Neymar Will Rise From His Slump

Big soccer tournaments come with big stars. This year’s Copa America has brought attention to Neymar, a Brazilian player who some even describe as “the next Brazilian legend”.  Although he is only 19, Neymar has demonstrated potential and talent to become one of the superstars in the soccer world. A few weeks prior to this tournament, Neymar shined and led his Brazilian club, Santos, to be the champions of the Copa Libertadores:

Although he has yet to play for a European team, it is said that Santos will keep him for a few more years to let his value rise and will then transfer him to a larger European club. Although Brazil failed to win against Venezuela and Paraguay in this tournament, and Neymar has failed to stand out so far, I feel that it is inevitable for a player with his talent to not have his breakthrough soon enough.

Underdogs Bring Surprises to the Copa America

For every soccer tournament there are always those who speculate: who will be the best player, who will be the worst player, who will be the team least likely to win, who will be the team most likely to win. This Copa America, commentators and speculators alike agreed that Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil showed potential for becoming the winners of the Copa. However, as the tournament continues to progress, several countries such as Chile have been reaching the top of the list.

In fact, some even argue that their soccer level is surpassing those of the favorites. As we know, everything is possible in the soccer world. We cannot undermine any team. For instance, Venezuela, widely regarded prior to the tournament as one of the weaker teams, is on the brink of qualifying to the quarterfinals. 

I have a feeling that this Copa America will prove many wrong.

Copa America Unites South America

The enthusiasm that a soccer tournament can bring to a country or even a continent is tremendous. We have seen how a tournament of the magnitude of the World Cup can bring people and even countries together. Though this year there will not be a World Cup, much of South America has been waiting for the Copa America - a tournament played every 4 years with mostly South American teams.

Every Copa America there is a guest team that comes to play. This year, it was Japan’s turn. However, after the devastating earthquake and the chaos that erupted afterwards Japan decided to withdraw from the tournament. In place of Japan, Costa Rica was invited.

Although this event is not as big as the World Cup, for South Americans this is the next best opportunity to win this trophy for their countries:

FC Barcelona to Play in Miami

After all the hype that came with Barcelona winning the Champions League final, I became so enthusiastic about the team that I began searching for any games that they might play in the United States. To my surprise, I found out that on August 3, they will play against Mexico’s Chivas de Guadalajara. 

This match could be the opportunity of a lifetime for someone living in the United States to see the best team on the planet. Although it has not been confirmed that Messi will attend the game (due to the ongoing Copa America), the other players have enough talent to beat most other teams in the world, such as Pique, Iniesta, and Xavi.

Seeing Barca live could be a dream come true for some soccer aficionados (like me). The tickets are affordable, starting at 40 dollars each, and to prove my point, the tickets are almost sold out.

This is the team picture for FC Barcelona, and below that is the team picture for Chivas de Guadalajara:

Relegation of River Plate Causes Chaos

It is no secret how passionate Argentines are about soccer, or rather, ‘fútbol.’ On June 26, these feelings overflowed from the crowd and were shown to the world. River Plate, recognized as sharing the crown with Boca Juniors in Argentine soccer, was relegated to "la B Nacional," or the second tier of soccer in the country. Having been in the first division for its whole 110 year history, the team disappointed and even embarrassed its fans. Furious River fans attempted to destroy the largest soccer stadium in Argentina, El Monumental, and riots erupted in the streets:

(source)

I clearly see how upset River fans can be, but destroying a stadium and assaulting its own players is no way of reacting to a lost match. Here, we can see the reaction of the fans: