LOOK: The 8 Copa America group stage matches you just can't miss
There are plenty of matches to keep you busy over the next couple weeks
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3 min read
It's not your usual summer. Soccer is alive and kicking with four important summer competitions. On the men's side, there is Copa America, Euro 2016 and the Olympics, while the women have Olympic soccer as well. But no tournament on this side of the world brings more excitement than the Copa America Centenario. Starting June 3, big stars will be battling like Lionel Mess, Luis Suarez, Alexis Sanchez, James Rodriguez and more. In total, there will be 31 matches, 24 of which come in the group stage. Here are the eight group stage matches fans of soccer cannot miss and why, going by date.
1. USA vs. Colombia, June 3
It's the opener, which makes it that much more important. The U.S. hopes for a deep run in the competition to earn some international respect, while Colombia could be a darkhorse to win the competition and is expected to win Group A. Can the U.S. beat Colombia in a big time cup just like it did in the World Cup in 1994? Watch for the U.S. defenders and how they do against the prolific James Rodriguez.
2. Brazil vs. Ecuador, June 4
Two teams that expect to make it to the 2018 World Cup and out of their group in the Copa America, if either can grab three points in this one they should win the group. It figures to be a match filled with pace and flair. Remember, Ecuador went to Argentina last year and got a 2-0 win in World Cup qualifying. Can they beat another one of South America's big boys here?
3. Mexico vs. Uruguay, June 5
The top two teams in Group C battle in their first contest, and Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez had high praise for Mexico and their fans, saying pretty much that he considers Mexico to be the cup's home team. Uruguay is expected to be without striker Luis Suarez as he recovers from injury, so El Tri could surprise here and get a foot into the next round.
4. Argentina vs. Chile, June 6
A rematch of last year's Copa America final highlights the first Monday of the tournament in what is arguably the most highly anticipated group stage clash. Chile's new coach is Argentine Juan Antonio Pizzi, and going up against your birth nation is always emotional. Can Chile keep its form going against their neighbors or will Argentina show it is the clear-cut favorite to win it all?
5. USA vs. Costa Rica, June 7
This could be a must win for the U.S. if it fails to get any points from the opener, and going up against what many believe is the second best team in CONCACAF behind Mexico, it's not going to be easy. The U.S. will have the edge because of it being the host, but Costa Rica is sneaky good. But without Keylor Navas in goal, the U.S. is the favorite and should win.
6. Colombia vs. Paraguay, June 7
Another good one on the same day USA plays Costa Rica, both of the teams hope to enter this match with a spot in the next round close to being clinched. There is no question that Colombia is more talented, but watch out for Ramon Diaz's Paraguay team. There is depth and talent throughout, and the former River Plate boss has kept his team organized and motivated.
7. Mexico vs. Jamaica, June 9
If Mexico loses to Uruguay, the pressure will be on big time. If El Tri can only get a point or two from Uruguay and Jamaica, the Mexico fans will be sweating it out as it would force the team to get a result in its third match to advance. Jamaica has the talent to win this match (they did beat the U.S. in the Gold Cup last year), so Mexico will be on alert. But this team has yet to lose under new coach Juan Carlos Osorio and enter the cup on fire.
8. USA vs. Paraguay, June 11
A tricky last match, the U.S. figures to enter this contest needing some form of result to get through to the Round of 16. Playing against a pro-USA crowd in Philadelphia, you have to like the team's chances, but Paraguay continues to impress and its physicality could give the Americans some problems. The U.S. hopes to have a spot in the next round cemented before June 11 comes around.
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