Argentina labels host Brazil as Copa America favourite

By: Debora Rey, The Associated Press Posted: 3:04 PM CDT Wednesday, Jun. 12, 2019 Last Modified: 3:05 PM CDT Wednesday, Jun. 12, 2019

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SALVADOR, Brazil - Whether they're just being realistic or are trying to heap more pressure on their traditional archrival, Argentina's players keep insisting that Brazil should be viewed as the favourite to win the Copa America.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/06/2019 (2668 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SALVADOR, Brazil – Whether they’re just being realistic or are trying to heap more pressure on their traditional archrival, Argentina’s players keep insisting that Brazil should be viewed as the favourite to win the Copa America.

Argentina’s first match in the tournament will be on Saturday against Colombia in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the group stage, a day after host Brazil kicks off the tournament in Sao Paulo against Bolivia.

Even though Argentina has Lionel Messi in good form while Brazil superstar Neymar has been ruled out with an injury, the Argentines are adamant that the hosts are the team to beat.

Argentina's German Pezzella, left, speaks next to teammate Rodrigo De Paul, during a press conference of the national soccer team for the Copa America soccer tournament in Salvador, Brazil, Wednesday, June 12, 2019. On Saturday, Argentina will face Colombia for the first Group B game of the South American tournament. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

“The favourite, for being host and for the players they have, is Brazil,” said midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.

Messi said the same last week, arguing that Argentina, led by interim coach Lionel Scaloni, has many young players that are playing in their first international tournament.

Still, the team also has other recognizable players like Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, Juventus’ Paulo Dybala and Paris Saint Germain’s Angel di Maria.

“Not being favourites doesn’t stop us from giving it all in every match, we have dreams from the first moment,” defender German Pezzella said.

De Paul added: “We have the best player in the world, we will try to help him so he feels comfortable. But we are aware that Brazil is the favourite.”

Argentina has not won an international tournament since the 1993 Copa America. Since then, the team played four continental finals and the 2014 World Cup decider, also in Brazil.

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