The United States Need Copa America
One can’t be shocked to see CONMEBOL chosing not to invite the United States after sending in a B team to the 2007 Copa America but that shouldn’t stop the United States from picking up the phone and begging CONMEBOL (The South American governing body for Football) to let them in again.
The United States needs to build on the momentum created by last year’s Confederations Cup and this summer’s World Cup and the Copa America is the perfect event for this to take place. I mean come on CONMEBOL why in the world did you invite Japan? Is that going to add something to the event? Mexico is a given as the 11th team but Japan doesn’t add anything as the 12th. It’s time for the United States Soccer Federation and CONMEBOL to kiss and make up.
It may not be the World Cup but the Copa America with a first choice American team could be a great television property for the likes of ESPN or Fox Soccer Channel. (who will have to cut a cheque to Goltv in order to get the rights I’m sure) With the Copa America you have a television property where most of the games can be played in prime time in a time of year where sports on TV is light. You have the World Cup in 2010, Copa America in 2011, Euro 2012, then you have the build up to the 20104 World Cup. This would keep soccer in America strong and give hard core and casual soccer fans something to look forward too each summer.
If your thinking what about the Gold Cup? Come on it’s the Gold Cup, this event is a dud and only exists to set up a United States-Mexico final. I know it’s needed in some fashion but the Copa America can offer so much more. The United States can potentially be set up with four interesting match ups in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Venezuela (The latter for political reasons.) It’s a great tournament that should come close to the European Championship but the two events don’t even come close. CONMEBOL can use the United States to gain a foothold for this event in the American market and the United States can use this event to play against some of the best teams in the World more than once every four years. It’s a perfect match but one unlike to happen anytime soon sadly.