Soccer

Argentina, Brazil get tough Copa America draws, Mexico fortunate

The path to the 2015 Copa America title has been laid, and it’s a rough one for all of the big teams

Nov 25, 2014, 12:18 AM UTC

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Copa America is always one of the toughest tournaments in the world. With just 12 teams participating and so many good teams, there is no way to capture the crown of South America’s best without going through a gauntlet, and 2015 will be no different.

Chile, as the host, were seeded for the draw, while Argentina and Brazil were also seeded because they were deemed the two best teams. That was known prior to Monday's event, and after 90 minutes of pomp and circumstance then a quick draw, the rest of the tournament was sorted out too.

In Group A, Chile drew guest team Mexico. Jorge Sampaoli's Chile side will have a huge home field advantage, but Mexico may still be the favorites in the group with Carlos Vela in the fold. Ecuador and Bolivia round out Group A.

Group B features Argentina, who could not have been happy to see Uruguay drawn in with them. It won't be a full strength Uruguay, though. Luis Suarez is suspended for the tournament because of his bite at the World Cup so the draw isn't too bad for the Argentinians. Getting Paraguay makes things a little tougher as they were the best of the Pot 3 teams, but it's still manageable for Lionel Messi and Co.

The highlight of the group stage will be in Group C, where Brazil will take on Colombia in a World Cup rematch. Colombia are South America's third-best team and could very well win Copa America, while Brazil are going in a new direction under new manager Dunga. Toss in Neymar, Oscar, James Rodriguez and Falcao, and you have a treat.