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What Do These Friendlies Mean for Copa America?

April 10th, 2007 | By: Trent | 6 Comments »

Today’s question is, What does Ecuador’s recent form tell us about Venezuela 2007? Answer: not much.

Excepting the defeat of Sweden in Ecuador, La Tricolor have not wowed the world in their friendlies since last summer great World Cup run. The initial match, against Brazil, was good actually, right up until Brazil gained a one-man advantage and came from behind to win. But the recent friendlies against the US and Mexico have held few bright spots.

Naturally, thoughts turn to the run-up to Germany 2006.

You can look here to see my assessment at the time of the pre-Mundial friendlies. To refresh your memories, note that Ecuador drew with Colombia (I was there!) and lost to Japan, the Netherlands and Macedonia (ouch!). It was this last one, I think, that set fans to worrying about the team’s chances in Group A.

It’s important to recall that Coach Suarez wasn’t terribly worried at the time. And he was right, as Ecuador advanced to the knockout stage for the first time ever, and nearly pulled one out against England.

So if you’re like me, this recent run of matches may have you anxious about the Copa America coming up. But at least we can pin our hopes on the fact that Suarez generally has the team up for the important matches.

Tags: Copa America, Ecuador Luis Suarez, England, Germany, Mexico, US, Venezuela, World Cup

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Comments

By Lee | April 10th, 2007 at 11:39 am

All is good so far, I remember the Macedonia defeat and it made me tremble and shiver but in the end look what happened, Ashley Cole saved the day for England in my opinion because had we had scored then Im sure we would of just put 11 men behind the ball. Plus Valencia is getting real mean doing two footed lounges!! lol

Posted from United Kingdom

By Manu | April 10th, 2007 at 6:29 pm

Yeap,what happened with Valencia? He got send off, how did he manage that!! He used to be such a nice boy!!!!

Posted from United Kingdom

By kn | April 12th, 2007 at 7:39 pm

Valencia’s not a dirty player. Like his coach Jewell said, he’s just naive more than anything.

Castillo might make a move to Atletico Madrid in the summer. That’s not bad at all. Also Mike Rodriguez from Barcelona Guayaquil might go to German Bundesliga. So things might be looking up for our players.

Posted from United States

By Christian | April 14th, 2007 at 10:16 am

Well like my last few previous comments on other blogs, Im not too bothered My dignity might have been a little bruised by the mexicans I had to face the days after the game….but My pride is still strong as ever and I still believe the goals WE scored against mexico were of high quality compared to the (in my opinion) weak goals caused from our poor defence mistakes which let mexico take the game…and as for the Copa BRING IT ON!!! but I look forward to the remaining friendlies against Ireland and Peru

Posted from Australia

By Leon | April 14th, 2007 at 11:14 am

I live in New Jersey and will be doing a “tail gating” party prior to the Ireland match. Let me know if any of you would like to join? I have a “gallada” of 20 people that we usually meet. The weather is nice in May and hopefully we will win

By Pablo | April 17th, 2007 at 11:21 am

Leon, SOUNDS AWESOME!! I also live in the tri state area , I live in Queens NY. I would love to join your “gallada”. I’ll bring the ceviche. do you know when the tickets go on sale?

Posted from United States

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