Brazil, Argentina, Peru favorites in Copa America
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-07-07 11:38

Colombian Jorge L. Pinto, coach of the Costa Rican national soccer team, declared on Tuesday that Brazil, Argentina and Peru will be the protagonists in Copa America that was to open on Tuesday in Peru, although he did not "rule out Colombia and Costa Rica".

"We are going to compete and win. I am the most interested person in Costa Rica winning Copa America, because I come from South America, because it is a challenge that was put before me and I will meet it," Pinto said in an interview with a Costa Ricandaily.

The Costa Rican team traveled to Bogota, Colombia since last Thursday. On Tuesday it will travel to Lima and on Wednesday to Arequipa, where it will start its action in this tournament playing against Paraguay on Thursda.

Pinto thinks this year's Copa America "probably will not have ahigh level, although there could be surprises like in the Eurocup".

The absence of several stars "could take away the luxury and attraction from the fans, but the competition will be more demanding and dynamic because the participating players will do their utmost to leave the bench," he said.

Costa Rica will clash against Paraguay, Chile and Brazil in Group C.

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