This year, the 8th edition of the Copa America takes place in Chile from April 4th to 22nd. 10 nations have an appointment for the continental title of CONMEBOL, a competition in which the six-time Brazilian winner is favorite. The first round of the Copa America started with a large victory for Colombia in group A, while teammates Christiane Endler start a draw. In Group B, the Brazil - Argentina clash kept its promises despite a logical victory for La Seleçao.


This South American tournament, beyond the continental title, allows the two best nations to qualify for the FIFA World Cup - France 2019. The first will also be directly qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan, as in the second he will be able to dispute dams in view of these Olympics.

The Copa America is played in two stages. First a first round, with two groups of 5 and therefore four games for each team. Then, a final round with the two best of each group. Three matches for each team, with as in the first round, 3 pts for a win, 1 pt for a draw and 0 pt a defeat. At the end of this phase the final ranking determines the places and therefore the winner.


Group A: Colombia outclass Uruguay


The Colombian women enter the competition with a big 7-0 win over Uruguay. Catalina Usme did not hesitate to make the net shake, scoring the first goal of the tournament in the second minute. The 28-year-old Colombian even offers herself a four-fold increase in this meeting. Meanwhile, the captain of Las Cafeteras, Daniela Montoya and Yoreli Rincón, from a free-kick, had weighed down the mark before the break.

For her next match, Colombia will face Chile. The host country was held in check by Paraguay in its first match (1-1). A meeting where the Chilean selection has procured the best opportunities, but conceded the opening of the score early in the second period. Holder in the cages, the door of the PSG Christiane Endler must bow to a shot by Gloria Villamayor (53). Chile reacts and returns to the score less than ten minutes later thanks to Yanara Aedo. The player of Washington Spirit is at the conclusion of a beautiful collective movement, and allows La Roja to start this competition at home with a first point.


Group B: Brazil, without a hitch


Encouraged by Neymar, the women's Seleçao made their debut against Argentina. A duel at the top for this first day, since although Brazil is obviously favorite, Argentina is the only team that has managed to deprive the Brazilian women of a title of Copa America. It was in 2006, during an Argentinean edition, where the locals had won thanks to a 2-0 win against Brazil. And, 12 years ago, the best scorer was Cristiane Rozeira. The ex-player of PSG, still active on the side of China, was yesterday back in the national team, just like Formiga.

Against Argentina, Brazil won 3-1, but the game was contested. In the first half, Bia Zaneratto opened the scoring for the Vadao players. A bad pass behind a Albiceleste that the attacking opponent recovers. Bia Zaneratto moves towards the goal and skirts the penalty area entrance before unleashing a powerful left-wing shot. Unparalleled for Vanina Correa.

After the break, Argentina will return to the match with a direct free kick from Estefania Banini. The Washington Spirit player sends the ball right in the right window and allows her team to return to 1-1. A short equalizer since two minutes later, the door of Argentina concedes a penalty. Cristiane then takes care of transforming it with a perfect counter-foot. An advantage to the score that Brazil keeps until the end. Debinha even ensures the first victory of his team in this edition, scoring at the end of extra time. The player of NC Courage, alone at the far post, takes the head a good center Marta.


In the other half of the day for this group, Venezuela won 1-0 against Ecuador. A victory at the end of the game thanks to a majestic free-kick by Deyna Castellanos. The Venezuelan, third place winner of the 2017 Puskas prize (won by Olivier Giroud for his sublime scorpion shot against Crystal Palace) still offers a classy goal with this free-kick of more than twenty meters which leaves to lodge in the left skylight of the Ecuadorian goal (85th).

In this meeting, Venezuela had the opportunity to open the scoring at the start of the second period, with a penalty that Oriana Altuve hits on the post (46th).


Relive Deyna Castellanos' goal against Cameroon at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, earning her a Puskas Prize nomination.

The results :

Group A

Colombia - Uruguay: 7-0

Chile - Paraguay: 1-1

Group B

Ecuador - Venezuela: 0-1

Brazil - Argentina: 3-1


Next Matches:

Group A

Paraguay - Peru (6/4, 9:45 pm *)

Chile - Colombia (7/4, 0h *)

Group B

Argentina - Bolivia (7/4, 21:45 *)

Brazil - Ecuador (8/4, 0h *)

* times indicated on French time


Find in detail: Program & Results


Photo: Copa Femenina Chile 2018