Venezuela 2007 - Copa America
Whilst the World Cup is the largest international football tournament, the oldest is the Copa America, which was first held in Argentina in 1916. Since then it’s said to be held every two years although this actually varies, and when they kick off in Venezuela in 2007, it will have been 3 years since the last tournament in Peru.
I’m sure Hugo Chavez will be at Caracas airport (assuming all goes as expected in the pending election) to welcome the US soccer team, as they have confirmed that they will be playing in the tournament, having received an invitation to compete. Mexico have also confirmed that they will be accepting their invitation to play, and with the likes of Argentina and Brazil in the tournament, the stage is set for some competitive football with some of the world’s best players on show.
There is also some potential for some big games, with strong rivalries. With the tournament being hosted in Venezuela, the US team could be in for a frosty reception from the local supporters. Many see Argentina and Brazil as the two best teams in the tournament, and there lies a huge footballing rivalry. If both nations play to their full potential, it’s likely that they will face each other at some point during the tournament.
However, with around six months before the Cop America is due to begin, the tournament is awash with rumour and uncertainty, like only a South American event can be. Whilst the US have confirmed they will be attending it is suggested that they are by no means guaranteed to be there. Also Brazil are double booked as they are hosting the Pan American Games, and will have to make a decision as to whether they send their best team to the Copa America (the more important football tournament) or to the games (where they will be keen to keep home crowds happy).
Club Football in South America
The strength of the international teams in South America is not always matched in the club football played there. In recent years more than ever club football
Whilst the World Cup is the largest international football tournament, the oldest is the Copa America, which was first held in Argentina in 1916. Since then it’s said to be held every two years although this actually varies, and when they kick off in Venezuela in 2007, it will have been 3 years since the last tournament in Peru.
I’m sure Hugo Chavez will be at Caracas airport (assuming all goes as expected in the pending election) to welcome the US soccer team, as they have confirmed that they will be playing in the tournament, having received an invitation to compete. Mexico have also confirmed that they will be accepting their invitation to play, and with the likes of Argentina and Brazil in the tournament, the stage is set for some competitive football with some of the world’s best players on show.
There is also some potential for some big games, with strong rivalries. With the tournament being hosted in Venezuela, the US team could be in for a frosty reception from the local supporters. Many see Argentina and Brazil as the two best teams in the tournament, and there lies a huge footballing rivalry. If both nations play to their full potential, it’s likely that they will face each other at some point during the tournament.
However, with around six months before the Cop America is due to begin, the tournament is awash with rumour and uncertainty, like only a South American event can be. Whilst the US have confirmed they will be attending it is suggested that they are by no means guaranteed to be there. Also Brazil are double booked as they are hosting the Pan American Games, and will have to make a decision as to whether they send their best team to the Copa America (the more important football tournament) or to the games (where they will be keen to keep home crowds happy).
Club Football in South America
The strength of the international teams in South America is not always matched in the club football played there. In recent years more than ever club football
South America undoubtedly has a strong football pedigree. The first ever World Cup was hosted and won by Uruguay. It is now the world’s largest sporting event, and Brazil have won the tournament on five occasions, more than any other nation. Football fans round the world argue over who was the greatest, Argentina’s Diego Maradona or the Brazilian Pele. Although in Brazil the huge wealth of talent over the years leads to heated debates over whether Pele was even the best Brazilian player, with the likes of Garricha, Zico and Rivelino as strong competition. If you ever travel in South America, you will constantly be reminded of the passion for football. Even on remote roads winding up through the mountains in Peru or Bolivia, a glance out of the window will often reveal a makeshift goal. For many of today’s biggest South American football stars, it’s a true ‘rags-to-riches’ tale from the Brazilian favelas to the shiny European Stadiums.
Football in South America | Copa America Venezuela 2007
For football fans heading to South America, do not despair. There are still many big games club matches to see, and half-time empanadas to be eaten. The best place to catch a big club game with a good atmosphere is Buenos Aires. River Plate and Boca Juniors both have great potential for football fans looking for the South American experience. River’s stadium is larger, but Boca’s is close in to the pitch and the stands can literally shake when things get heated. It obviously depends on the game, but in general it is quite easy to get tickets a few days before the match. For the big derby game, River v Boca, you might have to hunt the tickets out a little more, or book in advance, as well as paying a premium for them. It’s been known for some hostels to buy tickets and sell them on to any travellers willing to pay the premium. As it’s not everyday you’ll get the chance to see el super classico many people are prepared to pay up for them. To time your travels in line with the Argentinian football season, aviod their summer break which happens in January and February.
Although Brazilian club football isn’t drawing in the crowds it once did, a football fan in Rio should still pay a visit to the Maracana. As it is the home of Flamengo, Botafogo and Fluminense, it should be easy enough to time it to see a game there. You won’t get anywhere near the 199,854 fans that crammed in to see the then World Cup hosts Brazil lose 2 - 1 to Uruguay, but if you catch a derby game like fla-flu (Flamengo v Fluminense), you should be in for a good atmosphere. It should also be a lot more reasonably priced, with tickets for most games at the Maracana being around 20 Rs (about 8 USD).
Having watched many other less significant matches in South America, I would recommend catching a game in any major city on your travels, if indeed you are a football fan. Don’t be put off by safety issues, as the risk of trouble is low, and there are probably some UK clubs you could visit that would be a more dangerous experience. So keep your wits about you and cheer when people around you cheer, and you’ll enjoy the game.
Seth McCorrick - November 28th 2006
Although Brazilian club football isn’t drawing in the crowds it once did, a football fan in Rio should still pay a visit to the Maracana. As it is the home of Flamengo, Botafogo and Fluminense, it should be easy enough to time it to see a game there. You won’t get anywhere near the 199,854 fans that crammed in to see the then World Cup hosts Brazil lose 2 - 1 to Uruguay, but if you catch a derby game like fla-flu (Flamengo v Fluminense), you should be in for a good atmosphere. It should also be a lot more reasonably priced, with tickets for most games at the Maracana being around 20 Rs (about 8 USD).
Having watched many other less significant matches in South America, I would recommend catching a game in any major city on your travels, if indeed you are a football fan. Don’t be put off by safety issues, as the risk of trouble is low, and there are probably some UK clubs you could visit that would be a more dangerous experience. So keep your wits about you and cheer when people around you cheer, and you’ll enjoy the game.
Seth McCorrick - November 28th 2006
has been subject to a decline in quality and subsequent decline in the amount of people going to watch the games. The problem is certainly not a lack of quality players, as Brazil in particular, is turning out football stars as frequently as ever. Like many of the issues in South America, the problem can be reduced to money and corruption. For those running clubs in countries like Brazil, the millions European Clubs are prepared to spend to get the best South American players is too hard to refuse. Rather than reinvesting this money in the clubs, much of it seems to be ‘lost’ in the hands of those running the clubs. Stadiums are left in need of repair and crowd numbers are down, as the stars they used to come to watch are now playing in places like Madrid, London and Milan.
Argentina 1978 was the last World Cup held in South America and they will have to wait until 2014 when it is their turn to host the competition again. So until then, they will have to make the most of the club football and Copa America to gain the attention of the international football fans.
Send This Article To A Friend
No part of this article may be republished without obtaining permission from My World South America (info@myworldsouthamerica.com)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |