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| Copa America preview |
Online Sports book BetPhoenix has all of the latest odds on betting on this popular event. The hosts are the favourites, but a team with everything to lose. Ironically Argentina, Latin for "land of silver", has failed to claim any silverware for 18 years, a fact which is weighing on the shoulders of the many of the world's greatest players. However, with a strike force that includes the likes of FIFA world player of the year Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero, there is a sense of optimism that is sweeping the streets of Buenos Aires unlike that of any previous tournament. National flags are being flown from shopfronts, apartment buildings, buses and even from the tops of the dilapidated rooftops of slums. There is a sense of hope Argentinians are clinging on to – and justifiably so. Recent good form for the full-strength side, including a 1-0 win against arch rivals Brazil, has La Albiceleste relishing the prospect of finally bringing the continent's prized possession back home. Key player: Lionel Messi The world player of the year needs to produce his scintillating club form for his country at the peak of his career. Anything less will be deemed unacceptable by fans who regard the maestro as the new Maradona. One to watch: Javier Pastore Pastore's brilliant form for Italian club Palermo has caught the attention of Barcelona, who are preparing to cough up big bucks for the midfielder. If Pastore maintains this form, he will be the rising star of the tournament. Brazil Despite two consecutive disappointing World Cups, Brazil remain the heavyweights of world football. That said, the nation is experiencing a changing of the guards at a crucial time in football. Gone are the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka and Luis Fabiano, and coming in is a hoard of youngsters determined to prove themselves on the international stage. While this Brazil team may not appear as imposing towards their Copa America opponents, they are also relieved from the pressures they usually carry. With some consistency and youngsters fulfilling their potential, a ninth title is well within reach for the Selecao. Key player: Neymar The validity of his label as Brazil's leading striker will be argued in bars in Rio de Janeiro for many months to come, however one thing remains clear: the 19-year-old will be the go-to man for the Selecao. With a hefty offer from Chelsea still on the table for the Santos teenager, Neymar will want to use the Copa America to justify his price tag in front of a global audience. Having recently won the Copa Libertadores with Santos, Neymar will arrive in Argentina with added confidence. One to watch: Alexander Pato With no Kaka or Luis Fabiano, the 22-year-old AC Milan striker will be one of Brazil's more experienced attackers. Having missed out on selection for the 2010 World Cup, Pato has a point to prove at international level, and if he is as fit as he says he is, defenders will need to be on their best game to stop him. Uruguay The best performing South American nation at last year's World Cup, Uruguay have a real chance of causing an upset in Argentina. With Brazil currently in transition and Argentina under intense pressure, Uruguay, led by Liverpool's Luis Suarez, Napoli's Edinson Cavani and national hero Diego Forlan, will look to capitalise on their opponents' misfortunes. Fans of La Celeste are quietly confident of taking the trophy to the other side of the River Plate for a record 15th time. Key player: Diego Lugano While the spotlight is firmly fixed on Uruguay's attack, if they are to win the tournament, their defence must contain the likes of Messi and Pato. Lugano, the captain, has been a permanent fixture at the heart of Uruguay's defence since his debut in 2003. Quick, strong and technically gifted, he is already viewed as one of the nation's greats. Coming off the back of an impressive World Cup, the Fenerbahce defender will play a pivotal role in any Uruguayan success. One to watch: Edinson Cavani The man they call "El Matador" arrives in Argentina following an incredible season with Italian club Napoli, finding the net 26 times in 35 games. Since the last World Cup, 24- year-old Cavani has gradually replaced Diego Forlan as the spearhead of Uruguay's attack. Chile Chile's resurgence in recent years is being threatened by many internal distractions, highlighted by the recent departure of World Cup coach Marcelo Bielsa. However, if Chile can ignore their FA's quarrels, they could emerge as the tournament's dark horses. La Roja's chances will be boosted by the news that Alexis Sanchez appears set to rejoin the squad ahead of their opener on July 4 against Mexico. Key player: Alexis Sanchez Sanchez, who looks set to join Barcelona, set Serie A alight last season as he helped Udinese to a surprise Champions League position. Sanchez is a powerful second striker, capable of finding the net as well as supporting the attack. He will be Chile's go-to man in front of goal. One to watch: Arturo Vidal Vidal is a combative central midfield with a very strong passing game. Generally deployed as a holding midfielder, he also offers support all over the park with his mobility and vision. Strong at set pieces. Colombia The 2001 Copa America champions spent the better part of the past decade in the doldrums. but are now experiencing a revival. Porto aces Falcao