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Brazil’s soccer heritage is unmatched, and as usual, they enter Copa America as one of the favorites. In our power rankings we debated putting Brazil in a group with Uruguay as “Other Favorites” instead of as an elite team with Argentina. That’s how big the gap is in our minds. But still, Brazil has won 5 World Cups and 9 Copa Americas for a reason.

If you are a casual soccer fan, Brazil has the best player in this tournament you’ve never heard of, Vini Jr. You might remember Neymar from prior Brazil teams, but he’s out injured and wouldn’t make this team’s starting lineup anyway.

While this team is absolutely loaded in attack, their midfield and defense are gettable. Their midfield in particular doesn’t play at the Champions League level and could be where they get outplayed in later stages of this tournament.

Vinicius Junior (F, Real Madrid): His pace and flair on the wings are essential to Brazil’s attack. He just led Real Madrid to a Champions League title, and is lethal. He can make even the best defenders look silly, so if you want to see “And 1” soccer, watch Vini.

Rodrygo (F, Real Madrid): He was Vini Junior’s strike partner at Real Madrid, the two have combined for 71 goals + assists over the past 2 seasons – just in La Liga play.

Endrick (F, Soon to be Real Madrid): The next big thing. He’s 17, and about to join his compatriots at Real Madrid. He’s drawing comparisons to Pele, and has been scoring off the bench in friendlies but can he repeat that when it really counts? 

Honorable Mention (we had to add this because Brazil just has too much talent): Raphina (F, Barcelona), Gabriel Martinelli (F, Arsenal), Douglas Luiz (M, probably Juventus) – he’s made headlines in the US as being part of a proposed player swap between Aston Villa and Juve that would have involved USA Midfielder Weston McKennie.

Brazil sacked their coach after their performance in the first set of South America’s World Cup Qualifying matches. New coach Dorival Junior will look to re-establish Brazil at the pinnacle of world football starting…now.

Ronaldinho (an absolute Brazilian legend and World Cup winner) made waves when he said he would no longer watch this Brazil team after their draw against the USA. He’s since walked those comments back but it shows the pressure this team is constantly under.

James Rodriguez: A proven playmaker whose vision can change the dynamics of Colombia’s play. He was once one of the best players in the world, and still has that cultured left foot and vision to unlock defenses.

Luis Diaz: Known for his explosive speed and ability to break through defenses. He was one of Liverpool’s top attacking options in the Premier League. He should also get a lot of credit for his work rate in the press on defense. You can’t succeed in Klopp’s Liverpool lineup without it.

In our view Colombia should be viewed as one of the legitimate contenders for this title. Argentina is obviously getting a lot of press, and Uruguay seems to be the “sexy underdog” pick for the title. We think Colombia is right there with them and the lack of respect will have them fired up. As if they needed any extra motivation to show the ferocity that led to a 5-1 victory over the USA in early June.

Paraguay enters the tournament with a reputation for being tough to beat. They typically employ a gritty, defensive approach complemented by quick transitions to offense, aiming to frustrate more technically gifted teams.

This generation does have a very solid “spine” of the team through the center of the pitch, and some attacking flair on the wings. It wouldn’t surprise us if Colombia versus Paraguay has the highest total distance covered by players on the pitch of any 90-minute match in the tournament.

Miguel Almirón: His speed and skill on the ball are vital to Paraguay’s counter-attacking strategy. His workrate on defense endeared him to fans of Atlanta United and Newcastle alike.

Kaku: Not Kaka (another Brazilian legend), Kaku. Essential in midfield, his work rate and passing ability are key. He plays in the UAE, which is highly unusual for players with his ability. A chance for the rest of us to see how that league stacks up.

The major storyline for Paraguay will be their ability to blend their traditional defensive solidity with more offensive creativity. The challenge will be to prove that they can not only resist pressure from stronger teams but also pose significant threats of their own. In short, can they put the ball in the back of the net.

Costa Rica is often seen as an underdog in Copa America, but their resilience and tactical discipline make them a tough opponent. They have a knack for pulling off upsets and will rely heavily on team cohesion and strategic play. They are a semi-regular qualifier for the World Cup and have even made a splash with upsets in a World Cup or two.

Joel Campbell: His experience and pace make him a constant threat on the counter-attack. He once had world class speed, we’ll see if he still does.

Patrick Sequira: Costa Rica’s new goalkeeper, talking over from Keylor Navas who is a Costa Rican legend and was one of the world’s best keepers, playing for teams like Real Madrid and PSG. Big gloves to fill.

Costa Rica’s storyline centers on their potential to disrupt the status quo and advance past the group stage against traditionally stronger teams. Their ability to perform under pressure and tactical discipline will be under the spotlight.

• Brazil v. Colombia: This could be a title game preview. We just hope both teams still have something to play for when we get to it in the third group stage game.
• Colombia v. Paraguay: Two teams that play with extreme intensity. This game won’t be boring.

Everyone will have Brazil and Colombia emerging from this group, but we’ll take a risk and make a bold prediction. Colombia will take care of business against Paraguay and Costa Rica. Brazil will stumble against Paraguay and head into the final game against Colombia needing a W to advance. Colombia will decide NOT to rest starters and knock Brazil out. Colombia and Paraguay through to the knockout rounds. Recall we picked USA to win Group C, so we get Paraguay in the quarters. Sweet.