Time for South America to regain its lustre

The Copa America, which begins tonight in Brazil, would be the ideal time for South American football to put on a show and reassert some of its grandeur.

European teams have won the last four World Cups, the longest streak on record. The club game in Europe, led by the Champions League, has never been so dominant and appealing. It begs the question, is South American football being left behind?

At the end of 2016, four South American players were widely considered the best in their positions: Argentina’s superlative attacker Lionel Messi, Brazil rightback Dani Alves, left-back Marcelo (also Brazil) and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez. Other players such as Thiago Silva (Brazil), Alexis Sanchez (Chile) and Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina) were coming off impressive seasons. Former Brazil player Junior, who is a commentator at TV Globo, said those days are over and South Americans are lagging behind the Europeans.

“The great players in the region are either nearing their retirement, in trouble or not ready to have a leading role,” he said. “This Copa America is important. We need to see either new stars rising or a last great run of the veterans. If not, European domination could advance into the next World Cup cycle.”

When Junior spoke of players “in trouble,” he might have been referring to Alexis Sanchez, Chile’s star player who scored only once for Manchester United in 20 matches last season. Or maybe James Rodriguez, the Colombia playmaker who is leaving Bayern Munich after a two-year loan spell and doesn’t appear to be wanted by Real Madrid. Or maybe Philippe Coutinho, the Brazil midfielder who has had a disappointing first full season with Barcelona.