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The first 18 games of the Copa America in Chile have passed. Ecuador, Mexico, Jamaica and Venezuela have packed their bags and returned home, while the other eight national teams still fight for their hopes of being crowned champions of South America.
After the group stage, which was not very prolific with goals, one of the best ways to remember the beginning of the tournament is through documentation. So the official website of the Copa America, www.ca2015.com, selected the top five goals from the opening rounds. What do you think about this ranking?
5. Salomon Rondon
Rondon got the first of just two goals scored by La Vinotinto. The Zenit striker gave Venezuela its only win of the tournament with his head, after receiving the ball from Alejandro "Lobito" Guerra. Venezuela defeated Colombia 1-0 because of Rondon’s goal.
Guerra continued as a part of the Venezuelan starting XI, but his performances fell sharply after this game.
4. Nelson Haedo Valdez
In at #4, Paraguay's first goal against Argentina. After 60 minutes, Nelson Haedo Valdez, the Eintracht Frankfurt player, beat goalkeeper Sergio Romero and began building the Guarani their place in the Copa America quarterfinals.
3. Douglas Costa
With this goal, in extra time, Brazil won their first three points in the Copa America.
2. Martin Smedberg-Dalence
Bolivia makes an appearance at #2. With this goal, Martin Smedberg-Dalence from IFK Goteborg cooled a rival after only 20 minutes played, sending the score up to 2-0. This win was Bolivia’s key to make it to the knockout round.
For those of you wondering about Smedberg-Dalence’s name and how he could possibly be Bolivia: he comes from Sweden.
1. Gary Medel
The best goal, according to the official website of the Copa America, belongs to the Chilean, Gary Medel, who participated in the only blowout win of the first round. The Inter Milan player was one of five who scored for the hosts against Bolivia in the A Group final game.
