The Latin American region is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches and vibrant cultures across the globe. However, recent developments led many to wonder just how safe the region is.
The Copa America is just around the corner, kicking off on Friday when the US and Colombia face off.
Every major tournament comes with major surprises. Who would have thought that Spain would be the first team eliminated from the 2014 World Cup after almost a decade of dominance? Who would have expected Costa Rica to be the little engine that could for a while or that Brazil would get demolished 7-1 at home as it fell from grace? Or even last summer when Peru became a Copa America darling, finishing third. Or who would have expected Lionel Messi to score a total of zero goals in leading Argentina to the final of the Copa?
Yet many people likely predicted some of these outcomes, bold as those Prophesies might have been. Here are five bold predictions for this Copa America.
Neymar and Luis Suarez have noted their close relationship on Barcelona as a key to the club's success. The two will be on opposite sides of the pitch when Brazil and Uruguay face off in a crucial CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier.
Chile is thriving in CONMEBOL, while other South American nations are struggling. Is it finally time to call Chile the best soccer team on the continent?