Copa America Venezuela 2007

[rav3n]

About Copa América

The Copa América is the main national football competition of the CONMEBOL nations. It is normally held every two years, but the intervals may change.

The participating nations are Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Two invited teams from other confederations complete the 12-team field.

The Copa América is the oldest surviving international football competition in the world, as it was held for the first time between July 2 and July 17, 1916 as part of the commemorations of Argentina's independence centenary. The CONMEBOL was then founded during this event, on July 9 (Argentina's independence day). It is normally held every two years, but the intervals may change.

The tournament was previously known as Campeonato Sudamericano de Selecciones (South American Championship of National Teams) being South American Championship of Nations it's official english language name. The competition received the name used nowadays on 1975. Between 1975 and 1983 it had no host, and was held in a home-away fashion. In 1984, the CONMEBOL adopted the policy of rotating the right to host the Copa América amongst the ten member confederations. The first rotation will be completed in 2007, when the competiton take place in Venezuela.

Since 1993, two teams from other Federations are also invited. So far, the invited teams have been Costa Rica (1997, 2001, 2004, 2007), Honduras (2001), Japan (1999), Mexico (1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007), and the United States (1993, 1995). The USA has also been invited every year since 1997, but turned down the invitation due to scheduling conflicts with the USA's top professional league, the MLS. For the Copa América 2001, Canada was an invitee, but on July 6, 2001 withdrew because of security concerns.

The last winner of the Copa America, in 2004 (Peru) was Brazil, in a great final against Argentina.

About Copa America Venezuela 2007

The Copa América 2007 is a football tournament, set to be held in Venezuela between June 26 and July 15, 2007. It is organised by CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body. This will be the first time Venezuela, the only Spanish-speaking South American nation where football follows baseball in popularity, will hold the tournament.

Competing Nations

Venezuela (hosts)

Argentina

Bolivia

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica (Invitee)

Ecuador

Paraguay

Peru

Mexico (Invitee)

Uruguay

Costa Rica had been provisionally extended an invitation by CONMEBOL upon an initial rejection from the USA team. However, the latter later decided to accept the invitation leaving the former out of the competition.

The United States, as winners of the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, have a standing invitation to take part in the tournament. As of October 30, 2006 they have accepted the invatation. Scheduling conflicts with Major League Soccer have prevented the U.S. from participating in the Copa América since 1995, but United States Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati has recently said he will send the U.S. National Team.[1] However, it is also rumored that Brazil will withdraw; the 2007 Pan American Games will be held in Brazil during the Copa América, and blanket television coverage of that event in Brazil will leave the country without a television network with spare time to air the Copa América. But Brazil will participate and send a youth squad to the Pan American competition.

CONMEBOL is considering expanding the number of competing nations to 16. Rumours included Portugal and Spain (the former colonial powers) as invited nations, along with the 4 best teams from CONCACAF, presumably United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago, with Guatemala (fifth in CONCACAF 2006 World Cup qualifying) or Panama (runners-up of the 2005 Gold Cup, and the nearest Central American country to South America) as backup options if the USA choose not to enter the competition.

The Mascot, choosen days before the Germany 2006 WC Final, after a massive contest that had eight million of entries from school childrens from all over the country. It represents a Macaw, a typical bird of the Amazonas. This is the original design. Proffessionals had retouched it, but i just had the chance to see the final design on the official pins, not in the net (during the FitCar 2006 event, the mascot was promoted)

Host Cities & Stadiums

Venezuela

Venezuela is a country on the northern tropical Caribbean coast of South America. Venezuela borders Brazil to the south, Guyana to the east, and Colombia to the west. North of the Venezuelan coast lie the islands of Aruba, the Netherlands Antilles, and Trinidad and Tobago.

A former Spanish colony, Venezuela is a federal republic. Historically, Venezuela has had territorial disputes with Guyana, largely concerning the Essequibo area, and with Colombia concerning the Gulf of Venezuela (Gulf of Coquibacoa according to Colombia). This issue is not yet resolved.

