Copa América : 1975-2024

The Copa América has been around since 1916 but in 1975 it became a regular event with all South American major sides participating so a good place to start. From 1993 the practice of inviting countries from outside the region to join has been the norm, 2021 the exception. Australia and Qatar were to be the invitees that year but both had to pull out when rescheduling the event clashed with existing commitments.  

2024: The ten regular nations were joined by six invited sides. The invitees usually don't do well, México being the only outsider to make a final (twice without winning). So how did it go?

A: Argentina won as expected with three wins from three. Canada was a surprise qualifier with Chile and Perú both having disappointing tournaments. Scoring was muted, with no more than two goals in a match. 6 goals (av 1.0). 

B: Venezuela was a comfortable qualifier with three wins. Ecuador just got past México while Jamaica ended up just making up the numbers. Goal scoring was reasonably plentiful, one game even had four. 12 goals (av 2.0). 

C: A third group with the winner winning all three, this time it was Uruguay. Panamá came second to oust a poor USA side and Bolivia was all at sea (although landlocked). The teams had no trouble scoring. 19 goals (av 3.2). 

D: Colombia won the group, courtesy of a draw with Brazil in their final group match and Brazil drawing their first one against Costa Rica. Brazil still qualified at CR's expense. Paraguay was off the pace in this tournament. 16 goals (av 2.7). 

Eight: The first playoff was taken to penalties with a last gasp equaliser by Ecuador but they lost on penalties anyway. Canada went ahead 1-0 and outplayed Venezuela but needed a penalty shootout win to progress. Colombia overwhelmed Panamá but Uruguay won on penalties against Brazil after playing out a 0-0 draw. 

Four: It would have some surprise had Canada got past Argentina but a successful tournament regardless. Colombia had the better form and managed to progress despite playing half the game a man short.  Unfortunately, some ugly scenes after the game.

Two: Argentina vs Colombia was an open affair but instead it was 0-0 after 90 minutes and it wasn't until late in extra time that Argentina got the winner. Lionel Messi came off injured and I wonder if that was his last international match. A wonderful career but I think it's time. Crowd trouble again, this time before the match outside the stadium delayed the start of the game. Shameful. 

Historical results back to 1975 show that Brazil is the most successful nation. They are some way ahead of Argentina and Uruguay, which are neck and neck. Argentina refused to attend in 2001 due to perceived safety concerns. Canada also pulled out after the event was rescheduled. Costa Rica filled in for Canada and Honduras hastily threw a team together to cover for Argentina. Both did well at short notice. 

Brazil has won it six times, Argentina now four and Uruguay three (since 1975). Chile managed two when tournaments were played in consecutive years. Perú and Paraguay started well with trophies but not since. Argentina passed Uruguay in the 2021 tournament and is now pulling away but still some way short of Brazil.