Copa America Round-up: Mexico start strong, USA stumble, and Di Maria overcomes personal tragedy to inspire Argentina

United States hand a win to Colombia with meek showing
As Jurgen Klinsmann looked out onto the field on Friday night, he appeared dejected, as if unable to summon the right words to inspire his team.

The US did not look overawed by Colombia. They matched up fairly well, and even enjoyed the majority of possession during the game. However, by the time the opening match of the Copa America had finished, the United States had conceded two goals, and scored none.

“Overall, we were totally even,” Klinsmann said after the game. “We didn’t give them anything. Overall, I was very pleased with the performance of the team.”

Klinsmann’s remarks were not well received. To watch the United States was to see a team defend naively and struggle in attack. Geoff Cameron lost Cristian Zapata for Colombia’s opener, before DeAndre Yedlin turned his back on a cross to concede a penalty for a hand ball. All in all a poor showing, it once again left American fans questioning how far this team has actually progressed under Klinsmann.

Colombia were far from dominating. However, and more concerning, was the fact they did not need to be excellent to beat the US. They breached their defence with two soft touches, and then proceeded to take their foot off the gas. In response the US attack mustered little, with just two shots on target during the 90 minutes.

In the build-up to this tournament, Klinsmann revealed he was aiming for the final four. What at the time seemed a lofty goal, it now seems nigh impossible unless the team produce a drastic turnaround, something that seems equally as unlikely.

Marquez and Mexico set the early pace with emphatic win over Uruguay
Rafael Marquez has never been short of critics. During his time in Major League Soccer, the veteran defender was nothing short of a car crash. He earned red cards, head-butted opponents, and even criticised his own teammates.

The former Barcelona defender has endured a similar level of questioning with the Mexican national Team of late. Juan Carlos Osorio has often been asked why he sought to include the 37-year-old in his roster for the Copa America, despite his indifferent form with club side Atlas.

On Sunday against Uruguay, Marquez answered those questions. Instigating the attack for Mexico’s opener, he then produced the go-ahead goal with 5 minutes remaining. However, there was more to Marquez’s game than a goal and a secondary assist.

Marquez typified what it is to be a cultured defender. Playing in a defensive 3, with Diego Reyes in front of him, Marquez was his country’s quarterback, "It is important, but as I transmit [authority and confidence] to [my teammates], they transmit it to me,” said Marquez after the game. “It is a very complete squad mentally, physically and in all aspects and we’re on the right track.”

The 37-year-old’s evaluation of the Mexican squad seems fair. They looked dangerous in attack, and although they did not make more of a man advantage, they did summon two goals in the wake of losing Andres Guardado to a second yellow card.

Cast alongside an impressive start from Mexico, was a lethargy from Uruguay. A day that started poorly when their national anthem "Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba”, was accidentally replaced by the national anthem of Chile, things did not improve much after that.

Deservedly falling behind, the team surprisingly looked much better after Matias Vecino’s first half dismissal. Able to earn a route back into the game via Diego Godin, it only served to temporarily mask the team’s issues; most notably a lack of creativity in midfield.

A group so often fueled on self-belief and camaraderie, Oscar Tabarez will be fully aware that his team cannot afford another meek showing against Venezuela on Thursday, “I think in the end the result was a fair one,” Tabarez said afterwards. ”But I am happy with the courage my players showed when they were losing and had a man less.”

Controversial decision denies Ecuador a famous win over Brazil
Ecuador may well have taken a 0-0 draw against Brazil prior to kick-off. However, by the end of the game, they had every right to feel disappointed, and even incensed, that they would be leaving the game with only a point.

The controversial moment arrived in the 66th minute. A cross by Miller Bolanos was awkwardly parried into the net by goalkeeper Allison, and as Brazil’s custodian looked around with a nervous stare, the linesman signaled that the ball had gone out of play.

Video replays suggested the call was incorrect, and with that Brazil had avoided what would have been an embarrassing slip-up. Unsurprisingly full-time saw boos ring around the stadium, but for a variety of different reasons. Ecuadorians were mad at the officials, while Brazilians were mad at their team.

Dunga is largely seen as a defensive coach, and his team’s inability to score against Ecuador reaffirmed that notion. Able to produce slick passing interchanges, they lacked the spark to finish those moves. Philippe Coutinho was tasked with providing that moment, but the Liverpool midfielder simply could not produce when his country needed him most.

Substitute Lucas Moura was handed a chance late on after hesitation by goalkeeper Esteban Dreer, but his header flashed wide of the goal. A frustrating performance from Brazil, it highlighted the need for someone like Neymar, with his skill, drive, and ability to cut through tight spaces.

The Barcelona man was present in Pasadena, but only as a spectator. He took in the game alongside Jamie Foxx, and Justin Bieber, the consequence of his club making Brazil choose between participation in Copa America or the Rio Olympics.

At the same venue in 1994, Dunga was his country’s hero, scoring a penalty before lifting the World Cup. Just over 20 years on, and Dunga now feels more like a villain. A team that should be leading the way at these tournaments, Brazil instead look lost in the pack, which may be the most damning indictment of Dunga’s tenure, "We have to improve everything,” he said afterwards.

Di Maria inspires Argentina to victory amid personal tragedy
Angel Di Maria tried to keep his composure. He bit his lip, he covered his eyes, but eventually he could no longer stop the tears. Di Maria had learned of his grandmother’s passing a mere hours before Argentina’s opening game against Chile, but still opted participate.

“I wanted to play today because my grandma was always so proud that I was part of the national team,” he said after the game, fighting back the tears. “She was everything for me.”

Eventually breaking down, it was clearly too much for Di Maria. The midfielder opened the scoring for Argentina in the second half, before providing an assist for their second. A player that has often divided opinion in his homeland, he arrived at his country’s training camp off the back of a strong season with PSG.

That is arguably because he works best in the counter-attacking system. His finest moments for Manchester United and Real Madrid arrived when the team was breaking, just as they did on Monday night against Chile.

In the wider picture, Argentina achieved a victory without star man Lionel Messi. The Barcelona forward watched on from the bench as his teammates dispatched Chile 2-1, a sight that will likely please Tata Martino.

The bigger question now for Argentina is whether they can hold their nerve, and whether their star men, such as Di Maria, can stay fit. This team has lost two finals in two years, with the country’s last trophy arriving in this competition in 1993. A considerable drought for a nation with the ambition of Argentina, Di Maria may have no tears left if they manage to achieve it.

Results - Round 1

Group A
United States 0-2 Colombia
Costa Rica 0-0 Paraguay

Group B
Haiti 0-1 Peru
Brazil 0-0 Ecuador

Group C
Jamaica 0-1 Venezuela
Mexico 3-1 Uruguay

Group D
Panama 2-1 Bolivia
Argentina 2-1 Chile