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Yesterday marked day 2 of Copa America 2016, and the tournament's first full day of action with a combined three matches from Group A and B.
Day 2 got off to a slow start with the Group A matchup between Costa Rica and Paraguay ending in a 0-0 draw. An ideal result for the U.S after dropping the opening match against Colombia.
Meanwhile in Group B, Peru would score the only goal of the day in their 1-0 victory over Haiti. But what day 2 lacked in goals it more than made up for in controversy, with a highly questionable call in the day's closing match costing Ecuador an upset victory over Brazil.
The match finished in the second scoreless draw of the day, after an outrageous would be winning goal by Ecuador's Antonio Valencia, was disallowed, the ref judging the ball to have gone out of play before Valencia's shot.
Goal? No goal?!? Really? Brazil get bailed out big time by the ref after Alisson flubbs Valencia's cross! #BRAvECU https://t.co/apfIO3xcw3
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 5, 2016
The focus is on Group C tonight as Mexico, Uruguay, Jamaica, and Venezuela take the field. Many experts are calling Mexico one of the dark horses in the tournament, they face their toughest challenge in the group stage in the opener against La Celeste.
Who: Mexico vs. Uruguay
When: Sunday, June 5 at 8:00pm
Available TV: FS1, Univision, Univision Deportes
Available Streaming: Fox Sports GO, Univision Deportes, fuboTV (free trial)
What to Watch For:
Is Jurgen Damm the real deal for Mexico?
Everyone knows Chicharito, Guardado, and Ochoa for El Tri. The player to watch is Tigres winger Jurgen Damm. His run led to Guardado's goal at the Georgia Dome last weekend. The 23 year old has speed to burn and is known as the second fastest player in the world behind Gareth Bale.
Predictions:
Jason:
Mexico has won their last nine straight, with their last seven coming via shutout. With Luis Suarez nursing a hamstring injury picked up in the Copa del Rey final and likely to miss the group stage, Uruguay will need Edinson Cavani to find the back of the net. Cavani has not been in the best of form for his country and struggled mightily at last summer's Copa America. Expect Mexico to be tight at the back and to find a goal to seal a 1-0 victory.
Seamus:
Mexico and Uruguay square off in what could easily be the best match of the Group stage. With Mexico in top form and Luis Suarez out of the picture, El Tri are definitely the favorites in a match that may determine the winner of Group C. But Cavani is fully capable of stepping up to fill the void left by Suarez. so long as the Uruguayan back line anchored by Gimenez and Godin can keep Chicharito and the Mexican attack at bay, expect things to be dead even. The match finishes with a 1-1 draw.
Who: Jamaica vs. Venezuela
When: Sunday, June 5 at 5:00pm
Available TV: FOX, Univision, Univision Deportes
Available Streaming: Fox Sports GO, Univision Deportes, fuboTV (free trial)
What to Watch For:
Can Jamaica repeat last summer's success?
Last summer, Jamaica rolled through the Gold Cup and reached the final where they fell to Mexico. They might be even better this summer. Goalkeeper Andre Blake is starting to come into his own in Philadelphia. Wes Morgan captained Leicester City to the Premier League title. Even in a tough group, the Reggae Boyz must have high expectations for a big summer.
Predictions
Jason:
If Venezuela is to have any chance to surprise in Group C, they have to win this one. They are capable, they shocked Colombia in their opener at last summer's Copa America. Jamaica has too much quality though and will get through with a 2-1 win.
Seamus:
Jamaica playing a summer tournament in the U.S. We've seen this movie before. Venezuela keeps it close but the Reggae Boyz start their Copa run with three points. 1-0 Jamaica.