Colombia in Group A.
