Copa américa - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Copa América is the oldest international football competition in the world, dating back to 1916. It is held every four years and is organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).
- 2. The tournament features the national teams of the 10 CONMEBOL member countries, as well as invited teams from other confederations. In recent years, teams from North America and Asia have participated as guests.
- 3. Brazil is the most successful team in Copa América history, having won the tournament a record nine times. Uruguay is the next most successful team with 15 titles.
- 4. The 2021 Copa América was originally scheduled to be co-hosted by Argentina and Colombia, but due to political unrest in Colombia and the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina, the tournament was moved to Brazil at the last minute.
- 5. The 2021 Copa América featured 10 teams divided into two groups of five. The top four teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage, culminating in the final match.
- 6. The 2021 Copa América final was held at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 to win their 15th Copa América title.
- 7. Lionel Messi was named the player of the tournament and finished as the top scorer with four goals. This was Messi's first major international trophy with the Argentina national team.
- 8. The Copa América has produced many memorable moments over the years, including Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal in 1986 and Brazil's 7-1 victory over Argentina in the 1949 final.
- 9. The Copa América has been a breeding ground for some of the greatest football talents in history, including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi.
- 10. The next edition of the Copa América is scheduled to take place in Ecuador in 2024. The tournament promises to showcase the best of South American football once again.