Copa America predictions.

So, international football takes centre stage. Many competitions this summer, with the U-20 world cup, U-21 Euros and the Womens World Cup. But it is South America where the biggest stars will be on display.
So here are my predictions.

WINNER
ARGENTINA - An obvious choice, but quite simply they have the strongest squad. Messi, Aguero, Lavezzi, Higuain are joined by Carlos Tevez as a stunning set of strikers for the World Cup runners up. A strong and experienced midfield and defence should be enough to put Argentina in with a real chance of glory.

RUNNERS-UP
COLOMBIA disappointed in a rather limp exit from Brazil 14, but I can see them in the final this summer. Radamel Falcao could be key, but with Carlos Bacca, Jackson Martinez, Luis Muriel and Teo Gutierrez also in the squad they have options. James Rodriguez is the obvious star man. They have freshened up their defensive options, but Christian Zapata and Juan Zuniga remain stalwarts in front of David Ospina

SEMI FINALISTS
CHILE have home advantage, but will fall short imo. In Claudio Bravo they have South Americas best 'keeper, and in Alexis Sanchez they have top quality up front. However, it looks a lack of goal threat that could be their undoing. Eduardo Vargas has had a disappointing season in the PL, but Angelo Henriquez has been on fire in Croatia. He will need to deliver that form if Chile are to go all the way.

BRAZIL have responded to the humiliation of last year with a much changed squad. Danilo (23), Fabinho, Marquinho and Geferson (all 21) have been added to the defensive options, while Fred (no, not that one), Douglas Costa, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino add sparkle to the midfield. However, star man Neymar once again has less than impressive partners up front. Robinho has never really fulfilled his potential, while 30 year old Diego Tardelli is plying his trade in China. This could be their undoing.

FLOP
URUGUAY are defending champions, so a Quarter Final exit will be deemed a flop. However, without Luis Suarez they could struggle. Edison Cavani will have to step up, with Abel Hernandez and Christian Stuani as other experienced options. They will be hoping youngsters Diego Rolan and Jonathon Rodriguez can step up, with 22 year old Rolan the most likely.

Players to look out for outside the top teams
Marco Fabian - Mexico - Stood out for successful youth teams for Mexico, and looks the man most likely for the mainly home-based squad. An exciting attacking midfielder.
Danny Bejarano - Bolivia is the young hope for Bolivia. A creative midfielder who can get stuck in, at 21 has a lot of expectations on him.
Derlis Gonzales - Paraguay - Paraguay drew their way to the final in 2011, with all games bar the final ending level. They will be looking to this 21 year old Basle striker to help them to victories. He scored CL goals against Real Madrid and Porto, and will be hoping to partner Paraguay legend Roque Santa Cruz in Chile.
Salomon Rondon - Venezuela - The stand out name for what looks a pretty decent squad. Rondon has scored goals wherever he has played, including La Liga and the Russian Premier. If Venezuela are to progress through a difficult group, Rondon will have to be at his best.
Darren Mattocks - Jamaica - The Group B whipping boys will look to Mattocks to help them spring a shock. A squad filled with lower English league players, and the former England 'future star' Giles Barnes, do not look to have the quality to match the likes of Argentina and Uruguay, but the Vancouver striker, Mattocks, has a decent scoring record.


So, who do you think will win? Who are you looking forward to seeing strut their stuff?