It’s Day 6 of Copa America Centenario and for the first time in this competition, we have had a goal fest. Brazil thrashed Haiti 7-1 (who were eliminated) to move to the top of Group B, while Peru and Ecuador fought out a pulsating 2-2 thriller between them.
Here’s a quick glance at the results today. Also, check the video highlights:
Group B: Brazil 7-1 Haiti
Group B: Peru 2-2 Ecuador
Who can qualify from Group B?
First, check the latest standings from Group B
Brazil – A win against Peru will see them progress to the next round. A draw will also do as they have a good goal difference ratio than other teams.
Peru – A win against Brazil to see them through to the quarters. A defeat would put them under a lot of pressure, especially if Ecuador beat Haiti in their last match.
Ecuador – They need to beat Haiti and hope Brazil win against Peru. Alternatively, they can improve their goal difference with a massive win against Haiti (similar to Brazil’s margin) which could make a difference if Brazil and Peru play out a draw between themselves.
Copa America Day 6: Major Talking Points
Brazil hit gear at the right time: There is always a huge expectation from Brazil whenever they take the field. Yes, we know, that this is a relatively weaker squad with several big names missing, but with Brazil, the expectation is always high. After their 0-0 draw with Ecuador in the opening game (mind, it was an entertaining game contrary to what the scoreline suggest) many commented that Brazil have lost their attacking edge, which used to define their style. While tactically they may have improved but fans were left largely disappointed for abandoning their natural attacking style.
Against Haiti, a relatively weaker opposition, Brazil players seemed to have finally found their rhythm. They created loads of chances and looked like they would score from every possible opportunity. The overall passing, off the ball movements, finishing, link up plays were much better and they did a good job by improving their goal difference, which may turn out to be crucial at the end of the final Group B game.
Philippe Coutinho’s hat-trick: Liverpool fans call him a little magician. The 23-year-old can be very frustrating at times (inconsistency being his only demon that impedes him from becoming a world-class player) but when he is on a song, there aren’t many players around who are such a joy to watch. He is capable of producing a moment of magic, out of nowhere. Remember his outrageous goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League last season? He’s capable of that kind of stuff.
The injury to Neymar has presented him a glorious opportunity to cement his place in the national team. He has performed well for Liverpool in 2015/16 and needs to carry that form for Brazil as well. In fact, Dunga is heavily reliant on him for his creativity. He responded with a hat-trick that includes two sensational golazos.
Christian Cueva’s ‘Oh-My-Word’ moment: Peru’s Cueva has produced arguably the best goal of the tournament so far. That sublime touch and the following turn brings back old memories – a certain Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp did that to Newcastle years ago.
More Copa News: Messi trains, Coin odds, Adidas blunder
Argentina may not need Lionel Messi at all during their group stage matches, but the good news is that the Barcelona superstar has rejoined his teammates for training on Wednesday in Chicago, two days before their Copa America Centenario match against Panama.
After two national anthem gaffes, Copa Organisers are having a nightmare time. Ahead of Colombia’s 2-1 win over Paraguay, an unusual incident took place. Before the game, the referee flicked the coin into the air but it fell to the turf and land on its edge, much to the amazement of everyone. Interestingly, the odds of a coin landing vertically is roughly estimated to be 6,000-1.
Adidas got into the swing of Copa fever by promoting an advert for Colombia’s new 2016-17 home kit up across the United States. But, such is the curse of this year’s Copa Centenario, the sports brand opted for “Columbia” (name used in South American countries) over “Colombia”. Adidas has apologised to the Colombian federation team for their mistake.
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