COPA America 2011

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2011 Copa América :

The 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, will be the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America. The competition is organized by CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body, and will be held in Argentina from July 1 to July 24, 2011. The draw for the tournament was held in La Plata on November 11, 2010. The defending champion is Brazil. The highest finishing CONMEBOL team (other than Brazil) will earn the right to compete for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup hosted by Brazil.



Competing nations:

Both Japan and Mexico were invited to join the ten CONMEBOL nations in the tournament.Following a proposal by UEFA regarding national teams competing in tournaments organised by confederations different than their own, it was reported on November 23, 2009 that the two countries might not be able to take part in the 2011 Copa América.However, on March 31, 2010, CONCACAF confirmed that Mexico will be allowed to send their 2012 U-23 Olympic Team, supplemented with five over-age players.
Japan's participation was in doubt after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami,but the Japan Football Association confirmed on March 16, 2011 that they would participate.However, the Japanese FA later withdrew from the tournament on April 4, 2011 citing scheduling conflict with re-scheduled J. League matches.Following a meeting with the leadership of the Argentine Football Association, the Japanese FA decided to hold off on their final decision until April 15. The Japanese FA later announced on April 14 that they would compete in the competition using mainly European based players.The Japanese FA withdrew their team again on May 16 citing difficulties with European clubs in releasing Japanese players.On the next day, CONMEBOL sent a formal invitation letter to the Costa Rican Football Federation inviting Costa Rica as replacement.Costa Rica accepted the invitation later that day.

Argentina (hosts)
Bolivia
Brazil (holders)
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica (invitee, replaces Japan)
Ecuador
Mexico (invitee)
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela


Media coverage:

It was announced that YouTube will be streaming the tournament to over 50 countries worldwide.
http://www.youtube.com/user/CopaAmerica

CA2011.com - The Official Website of the Copa América 2011


India : Neo Sports , Kolkata TV
Middle East : Al Jazeera
UK : ESPN


Official Website : www.ca2011.com