Author: Ellis King

http://gty.im/477278206 The incredible games just keep coming in Copa America 2015, the latest being Chile’s enthralling tie with Mexico which ended 3-3, including braces from both Arturo Vidal and Vicente Vuoso. The game opened at a stop-start pace, with neither side able to produce any real threat in the opening 20 minutes. Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez and Chile’s Alexis Sánchez were the two clear focal points for each side. Fifty seconds past the 20 minute mark we saw the first chance of the game and the first goal from Vicente Vuoso. The ball was curved into the box before Juan Carlos…

http://gty.im/477171714 Brazil fell behind early on but eventually managed to pick off plucky Peru in Temuco.  Los Incas took a shock lead after just three minutes as a hopeful ball over the top wasn’t dealt with by David Luiz, who poked the ball to an unwilling Jefferson. The Brazilian goalkeeper then lazily kicked the ball straight to Christian Cueva who smashed past him in return. Within two minutes of going behind Brazil were level. Dani Alves curled a pinpoint ball on to the head of Barcelona team-mate Neymar, who flicked his header into the corner of Pedro Gallese’s goal. Brazil…

http://gty.im/477174610 Another Copa America game began with a clear favourite, this time it was Colombia being tipped to breeze past Venezuela in their opening game. Unfortunately for the majority of punters, the bookies won this on, with Salomón Rondón’s goal the different at Estadio El Teniente. It was a high tempo start from both sides, but neither were able to create any clear opportunities inside the opening insert minutes. Venezuela were tenacious from the off, with referee Andres Cunha putting the whistle to his mouth a number of times, giving eight free kicks inside 25 minutes. The first chance of…

http://gty.im/476469344 ‘Tata’ Martino’s side threw away a two goal lead in the most exciting game of the tournament so far, as Paraguay pulled off a sensational comeback.  Argentina got off to a strong start, dominating the opening stages, which saw a high number of corners delivered by Ángel Di María. One in particular caught the eye, as Manchester United’s £60m signing tried to catch Paraguay goalkeeper Antony Silva off guard, curling the corner towards goal before Silva reacted in time, punching to safety. The frantic Argentine start continued into the 18th minute. Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano struck a fierce shot from…

http://gty.im/478601129 Uruguay kicked off their Copa America journey with a narrow victory over Jamaica, thanks to a goal from Cristian Rodríguez. The game began timidly as both sides failed to string together any prolonged periods of dominance. Edinson Cavani’s threat was clear inside the opening 20 minutes, with him stretching the Jamaican defence on numerous occasions, but he was unable to get a shot off for the most part. The first test for either goalkeeper came in the 37th minute, Rodríguez turned brilliantly on the edge of the box, before squeezing a shot towards goal that Duwayne Kerr turned around…

http://gty.im/476922730 Mexico and Bolivia came face-to-face in the second game of Copa America 2015, with both sides looking to get off to a strong start. El Tri entered the game as clear favourites with Bolivia being an unfamiliar team to most – even in South America. The final score came as somewhat of a surprise to fans, as Mexico failed to impress. As expected, Mexico dominated the opening half and had the first chance of the match after 11 minutes when a ball was lifted in to Juan Carlos Medina who volleyed wide of Romel Quiñónez’s goal. However, Bolivia weren’t…

http://gty.im/475538062 In the last few hours, São Paulo have confirmed the departure of young central defender Rodrigo Caio to Valencia for a fee of €12.5M, possibly rising to €16.5M based on performance related clauses.  The signing comes at a time when Valencia’s Nicolás Otamendi has been heavily linked with a move away from the club, gearing towards a move to Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United. The Argentine defender, who will be on show against Paraguay in Copa America on Saturday night, has been widely praised for his performances in La Liga, earning himself a place in many pundits’ Team of…

http://gty.im/476766150 Tournament hosts Chile headed into the first game of Copa America 2015 with the weight of a nation on their shoulders, hopes were high and they were eventually met thanks to goals from Champions League finalist Arturo Vidal and Napoli forward Eduardo Vargas. Chile flew out of the blocks, creating two goalscoring chances inside the opening five minutes. First Alexis Sánchez poked inches wide of the Ecuador goal after weaving his way towards goal, before the Arsenal star almost scored again, lifting the ball into the arms of Domiguez from the corner of the box. La Tricolor’s first chance…