Today, Venezuela is known widely for its petroleum industry, the environmental diversity of its territory, and its sheer natural beauty. Some have claimed that Christopher Columbus was so enthralled by Venezuela's landscape, when arriving to its coast in 1498, that he referred to the land as Tierra de Gracia (Land of Grace), which has become the country’s nickname.

Caracas

Caracas is the capital of Venezuela. It is located in the north of the country, following the contours of a narrow mountain valley located on the Venezuelan coastal range (Cordillera de la Costa). The valley's temperatures are springlike, and the urbanizable terrain of the Caracas Valley lies between 2,500 and 3,000 ft (760 and 910 m) above sea level. The Valley is close to the Caribbean Sea , separated from the coast by a steep mountain range (Cerro Ávila) that rises above 8,000 ft (2600 m); to the south lies further hills and mountains. The historic center of Caracas, known as the Libertador District, had an estimated population of 2.1 million in 2005

The city was founded on July 25, 1567 as Santiago de León de Caracas by Spanish explorer Diego de Losada.

The city of Caracas was the birthplace of two of Latin America's most important figures: Francisco de Miranda and "El Libertador" Simón Bolívar.

An earthquake destroyed the city on March 26, 1812 and was portrayed by authorities as a divine punishment to people rebelling against the Spanish Crown, during the Venezuelan War of Independence.

As the economy of oil-rich Venezuela grew steadily during the first part of the 20th century, Caracas became one of Latin America's economic centers, and was also known as the preferred hub between Europe and South America.

Caracas is Venezuela's cultural capital boasting several restaurants, theaters, museums, and shopping centers. The city is also home to an array of immigrants from but not limited to: Spain, Italy, the Middle East, Germany, Portugal, China, and Latin American countries.

Caracas hosted the 1983 Pan American Games.

The Stadium

Built during the regime of Marcos Perez Jimenez in the 50's, the stadium was the main venue of the 1983 Pan American Games.

Because the Stadium form part of the UCV (Venezuela Central University), it is also UNESCO Human Heritage, so it will not suffer relevant changes on the design. It was planned to host the opening ceremony, but because of the problems with the university and it's renovation, it was moved to San Cristobal.

Actually the stadium can host 28000, but after the remodelations, it will host 40000 (the stadium has no seats today, something that is going to be improved on the stadium)

Maracaibo

Maracaibo is the second largest city in Venezuela and the capital of the Zulia state. The 1990 census assigned a population of 1,249,670—a number that many considered to be understated. Maracaibo is located at 11°2' North, 71°35' West (11.0333, -71.58333). [1]

Maracaibo is nicknamed as La Tierra del Sol Amada ("The Land Beloved by the Sun").

Maracaibo was founded in 1529 on the western side of Lake Maracaibo which is the dominant feature of the oil-rich Maracaibo Basin. Favored by prevailing winds and a protected harbor, the city is located on the shores of the lake where the narrows, which eventually lead to the Gulf of Venezuela, first become pronounced.

The building of the "El Puente Sobre El Lago de Maracaibo "General Rafael Urdaneta"—(General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge over Lake Maracaibo) named after the distinguished hero of the War of Independence was opened to public traffic in 1962. The project was completed on schedule in 40 months.

This bridge construction project was a remarkable feat. Built under very difficult conditions, when completed, it became the longest prestressed concrete bridge in the world. The structure is in constant use and remains today as the most important link between Maracaibo, along with much of the State of Zulia, and the rest of Venezuela.

Maracaibo has become a big metropolitan city, compromised in two Municipalities: to the North the Municipality of Maracaibo and to the South the San Francisco Municipality (Established in 1995). In the recent years due to political/economic and cultural reasons many have moved to Maracaibo from rural areas and other cities (including Caracas). Many consider Maracaibo to have all the good things Caracas has (Education, Night clubs, Healthcare) without the drawbacks (traffic, pollution, crime, garbage)

Stadium

(CAPACITY: 40,000) The Pachencho Romero Stadium (named after the former Venezuelan Olympic Comitee President), hosted the 1998 Centroamerican & Caribbean Games.

Barquisimeto

Barquisimeto is the capital city of the State of Lara located in west central Venezuela, halfway between Caracas and Maracaibo on the Turbio River. Coordinates: 10°3′50″N, 69°18′56″W.

The city has strong agroindustrial roots, being surrounded by a sugar cane valley and near one of the largest vegetable production regions in Venezuela: the Valle de Quíbor (Quíbor Valley) and Sanare. Also, Barquisimeto is very close (about a 55-minute drive) to the most successful wineries in the tropical countries: Viña Altagracia

First founded by Don Juan de Villegas in 1552 and named Nueva Segovia de Variquisimeto it was later moved to several places until 1563 when the town finally settled in its present location. Barquisimeto is today a modern town, fourth most populated in the country; highly important for its situation in the middle of the west-central axis of communications, industries and agriculture of Venezuela.

Two of the many landmarks in Barquisimeto is an obelisk, called El Obelisco (which is actually flat on top not making it a true obelisk), which was raised to commemorate Barquisimeto's 400th anniversary of foundation; and the cathedral, which is inside an oddly shaped design, very rare in Latin America since it consists of a cross-like tinted glass dome, designed in 1959 by Jan Bergkamp and finished in 1969.

Once a year in January, the Divina Pastora (Divine Shepherdess), which is a big moveable statue of the Holy Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus and sheep, is held by 6 to 10 men and carried to the cathedral from the Bassilica Minor located in the nearby town of Santa Rosa. More than 2 million people join the procession and walk the entire course every January 14, some even barefoot or holding a wooden cross.

Considered as the musical capital of the country, is the place of birth of the Cuatro, a native musical instrument (like the guitar but with four chords).

Stadium

(CAPACITY: 40,000) The stadium is completly new for the Copa America. It will freature red & brown colours, because of the artistic tradition of the city. It will be used only for footbal, so the spectators can watch better the games.

Ciudad Guayana (Puerto Ordaz)

Ciudad Guayana is a city in Bolívar State, Venezuela. It lies south of the Orinoco, where the river is joined by the Caroní River. The city, officially founded in 1961, is actually composed of the old town of San Felix and the new town of Puerto Ordaz, which lie either side of the Caroní and are connected by two bridges. The city stretches 40 kilometers along the south bank of the Orinoco. With approximately 800,000 people, it is a large city by Venezuelan standards. It is also the country's fastest-growing city, due to its important iron industry.

It's one of Venezuela's five most important ports, since most goods produced in Bolívar are shipped through it into the Atlantic Ocean, via the Orinoco river.

Ciudad Guayana was founded in 1961 as a project by the Corporación Venezolana de Guayana, merging two towns on both of the riversides of the Orinoco, San Félix and Puerto Ordaz as a single city. Since then, many industries have settled in it, since its geographical position gives it many advantages, it's a centerpiece between cities such as Upata and Ciudad Bolívar, two of Bolívar State's most important cities.

Stadium

(CAPACITY: 45,000) The roof will change of colours at night, like the Allianz Arena of Munich, Germany. The stadium is being renovated with a new image for the America Cup.

Puerto La Cruz

Puerto la Cruz is a Harbor Capital of the Venezuelan state of Anzoátegui

Puerto La Cruz is the capital of Juan Antonio Sotillo municipality. It's the second most important city of Anzoategui State after its capital which is Barcelona (Simon Bolivar municipality)

It is bordered by Lecherías (Diego Bautista Urbaneja munipality) and Guanta (Guanta municipality). The city is located on Pozuelos Bay (Bahía de Pozuelos, in Spanish). It is on the Caribbean Sea and near Mochima National Park.

The main economic activity of Puerto La Cruz is tourism. With good hotel infrastructure, this city is able to receive tourists from all over the globe.

There are several ports from which people depart to the beaches of Mochima National Park and nearby island beaches, as well as a port for ferries that go to Margarita Island (Nueva Esparta State).

