Brazil, Argentina to fight for Copa glory

Much more than just the Copa America is up for grabs when the tournament kicks off on July 1 in Argentina.

For one, a spot in the 2013 Confederations Cup will be up for grabs.

But perhaps more importantly, continental bragging rights will be what the teams will truly be eyeing as the Copa America returns to Argentinean soil for the first time since 1987.

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As always, Brazil will be huge favourites to take out the title, although they won't have to worry about earning a spot in the next edition of the Confederations Cup, having already secured a berth as hosts of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Instead, they will be looking to retain the trophy they so convincingly won in 2007, when they beat Argentina 3-0 in the final.
That year, the Selecao were at the peak of their brilliance, with Robinho starring for them with six goals. And this time around, a new-look squad looks equally as dangerous.
In goal, Julio Cesar provides a safe pair of hands while a defence traditionally more famous for its attacking qualities is looking uncharacteristically steady, with Thiago Silva, Maicon, David Luiz and Dani Alves equally as capable without the ball at their feet.
In midfield, Lucas Leivia is likely to be deployed in a holding role, allowing the likes of Ramires and Elano to run riot.
Up front, AC Milan team-mates Alexandre Pato and Robinho will threaten any defence, but it is perhaps Santos duo Ganso and Neymar who will attract the most attention.
Both players have established themselves as top players in the Brazilian league, and have been constantly linked with a move to Europe.
Argentina have been installed as co-favourites alongside Brazil, and with the backing of a fervent home support, it's not difficult to see why.
Of course, it also helps having the best player amongst your ranks. Lionel Messi will undoubtedly be the star attraction of the tournament, while Angel Di Maria, Javier Pastore, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero are no slouches themselves.
Coach Sergio Batista has also opted for experience in defence, with Javier Zanetti, Gabriel Milito, Nicolas Burdisso and Pablo Zabaleta all expected to play key roles.
The two dark horses of the tournament appear to be Uruguay and Chile, who will get a chance to lock horns early on in Group C.
Uruguay have an outstanding attacking trio in Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, while Chile's trump card Alexis Sanchez is more than capable of winning a match of his own boot.
Elsewhere, Ecuador could spring an upset along the way, but will be heavily relying on Antonio Valencia and Christian Benitez to fire.
Colombia have traditionally been one of the more competitive teams in South America, but will need Wigan hitman Hugo Rodallega to be at his best if they are to go far. Midfielder Fredy Guarin has impressed for Portuguese champions Porto and will be looking to enhance his growing credentials in Argentina.
At the other end of the spectrum, Bolivia and Venezuela are traditionally whipping boys of the continent who will be hoping to maintain some respect in their performances, while invited-duo Costa Rica and Mexico will also be looking to do the same.
On any other day, Mexico would have been in with a real chance of challenging for honours. However, having recently been involved in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which they won, they have opted to send a largely reserve side, which has destroyed any chances of causing an upset.
The Copa America is not only a celebration of South American football, but it's also proven in the past to be the ideal showground for young players hoping to earn a move to a bigger club.
While Messi, Pato, Suarez and Sanchez are all likely to dominate the headlines, it will be interesting to see if any of the lesser lights make their mark in Argentina and stake their claims as South American football's next big thing.