Subject: [NT] Copa América

The Copa América starts this week. New Zealand's match with Honduras is already booked.

It should be an interesting competition. A couple of regional powerhouses (Brasil and USA) are competing in the U21 tournament, leaving Argentina as the overwhelming favourite. Canada probably has the best chance of knocking them off. New Zealand would be in the next tier along with Chile, Peru, Colombia and Ireland, all of which have an outside chance of winning the title.

I think it will be a good test for the team. The squad's form has quietly improved from the depths probed earlier this season (Hird, Richards, Kelly and Kilkenny all still struggling, but many others are back on track). The tournament will give the team a chance to recover some pride, especially if given a shot at WC group-mates Peru or Chile.

The goal will be avoiding Argentina as long as possible. This means winning the group is a priority. Group B is pretty easy - Honduras and Bolivia are quite new (Canada pummeled Bolivia this past week, outshoting them 43-1). The only real test will be the match against Colombia, which should be really good.

I plan to continue the recent trend of focussing on long term goals (players I envision contributing 2-3 seasons out).

GRUPO B
1. Colombia
2. New Zealand
3. Bolivia
4. Honduras

Partidos:
Colombia vs. Bolivia
New Zealand vs. Honduras

Colombia vs. Honduras
New Zealand vs. Bolivia

Colombia vs. New Zealand
Bolivia vs. Honduras

You could barely have got an easier group so you wont get Argentina right away.
Argentina seem to be on a roll but their team doesn't look that great when you take away their forwards. Only a team with a great defence will stop them, i dont think it'll be Canada though and i dont see another team strong enough.
We really should get through our group with no problems. Venezuela have improved but not enough. Coming 2nd though wont be a sucess. We're quite capable of beating Canada and thats the aim, i dont want to be facing Chile/Argentina/Columbia.

I'd prefer to win the group and not see Argentina until the semis or final. :) It is an easy group, but IMO none of the 3 or 4 teams are very scary.

I felt kind of sorry for you in the last Canada - Ireland meeting. You deserved better. Hopefully (from this Canadian's perspective :D) Canada will take a little different approach in the next meeting. With their personnel they are the clear group favourite (at least IMO).

(Normally I don't correct people's spelling, but nation names are a little different - it's Colombia. Some of their users are rightfully sensitive about it. :D)

Crap! I'm usually careful not to make that mistake.
Chile i'm wary of because of the last time we played them. 3-0 down by halftime but then it was only my 2nd game in charge and things have moved on since. Strangely enough i dont think i've ever looked at Colombia (I nearly did it again) or Peru's games but Luiginho has a good reputation.
I agree Canada are rightly favourites for the group but i saw enough to think we can shock them.
The 8 who get through the groups should be quite clear and Costa Rica will be the one the group winners want. As for the rest it could be interesting. I've not forgotten you managed to escape last time as well. Remind me to set that "Red card" order if we play ;)

I should point out because i noticed what you said on the national page, the Copa America is 6 weeks long for everyone. There is a runners-up tournament for everyone who gets knocked out.

Thanks for pointing out the runners-up side - I hadn't picked up on that. It is certainly my intention to steer clear of it tho. :)

You know your team well and generally get the most out of them - I suspect you will give Canada a good run. If Canada has the likes of Amado and Iginla healthy and in good form, it will a tough challenge, but one I'm sure you're up to. :)

I'll be happy to remind you to set red card orders should we meet. :) It's not likely I'll play a back-line of prospects and form casualties like I did last time. :D I thought Lizzraga was great for you that match - I've since seen his stats, and think he played way over his head. :P

Taylor took a knock today, and will be unavailable this week and questionable next week. It appears he will be in good shape for the important Colombia game. (Bit of an unfortunate knock - Taylor rarely plays friendlies for his club - looks like his manager may have accidentally field his A-squad).


Haven't had the form update yet, but this is the line-up I'm leaning towards.

Line-up

Jerry Anthopoulos West Auckland Warriors
Gordon Atkinson The Invincibles
(Sam Sansom - 60) The Invincibles
Johnny Bodger 11 Wise Men
Dave Chadwick in Poland
(Rob Morcombe - 60) Fiery Tigers
Gary Edwards in Poland
Brent Gilbert Fiery Tigers
Mark Kelly in Brasil
John Root Cashmere
Robert Smith in Spain
David Watts in England
Alan Welford in Romania

Bench

Dave De Bruin in Germany
Stuart Grove in Brasil
Ben Tomlinson Hyperintelligent Shades of Blue

I wouldn't mind if Bodger goes back up to divine =]

unfortunate that Taylor got another injury =/

Bodger's had a great run of form lately. I'll soon start expecting him to convert some penalties. :P

(JK - he's been playing great - think he's only missed the last two PKs).

I was actually surprised he scored a penalty in my league match on sunday!

Heehee. It's hard to fathom - he should be Shearer-esque from the spot. I'm convinced there is a great deal of random in spot kicks (the Spain - Lithuania match from last week would seem to support this). That's not necessarily a bad thing - but it's frustrating when guys like Kuèinskas or Bodger botch one.

Would love to know what is needed for a PK... lets pesker greg!!

woo unearthly!!

ooh and he is at divine experience!!
(edited)

good team to start,and jerry is playing woop i cant spell his last name so i wont bother

just 'jerry the greek'

Heehee. I like that. :) (I've been copy & pasting to avoid a mistake).

That is the line-up I'm going with. Kilkenny, Richards, Hird ruled out due to form. Trying to keep it youthful.

Smith in ahead of Matthews and Tomlinson because of the role. Would be Richards if he had any kind of form.

Jerry might look like an odd pick if his value is compared to some of his contemporaries. It doesn't do him justice - he pretty well rounded and I've developed some confidence in him. Against a high-tech team he will sit, but otherwise I'm really happy to get him in the line-up.

Honduras Parlay

If you want to play, answer yes or no to the following questions. I haven't thought this contest through yet - maybe we'll do a Copa Parlay and have a grand champ at the end. Could be interesting. :)

1. Bodger will score 3 or more goals.
2. Atkinson will have more assists then Root.
3. Morcombe will score at least 1 goal.
4. Welford will have a clean sheet.
5. Edwards will commit more panic kick-outs then Anthopolous.
6. A corner kick goal will be scored by New Zealand.
7. A penalty kick will be converted by New Zealand.
8. New Zealand will have more injuries then Honduras.
9. Honduras will have a red card.
10. New Zealand will have a red card.