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Group C
The third group sees the return of the USA to the tournament for the first occasion since 1995, somewhat odd considering the military sanctions their government have imposed on the host nation. After some strong recent performances, American optimism seems to be high, and they should be able reach the second phase.

Argentina are the first to meet the Americans on June 28. Their array of attacking talent, including the scintillating Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez should prove too much for their opposition’s defensive lines to cope with. Add in the return of experienced midfielders Juan Sebastian Veron and Juan Riquelme and it is easy to see why they are the pre-tournament favourites.

Solid as ever, Paraguay will be hoping to at least emulate their run to the quarter finals in 2004. They are a strong, resolute side, who will look to play on the counter attack, feeding Bayern Munich striker Roque Santa Cruz, who despite flattering to deceive at the World Cup is by far their biggest attacking threat.

Rounding up the final group is Colombia, no longer the force they were in the mid to late nineties and struggling for form in recent years. It is hard to see where the goals are going to come from for them and this alone will probably be enough to consign them to a first round exit.

Likely Order: Argentina, USA, Paraguay, Colombia

Tournament Winner
The smart money will obviously go on the two pre-tournament favourites: Argentina and Brazil. If you are looking for an outside bet then Chile at around 40/1 could be what you are looking for, provided they make the knockout stages. As for the hosts, it will take a minor miracle if they are to win the competition, although progress from their group is possible.

If you thought that summer was going to get boring without your regular football dosage then fear not, because the Copa America should provide enough thrills and spills to keep you awake long into the early hours of the morning. In addition, for many fans it will give you a chance to check out your clubs new and/or prospective signings, long before they pull on your club’s colours. So grab your Cuba Libre, sit back and enjoy the show.