and Freddy Guarin are heralding this new era of talented footballers who are looking to build on their impressive club form for their nation. Key player: Falcao One of the stars of Porto's incredible treble-winning team, Falcao's versatility – he can play up front or in midfield – will be key for Colombia, He is clinical, mobile, quick and has a knack of popping up in the right place at the right time. One to watch: David Ospina At only 22 years of age, Ospina is the youngest member of the Colombian squad, yet been a permanent fixture between the posts for nearly 3 years. Despite a wealth of experience for a young goalkeeper, it will be interesting to see how the highly rated youngster will cope in his first international tournament. Mexico With a host of stars rested following a successful Gold Cup campaign, Mexico will be lacking the firepower to challenge for the crown. Mexican hopes will rest on their under-23 squad, along with five over-age players. However, with eight players already suspended due to a breach of disciplinary curfews, it appears Mexico could be heading for the departure lounge at the end of the group stage. Key player: Giovanni dos Santos Dos Santos may still have a lot to prove at club level with Tottenham Hotspur, but his recent form in the Gold Cup proves the Brazilian-born midfielder is saving his best for his country. Skilful, quick and with an abundance of flair, dos Santos will cause headaches for defenders. Peru The Peruvians have been their own worst enemy in recent years. Internal quarrels, and rifts between players and coaches have hindered Peru's progress despite possessing a well-balanced squad. Having welcomed Juan Vargas from his international hiatus and Hamburg's Paolo Guerrero from injury, Peru now has a realistic chance to escape their group. Key player: Juan Manuel Vargas The Fiorentina winger has established himself as one of Serie A's stars. Vargas plays in a similar style to Brazil's Roberto Carlos, and will taunt opponents with his lightning pace. His lethal left boot makes him a danger at free kicks. Costa Rica If the Central Americans failed to shine in the recent Gold Cup, then there is little hope for the under-23 team they will bring to Argentina. To make matters worse, the camp will still be mourning defender Dennis Marshall's tragic death in a car crash on June 23. Filling in for Japan, Costa Rica are, by their own admittance, there to make up the numbers. Key player: Randall Brenes One of the three over-age players in the squad, Randall Brenes will look to lead the youngsters to a surprise in the tournament. The 27-year-old forward scored in their Gold Cup quarter final loss to El Salvador. Ecuador Ecuador were disappointed to miss out on a play-off spot in last years World Cup qualifiers. Historically one of the continent's lesser footballing nations, they have been one of the more consistent performers over the past decade. The Ecuadoreans are one of the less-familiar teams, with the bulk of their squad plying their trade domestically. However, with the recent continental success of clubs such as LDU Quito, the Ecuadoreans are not to be underestimated. Key player: Antonio Valencia The Manchester United winger is not only the star of Ecuador's team, but also their main creative outlet. Paraguay Despite a decent showing last year at the World Cup, Paraguay failed to light up the tournament. They are a balanced team that is enjoying an era of stability, but they lack the depth and quality to mount a serious title challenge. Their strength lies in the attacking trio of Roque Santa Cruz, Lucas Barrios and Nelson Valdez. Key player: Lucas Barrios The forward, born in Argentina, was one of the driving forces behind Borussia Dortmund's stellar Bundesliga campaign, and has since cemented his place in the starting line-up for his adopted nation. The nimble Barrios's ability to consistently create space will cause problems for defenders. Venezuela Little is expected of the South American minnows, despite having a squad with a handful of players from top clubs in Europe and the Americas. While on paper their squad looks better than from previous tournaments, they have struggled for form in recent matches. Unless coach Reinaldo Rueda can pull off an upset or two, Venezuela will likely be heading home early. Key player: Juan Arango A veteran now at 31, Arango is the main creative outlet for the Venezuelans. A tricky and skilful attacking midfielder, he will be the man opponents must try to shut down. Bolivia The Bolivians made football headlines with a 6-1 mauling of Argentina two years ago. Since then there has been little to cheer about for Bolivia, who have failed to win any of their six friendlies in 2011. With Japan's withdrawal paving the way for an inexperienced Costa Rican side, Bolivian hopes of a quarter final berth have received a slight boost with a weakened group. Key player: Marcelo Moreno Martins Tall, mobile and a good finisher, Martins is the highest-profile Bolivian player, playing his club football for Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donestk, having previously enjoyed stints in England and Germany. Any hopes of Bolivia escaping their group rest on his shoulders. 
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The Copa America features 12 teams that are vying to win as the 43rd edition of the Copa America kicks off in La Plata on Friday.
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