Home comforts the key?

Lovers of the beautiful game needn't mope around too much this summer, because on June 26th the football world can turn its attention to the splendour of the Copa America, which this year hits our screens from Venezuala. The South American showpiece will see twelve countries compete for a place in the final on the 15th July. The tournament is in its 42nd year, and predictably the bookies have installed the big guns of Brazil and Argentina as favourites to prevail with both sides available at around the 9/4 mark. Having clinched the tournament seven times already, it's hardly surprising that the Samba stars of Brazil are again among the favourites. However, don't be fooled into thinking that Brazil are at full strength in this competition. On the back of a gruelling European season, many of the star players have opted for a luxury holiday as opposed to another few weeks of tournament football. The Copa America over the years has always been good to the host team. The past five tournaments have seen the hosts claim the trophy twice, finish runners-up once and on the other two occasions make the knock-out stages. For what its worth Argentine daily paper Olé published a poll of which team (outside of Brazil and Argentina) would be among the surprise teams and interestingly the USA were the overwhelming winners, closely followed by host nation Venezuela. The Americans do though have a much tougher group than the hosts as they have to face 14-time champions Argentina, 2001 victors Colombia, and two-time winners Paraguay. That said USA do look a touch too big at 9/1 to top group C. Twice winners over their bitter rivals Mexico in recent months, the Americans have shown in the past few World Cups they are not a nation to underestimate. Meanwhile, Venezuela have a much easier group as they have to play with the likes of Bolivia, Peru, and Uruguay. In recent years, the team coached by Richard Paez have beaten all its South American rivals, with the exceptions of Argentina and Brazil, although with the giants of the continent at full strength, a shock or two cannot be ruled out. The hosts cannot be ignored at a very enticing 25/1. Previously regarded as the whipping boys of South American football, recent results would suggest otherwise, while their squad will be best suited to cope with the oppressive conditions. Also take the 2/1 on them being crowned group A winners. Verdict: 1pt Venezuala to win @ 25-1 (William Hill) 3pts Venezuala to win Group A @ 2/1 (William Hill) 1pt USA to win Group C @ 9/1 (Ladbrokes)