After a 12-year absence, the United States this year is returning to the Copa America.
Armed with large contingent of MLS players, the U.S. debuts this Thursday against powerhouse Argentina in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela, where they hope to repeat the heroics of 1995, when the Steve Sampson-led squad finished in fourth place.
Fifteen of the 22 players nominated by head coach Bob Bradley currently ply their trade in MLS. In total, 10 teams are represented, with Chivas USA's three leading the pack: Jonathan Bornstein, Brad Guzan and Sacha Kljestan.
Many MLS stars that successfully helped the U.S. defend its Gold Cup title last week stay on board for the South American tournament. In addition to Bornstein, Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards) and Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire) remain under Bradley's orders.
Bobby Boswell, Ben Olsen (both of D.C. United), Jimmy Conrad (Wizards), Kyle Beckerman (Colorado Rapids) and Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew) are also making the trip to Venezuela. In addition, Rapids forward Herculez Gomez and defenders Drew Moor (FC Dallas) and Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC) make their debut with the U.S. senior team. Seven foreign-based players round out the squad.
Argentina, who will be the USA's first rival, makes its way to the tournament as one of the favorites to raise the trophy. With its explosive offensive trident of Barcelona's Leonel Messi, Copa Libertadores champion Juan Roman Riquelme of Boca Juniors and West Ham United's Carlos Tevez, Argentina promises to most dangerous team in Group C, which also includes Paraguay and Colombia.
The Stars and Stripes face off with Paraguay on July 2. Historically recognized for its defensive prowess, particularly the aerial game, the Paraguayans pose an offensive threat, as well, thanks to strikers Roque Santa Cruz of Bayern Munich and Salvador Cabanas of Mexican side America.
Bradley's men conclude the first round against Colombia three days later, on July 5. A defensive-minded outfit, Columbia's impressive back line is bulwarked by Inter Milan's Ivan Cordoba, Paris St. Germain's Mario Yepes and Luis Amaranto Perea, of Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, defending champs Brazil lead Group B, which also includes Mexico, Ecuador and Chile.
Although they arrive at the CONMEBOL championship without superstars Kaka and Ronaldinho Gaucho, Brazil is always a candidate to win any tournament, and this edition of the Copa America won't be an exception. Among the players who surely will exhibit displays of "jogo bonito" are forwards Robinho and Fred, of Spanish and French league champs Real Madrid and Lyon, respectively, as well as Arsenal's Gilberto Silva, among others.
Head coach Dunga and his squad begin their defense of their 2004 championship against Mexico.
With the same group that fell 2-1 at the hands of the United States in the final of the 2007 Gold Cup, including Chicago Fire forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the "Tri" need to improve in regard to their showing in the CONCACAF competition if they intend to advance from the "Group of Death".
Meanwhile, Ecuador is betting on the base of players that made it to the round-of-16 in last year's FIFA World Cup in Germany. Chile, on the other hand, has reigning South American Player of the Year Matias Fernandez, of Villareal, among its ranks.
Major League Soccer will also be present in Group A, where host nation Venezuela, Peru, Uruguay and Bolivia compete. D.C. United striker and captain Jaime Moreno will represent his home nation of Bolivia before he returns to the States and looks to make MLS history by becoming the league's all-time leading scorer.
Venezuelan expectations have fallen on the shoulders of Juan Arango. According to many, the midfielder who plays for Spanish club Mallorca is the finest player the country has ever produced.
With 14 Copa America titles to its name (tied for the all-time lead with Argentina), Uruguay returns to the continental tournament led by coach Oscar Washington Tabarez. The Uruguayans' biggest household name is Villareal forward Diego Forlan. Meanwhile, Peru's offensive line, comprised of Jefferson Farfan of Dutch side PSV Eindhoven and recent Chelsea acquisition Claudio Pizarro, causes fear in any defense that crosses its path.
The U.S. and Argentina clash Thursday at 8:50 p.m. ET in Maracaibo's Jose Pachencho Romero Stadium.
Uruguay and Peru get things rolling Tuesday at 6:05 p.m. ET in the city of Merida. Moreno and Bolivia face host nation Venezula in San Cristobal at 8:50 p.m.
Jaime Uribarri is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
