Copa America 2024: Group B Preview
Group B might seem a bit underwhelming on the surface, but it’s got some talented players, and competitive nations which make it quite a tough one to predict! Will cover all four teams in some detail below.
Group B:
- Mexico
- Ecuador
- Venezuela
- Jamaica
Mexico
- Favourites to top the group, but aren’t the side they once were. Recent results have not fallen in their favour, as they were beaten 3-2 by Brazil, before a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Uruguay.
- Mexico at the 2022 World Cup were perhaps a bit unfortunate to be eliminated in the group stages, despite taking 4 points.
- Santiago Gimenez has had an incredible season, with 23 goals and 6 assists under Arne Slot at Feyenoord – he’s attracted attention from a high-calibre sides like Liverpool. He comes into the tournament in fine form, and is set to lead the line for Mexico. With Raul Jimenez left out, Santiago Gimenez should be in for a massive role as the primary goal-getter.
- 28-year-old Hirving Lozano was a surprise omission from the Mexico squad, as was legendary goalkeeper Ochoa.
- West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez is set to occupy the armband and lead the team as captain.
- On paper, Mexico don’t really seem to justify being favourites to top the group – although Group B is a tough one to really call.
Ecuador
- Ecuador were also unlucky to be eliminated so early in the 2022 World Cup, after taking 4 points in the group stages. They definitely gave a solid account of themselves, though,
- Ecuador currently sit 5th in the World Cup qualifying group – 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss which was to Argentina. Games involving Ecuador have typically been low-scoring, with 2 goalless stalemates, and 3 or more goals in just 2/6 games.
- Recent friendlies have also been promising, as Ecuador recently beat Honduras and Bolivia. Although they have struggled against better sides, losing (again) to Argentina, and Italy. If they are to progress through the group stages, chances are they won’t get much further.
- Pervis Estupinan has been omitted from the Ecuador squad, following an injury-hit season for Brighton. That’s a bitter blow.
- Enner Valencia is still going strong, and is set to lead the line for Ecuador once again. With 41 goals in 86 international appearances, Valencia is the record goalscorer for Ecuador.
- Keep an eye on Kendry Paez and Jeremy Sarmiento – two extremely talented youngsters. They were both in and amongst the goals against Honduras in the most recent friendly, and it’s clear they are trusted by the manager in spire of their youth.
Venezuela
- At first glance, Venezuela might seem like they are there to make up the numbers, but that is far from the case.
- Venezuela currently sit fourth in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying group, above fellow Group B team Ecuador, and Brazil too. 6 games, 2 wins, 3 draws and the sole loss came against Colombia.
- Might be a bit rusty, given that Venezuela had no June friendlies scheduled. The last competitive game they played was back in March.
- Solomon Rondon also has 41 goals for his nation, although in a slightly longer period than Enner Valencia – 105 games. The two sides are eerily similar in the sense of their low-scoring nature and reliance on a sole striker.
Jamaica
- Jamaica are massive outsiders to qualify for the knockout stages – priced at 5/1. It will be the third time they compete in Copa America.
- Jamaica won their two most recent games – North American World Cup qualifiers. They were also without Leon Bailey, whose participation in Copa America is under doubts, given disputes with the Jamaican board.
- In recent years, a lot of English players have switched allegiances to Jamaica to feature on the international stage. Leon Bailey, Demarai Gray, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Michail Antonio are all potent attacking options, to go with Amari’i Bell of Luton Town.
- Definitely think Jamaica are being underestimated here, as they have serious talent at their disposal. If Leon Bailey plays, goals should be on the agenda.
Group Prediction:
- Mexico
- Ecuador
- Venezuela
- Jamaica
