The second round of the Copa America Centenario is already underway, but here is a recap of what we learned so far during the first round of group stage matches on American soil.
Top of the world:
Mexico
El Tri started the tournament flying.
Practically playing at home, Juan Carlos Osorio and his team took down one of the Copa America favorites in rather impressive fashion.
Playing an entertaining brand of soccer with all pistons firing, the Mexicans scored on Uruguay three times and are well underway to clinching a spot in the next phase as well as a first place in the group.
They dominated the midfield and resisted Edinson Cavani with a well-composed defensive unit. Retaining control of possession 61 percent of the time and making the most out of the one-man advantage they had through most of the match, Mexico showed they are ready for the challenges to come.
Nevertheless, Osorio will have to make sure his team stays far away from complacency and respect both Jamaica and Venezuela.
Andres Guardado’s red card will sure change the way Mexico gears up for their matchup with Jamaica, but like Jorge Torres Nilo pointed out before the Copa began, Osorio has the whole squad ready for action.
"We already know that the 'Profe' normally gives the lineups out two or three hours before the game," Torres Nilo said. "We know there is rotation, and that obligates us to be alert at all times."
Argentina
La Albiceleste is the favorite to take home the trophy, but their win against the reigning champions was still nothing short of inspiring.
Factor one and perhaps the one that gave Chileans most hope for a repeat of last year’s result was the absence of Lionel Messi.
And yet, even with Messi watching the whole thing from the bench, Chile had little to no answer to Argentina.
Tata Martino’s team played an extremely straightforward game and was rewarded with a positive result. Behind a marvelous performance from Angel di Maria and a combination of speed and accurate direct passing, Argentina earned their 2-1 victory despite Chile’s control of the ball.
La Roja had the ball for 58 percent of the match, but could do little with it and finished the game with nine shots (six on goal) as opposed to Argentina’s 17 (five on target).
And if things weren’t looking good enough after beating the defending champions, Argentina’s hopes are up as Messi practiced in Chicago Wednesday.
On the ropes:
Brazil
They have the pieces, but if the goal-less draw against Ecuador (Ecuador won that game, ask Brazil's goalkeeper) proved anything for the Brazil camp is that Dunga has no idea what to do with the pieces he has.
The 18’s James Hansen said it best as he talked about Dunga’s inability to change the team when Ecuador’s defense solidified (Check out his article, it’s an excellent analysis of Brazil’s current reality).
“The pressure then fell on manager Dunga for inspiration, only for him to maintain the status quo. The Brazil manager made some uninspired substitutions that failed to really make a difference against the stubborn Ecuadorian blockade, and it appeared at times that Dunga really didn't have any answers. Instead, he gambled on the hope that a moment of individual brilliance could settle the game.”
The only players in Brazil playing roles in the National team similar to what they do in their clubs are the center backs and, perhaps, Willian and Casemiro.
This time, however, Brazil doesn't have a Neymar to change things up on the fly and carry the team for a win on his own. It will take a change of heart from Dunga or a Balon d’Or worthy string of performances from Willian or Philippe Coutinho for the Selecao to have any hopes of winning the tournament.
Needs improvement:
United States, Uruguay, Chile.
