 Crespo's place in the Argentina side is in doubt |
The Copa America is about much more than just who wins the title. It is also a chance for the likes of Brazil and Argentina to build a side for the next World Cup.
Argentina, for example, seem to have come to the conclusion that they will not win in Germany in two years' time with Hernan Crespo as their centre-forward.
He is a consistent goalscorer, with an enviable record. But there are doubts about whether he has enough quality to tip the balance at the highest level.
That is why Javier Saviola's performance in Argentina's Copa America opener was so important.
A 6-1 win over Ecuador might seem all too easy. But the scores were level with under half an hour to go.
Saviola made it easy. He scored a perfect hat-trick inside 20 minutes - left foot, header, right foot.
The first goal was the key. He found space where none seemed available to thread in a cross-shot.
It was the type of goal that Crespo could never score, and it gives Argentina hope that better days are ahead.
Brazil are unable to take so much encouragement from their Copa America debut.
Their 1-0 win over Chile was a poor affair. They were sluggish in midfield and selfish in attack - and coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will be especially disappointed with the debut of 21-year-old midfielder Dudu Cearense. Brazil are aware that their passing out of defence will have to improve if they are to win the next World Cup. They need the ball to reach their superb strikers.
Dudu is a tall, elegant midfielder with an excellent range of passing - very useful qualities for the holding role. But marking is not his speciality.
His lack of pace was exposed by the quick breaking Chileans. He gave the impression that the occasion was all a bit too much, and was substituted soon after the hour.
His promise remains, though and the great thing about the group stage of tournament football is there is always a second chance.
MMIX
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