The group stage of the Copa America has come to an end and with that it is time that we say goodbye to the United States and Mexico, so the Power Rankings have undergone a major shake-up. Venezuela has been one of the biggest winners of the tournament so far, while Peru has been among the biggest losers. But where do the teams stand after the end of the group stage? Let’s see.
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1 |
Argentina |
– |
After finishing a perfect group stage, even with Lionel Messi missing the last match, there is no reason for Argentina to relinquish top spot. Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net twice against Peru and even with Messi’s fitness a concern, this is a complete team that is starting to learn how to find their footing without their talisman. |
|
2 |
Uruguay |
– |
Uruguay, the top-scoring team in the Copa America group stage, is a legitimate contender for the title. The goals come from everywhere, but Darwin Nunez’s attacking leadership was impressive. While he takes some shots he shouldn’t, Nunez pushes relentlessly and keeps the defense on edge, making it easier for his teammates. |
|
3 |
Colombia |
– |
You don’t play 26 games without losing, for nothing, and by winning the group, Colombia has prepared for a confrontation with Panama. The problem is that if they win that, Brazil or Uruguay will be next, so it’s important to take Panama seriously and hopefully reserve energy for the next round. |
|
4 |
Venezuela |
+2 |
Looking for a signature win, La Vinotinto ensured Jamaica scored three goals, which could be the shock they need before they face Canada. Could this be the year as one of the few South American teams along with Ecuador not to win the Copa America? |
|
5 |
Brazil |
+2 |
It doesn’t feel like Brazil needs to move up, but attracting Colombia is a credible result. The problem is that Brazil will now be without Vinicius Junior in the match against Uruguay due to the accumulation of yellow cards. On the one hand, given his form, that’s not a bad thing, but when facing the top teams in the world, a team needs the best players. |
|
6 |
Ecuador |
+2 |
Turning things around after Enner Valencia’s red card in the opening match, Ecuador is back on track, except for one problem. Because they did not win the group, they now play Argentina in the quarter-finals. It’s a monumental task, but if they succeed, it could be a milestone. |
|
7 |
Canada |
+2 |
One of only two Conacaf teams to qualify for the quarterfinals, the Jesse Marsch era at the helm of the Canucks is off to a good start, at least defensively. Only allowing two goals in the group stage is impressive, but scoring just one goal despite playing two games against teams that finished with ten men shows that there is a lot of room for growth. |
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8 |
Panama |
+5 |
I’d love to have the lottery numbers if Panama were to make the quarter-finals, but they’ve done business against the United States and Bolivia to get this far, although it’ll be hard to get much further with Adalberto Carrasquilla still suspended. |
|
9 |
United States |
-5 |
It was a disaster of a tournament for the United States and could be one that will be felt for a long time if the federation decides to move on from Gregg Berhalter. From poor decisions to not pushing the pace enough, a lot needs to change for the USMNT. |
|
10 |
Mexico |
-5 |
As in the United States, a review is needed. The problem is that Mexico already has its second coach since the World Cup, so it’s harder to just assume that even a coaching change will be enough. |
|
11 |
Costa Rica |
-1 |
The Ticos may be out of the Copa America, but their next generation is in good hands. Drawing Brazil is the highlight of the tournament, but beating Paraguay is also an impressive result for a team that has left the golden generation behind. |
|
12 |
Chili |
+2 |
If Chile had been able to keep 11 men on the field, they might have made it to the knockouts. A stout defense that was somehow still led by Claudio Bravo was difficult to score on, but the attack fell short of the target. |
|
13 |
Paraguay |
-1 |
There isn’t much good to say on this side of the rankings. Paraguay has young talent that could be good in the future, so perhaps taking their fortunes this year could be useful. |
|
14 |
Peru |
+1 |
Look, Chile. But Chile at least avoided losing twice. Peru is a team whose next generation cannot come soon enough. |
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15 |
Jamaica |
-4 |
Widely missing Andre Blake left Reggae Boyz’s defense unfit for the Copa America, despite being drawn in a group without big scorers. Bringing in Premier League players is not enough. |
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16 |
Bolivia |
– |
Bolivia scored a goal and shot some shots, which is positive. |
