Coral’s 2015 Copa America team of the tournament
Tournament hosts Chile made Copa America made history by winning the competition for the first time in its 99-year history, beating Argentina 4-1 on penalties in the 2015 final.
Coral football experts enjoyed covering this competition so much that we’ve got our heads together and made an all-star XI of standout performers. Who made it in? Read on and see!
Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo (Chile)
Although Argentina counterpart Sergio Romero kept as many clean sheets (four) as Barcelona stopper and host nation captain Bravo, his key saves during the final, in particular from one of the attackers mentioned below, tipped it for us.
Right back: Dani Alves (Brazil)
Putting another Barca player Alves in a team of the tournament would’ve been unthinkable a year ago. Awful when Brazil hosted the World Cup, he was recalled into the international fold at short notice when successor Danilo got injured on the eve of this competition.
Alves showed he still has lots to offer, even at 32, with two assists. The Samba Boys are 10/1 shots to win a sixth World Cup at Russia 2018, but need to address their over-reliance on Nou Camp star Neymar in attack.
Centre back: Gary Medel (Chile)
There’s just something endearing about the throwback aggression exhibited by Inter Milan and former Cardiff City anchorman Medel when he plays deeper at centre half.
Getting booked just one throughout the entire tournament is some achievement, and Chile’s successful Copa America campaign gets him in our XI ahead of soon-to-be San Siro teammate Jeison Murillo of Colombia.
Centre back: Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina)
Admittedly, there was some chopping and changing in defence by Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, but that tinkering cannot detract from how Valencia’s Otamendi played a huge part in La Albicelese reaching the final. Argentina are 8/1 shots to go one better and win the 2018 World Cup.
Left back: Marcos Rojo (Argentina)
Could Otamendi and our next selection be Manchester United teammates next term? A lot depends on the Red Devils’ pursuit of Sergio Ramos failing but, in an era when the Argentines are not blessed with a natural attacking outlet down the left-hand side of defence, Rojo is establishing himself.
Keeping four clean sheets like Medel, we’ve chosen La Albiceleste’s solid player over Mexico wing back Adrian Aldrete, who notched two assists as the Aztecs bowed out at the group stage.
Central midfield: Arturo Vidal (Chile)
Who was the catalyst for the hosts getting off a flier? Look no further than Arsenal target Vidal. Juventus’ fiery midfield all-rounder may have made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the tournament after crashing his Ferrari, but three goals illustrate his box-to-box brilliance superbly.
Attacking midfield: Jorge Valdivia (Chile)
Conducting things for the hosts was Valdivia. Three assists from him helped Chile to their memorable win, though it’s 50/1 they can replicate this victory on the global stage in Russia come 2018.
Attacking midfield: Angel Di Maria (Argentina)
Limping off injured during the final doesn’t mean record Man Utd purchase Di Maria had a bad tournament. We thought two goals and as many assists bettered compatriot Lionel Messi’s contribution of a solitary strike and laying on three more for teammates.
Right forward: Eduardo Vargas (Chile)
Top scorers tend to get into teams of the tournament, and we’ll treat former QPR flop Vargas no differently. He seems to be the Milan Baros of South American football. Somehow he lifts his game on international duty, scoring four in seven here (Vargas got as many at club level in 22 games at Loftus Road this term).
Centre forward: Paolo Guerrero (Peru)
Sharing the Golden Boot accolade with Vargas is Peru poacher Guerrero. Be honest, you didn’t have them down as finishing third now did you? Peru’s excellent showing at the Copa needs to be taken into World Cup qualifying.
Left forward: Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
Once again, it’s Manchester City frontman Aguero that grabbed the most goals for La Albiceleste with three from six starts. Gonzalo Higuain and Messi could only match that between them.
