The Characters of Copa América

The Characters of Copa América

The Characters of Copa América

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By Gordon Fleetwood, writing from NYC

Football has always had its share of characters. South American football produces them regularly. Many of these players have graced past editions of the Copa América. Here are some of the players who will make the competition interesting from a non-football perspective this summer.

Sebastián “Loco” Abreu (Uruguay)

The nickname Loco (mad in Spanish) says it all really. The big, lumbering center forward has a history of clubs that looks like a shopping list for a family of twelve. Abreu is known for his ungainly, quirky playing style as well his penchant of using the panenka technique to take penalties–especially in high pressure situations. The thirty-four year old will find it hard to get time given Uruguay’s numerous attacking options. If he does, some entertainment will not be far away.

Luis Suárez (Uruguay)

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El Pisteloro has a temper reminiscent of a smoking gun. Widely vilified for this save against Ghana in last summer’s World Cup, he followed that up by taking a bite out of PSV’s Otman Bakkal in a Eredivisie league match. Since moving to Liverpool, Suarez has mostly been on his best behavior - other than trying to uproot a few strands from the head of Manchester United’s Rafael. However, if things start going against him this summer, look out, he might just explode .

Gary Medel (Chile)

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Another player whose nickname speaks volume. The short, tough-tackling midfielder known as The Pitbull, seems to take receiving cards–including quite a few red ones–as  compliments. It’s his combative nature, short temper, and his commitment to the cause which usually gets him in trouble. No example is more pertinent than the first Superclásico of 2010. Medel’s two goals gave Boca a 2-0 win, but he also managed to get himself sent off. As long as the Sevilla midfielder is on the pitch, you’re guaranteed a couple of heated confrontations, and many crunching tackles. 


Jorge Valdivia (Chile)image

The man known as El Mago (The Magician) is blessed with technique and creativity, as well as a slightly eccentric personality. One only has to look at the unique dribbling technique that he developed. He even managed to injure himself while using it. Add to that another bizarre incident, and Valdivia is certainly an odd character. He will most likely be the second choice playmaker behind Matias Fernandes, but he will come on as some point in the tournament. The playmaker’s dribbles and eagle-eyed passes will almost certainly be combined with some strange behavior. 


David Luiz (Brazil)
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The Sideshow Bob style hair is almost a dead give-a-away. Chelsea’s jovial centerback may not display his alter-ego on the field, but Youtube has a number of recordings of his more childish moments. Expect some funny videos coming of the Brazilian camp during the tournament. Luiz will be the likely origin of any high jinks.