Copa America Preview: Group D - Brazil to wrestle back Copa crown?
With Group A, Group B and Group C all covered, attention turns to Group D ahead of the start of the Copa America. We pick out the key player, the young player to watch and make a tournament prediction for Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay.
Copa America History
Brazil ended their 12-year wait for the Copa America when they earned success back in 2019 to win their ninth trophy in their history. Having finished runners' up on home turf in 2021, losing to rivals Argentina in the process, they will be hellbent on winning the Copa America for the 10th time.
The current favourite for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, Vinicius Junior rose to the occasion for Real Madrid last season, featuring in both the La Liga and Champions League team of the season as Los Blancos shone both domestically and on the continent. The 23-year-old has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and the pressure is on Vinicius Junior to fire Brazil to glory. Given his recent performances, he'll take that in his stride.
Young Player to Watch - Endrick
Vinicius Junior's impending teammate, Endrick scored his first Brazil goal against England earlier in the year and he's seen as the future of Brazilian football. The 17-year-old failed to score a league goal prior to his departure for Real Madrid but the teen forward has proven time and time again he can conjure up moments of magic out of nothing.
Tournment Prediction - Runners' up
Copa America History
Colombia's sole Copa America success came back in 2001 when the-then tournament hosts defeated Mexico in the final. Since then they've finished third on two occasions, doing so in 2016 and 2021, and fourth in 2004 in an unsuccessful attempt to defend their crown.
After brief spells in Qatar and Greece following a move away from Everton in 2021, James Rodriguez moved to Brazilian side Sao Paulo in 2023, yet has struggled to garner regular Brasileirao minutes. Nevertheless, Rodriguez captains the Colombia national team and has the vision to play those defence-splitting passes, which will benefit the likes of Luis Diaz and Rafael Santos Borre.
Young Player to Watch - Jhon Duran
While he may not start for Colombia, Jhon Duran shone on his rare appearances for Aston Villa last season. Indeed, Duran scored five goals in 463 minutes of action and while ill-discipline can be an issue - the 20-year-old collected as many yellow cards as he scored league goals in 2023/24 - he's a handful for any defence and his impact off the bench boosts Colombia's hopes of a second Copa America.
Tournament Prediction - Quarter-finals
Copa America History
Costa Rica will appear at their fifth Copa America this summer and they'll be aiming to make it beyond the group stages for just the second time in their history. Drawn alongside Brazil and Colombia in Group D, that'll prove easier said than done for Los Ticos.
After Keylor Navas confirmed his international retirement last month, quashing rumours he'll bow out after the Copa America, centre-back and captain Francisco Calvo's job becomes that bit harder. A player of Navas' calibre provided a solid last line of defence and the 31-year-old needs to play to his best to make the knockout stages.
Young Player to Watch - Manfred Ugalde
While Manfred Ugalde failed to replicate his FC Twente form when he departed for Spartak Moscow at the turn of the year, the young forward proved his effectiveness in front of goal in the first half of the season. The 22-year-old left for the Russian side having scored seven goals and provided six assists in the Eredivise, and he's one Costa Rica player opponents need to keep tabs on.
Tournament Prediction - Group stages
Copa America History
Paraguay have lifted the Copa America twice in their history, but have failed to do so since their 1979 triumph. Los Guaranies finished runners' up in 2011, losing to Uruguay 3-0 13 years ago, and made it to the quarter-finals in 2019 and 2021, but may struggle up against Brazil and Colombia.
Following a solid season that saw him score 11 and provide three assists, Miguel Almiron struggled to replicate that superb campaign last time out, netting just three times. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old remains a key man for this Paraguay side and he'll start on the right of Daniel Garnero's favoured 3-4-3 system this summer.
Young Player to Watch - Julio Enciso
Likely to start on the opposite flank to Almiron, a meniscus tear saw Julio Enciso miss a substantial chunk of the season. Nevertheless, even at 20 years of age, the Brighton winger is set to feature to the left wing for Paraguay in USA. Enciso ended the season with an average of 3.2 dribbles per 90 and his driving ability in possession will force defences onto the backfoot.
Tournament Prediction - Group Stages
Group Prediction
1. Brazil
2. Colombia
3. Paraguay
4. Costa Rica
