Introducing the Copa America Centenario and Why You Should Care About It

Many of you don't care for soccer and that's okay. I know plenty of people who hate excitement in sports, and America. But I'm here today to convince you to pay attention to the betting options for Copa America Centenario 2016 on https://www.apostasesportivasbonus.com/, which begins tonight.   So, what is it, you ask? It's a big damn deal. That's what it is. The Copa America Centenario is a celebration of 100 years of CONMEBOL (South America's soccer confederation) and the Copa America (the South America championship). This year's Centenario is the first Copa America hosted outside South America, and it's right here on our own turf, all over the United States. CONMEBOL was kind enough to invite the CONCACAF (North America, Central America and the Caribbean) to participate in its special 100th birthday tournament, making a huge field of 16 teams: all 10 from CONMEBOL and six from CONCACAF. I lost you with all of those acronyms, didn't I? Here are the participating teams:

CONMEBOL (South America)	CONCACAF (Special Invites/Qualifiers)
Argentina	United States
Bolivia	Mexico
Brazil	Costa Rica
Chile	Jamaica
Colombia	Haiti
Ecuador	Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela

Why should you care? Because you're an American. That's why. Also, it's one of the biggest international tournaments in the history of the sport. Never mind the fact it was created for the sole purpose of making a bunch of money for South American soccer execs -- some of whom have been arrested -- it's going to be awesome. Several of the best players in the world will participate. And America. Did I mention that? When does the U.S. play? The USMNT kicks off the tourney tonight at 9:30 pm against Colombia, the biggest threat in the group stage. Costa Rica will be the second group opponent, on Tuesday, June 7; followed by the third and final game of the group stage, against Paraguay on Saturday, June 11.

USMNT's Group A Schedule
Colombia	Friday, June 3	9:30 pm	FS1
Costa Rica	Tuesday, June 7	8:00 pm	FS1
Paraguay	Saturday, June 11	7:00 pm	FS1

Should the U.S. advance to the knockout stage, it will face either the Group B (Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru) runner-up on Thursday, June 16 or the Group B winner on Friday, June 17. Where should you watch? If you're in Lexington, I recommend the Paddock. That's where I'll be. If the Paddock is a little too fast-paced for your taste, the American Outlaws meet at West Sixth Brewery. Whatever you do, get out in public and get rowdy. Be your best patriot.  Other things you should know ahead of kickoff: -- The USMNT's goal is to reach the semifinals, which shows how tough the tournament will be. Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said, "The goal is really to get to the final four. We want to get to the final four.” That would be a win for America in this field. -- Jozy Altidore, one of the only U.S. players the common fan can name, will not play; but keep an eye on the new, young crop of Americans. The future is bright with guys like Christian Pulisic, Bobby Wood, Gyasi Zardes, John Brooks (of World Cup 2014 fame) and Darlington Nagbe. -- Colombia is ranked third in the world, some 28 spots ahead of the U.S. at No. 31. Tonight's game will be a challenge. -- The best player in the world and World Cup runner-up are in the field with Lionel Messi and Argentina. He is/they are unreal. -- The Americans have been pretty bad lately. Hell, they didn't even qualify for the Olympics. But with big wins over Ecuador and Bolivia last week, there's some momentum and some excitement brewing entering the biggest tourney outside the World Cup. Get excited! (Or move to Canada.)