In the canals of Complejo Turístico El Morro (El Morro Tourist Complex), there are elegant neighborhoods with their own docks where yachts are parked.

Being located in a bay with deep waters accelerated its process of becoming a port for international traffic in petroleum and a commerce port was established in the neighbour municipality of Guanta.

The history of this town begins when the Spaniards arrived in Venezuela. In 1780, the Christian Mission of Pozuelos (Pozuelos means small wells) was founded, having Indians as the majority population.

In 1868 the first Church was built and the name of the town was changed to Puerto de la Santa Cruz (Port of the Holy Cross), but as the years passed people got used to calling it just "Puerto La Cruz".

Stadium

(CAPACITY: 40,000) Named after the hero of independency Jose Antonio Anzoategui (like the state name).

Construction of the Stadium (The last photo is from 02/10/2006)

Maturin

Maturín is the capital of the Venezuelan state of Monagas. It is situated 520 kilometres from the country's capital, Caracas. The city was founded on 7 December 1760 by Fray Lucas de Zaragoza. It is one of the most important cities in the east of the country as its strategic position serves as a bridge to the other states of the region. The city has a population of over 600,000 people, has some tourist attractions and it is possible to travel there by land or by using José Tadeo Monagas International Airport. The city has grown during the last few years mainly because of the increase of the oil industry in the state. Among its most prominent residents is Carmelo Velasquez, also known as "el bebé", known for his wide research in the field of international politics and languages dedicated to his beloved region.

Stadium

AUGUST

NOVEMBER

(CAPACITY: 52.000) It will be the biggest stadium of the country. Like the Barquisimto stadium, it will only serve for football.

s.

San Cristobal

San Cristóbal (1990 pop. 220,675), is the capital city of the Venezuelan state of Táchira it is located in a mountainous region of Western Venezuela. The city is situated 800 m/2,625 ft above sea level in the northern Andes overlooking the Torbes River, 56 km/35 mi from the Colombian border. San Cristóbal was founded in 1561 by Juan de Maldonado. From its inception, the city evolved rapidly as one of the most progressive and important centers of commerce in the country, due primarily to its rich soil and its proximity to the border with Colombia.

San Cristóbal's architecture is rich and varied. The wedding cake and modernist architectural styles are particularly evident in the facades of the Universidad Abierta Nacional and La Casa Antigua, a Spanish style building with various ornaments and sculptures. Another example is La Entrada Central, the only facade that's left from the old Hospital Vargas. Among the most notable churches are La Iglesia El Angel, the Gothic styled church San José, and the Iglesia El Santuario.

Like some of its sister cities and towns in the Andes, San Cristóbal is blessed with beautiful surroundings and a unique natural setting. The picturesque scenery, the majesty of the mountains, the slow pace of life, and the welcoming nature of its people all combine to make this region one of the most important touristic attractions in Venezuela.

One of the most celebrated festivities which attracts visitors from all over is La Feria Internacional de San Sebastián. This fair, which occurs at the end of January, combines bullfighting festivities with a myriad of sport activities such as the "Vuelta al Táchira", a world famous bicycle race, artistic festivals, agricultural fairs, and many other spectacles.

Stadium

PD: The photo of the construction is old

(CAPACITY: 45,000) Considered for much venezuelans as their ''Football Temple'' (much celebrities like Diego Maradona played at this stadium). This stadium will host the Opening Ceremony, as well the opening match & the Venezuela team matches.

Merida

The Venezuelan city of Mérida is capital of the state of the same name, Mérida State, as well as the state's Libertador Municipality. Known as La Ciudad de los Caballeros, ("The City of Gentlemen"), the city is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Venezuela.

The weather and natural scenery of the city are one of its well known attributes. Although at a tropical latitude, its climate is relatively mild (daily high temperatures around 20 to 25 °C), with easy access to Venezuela's highest mountains in the Andes (some of them reaching the snow line) where temperature can go below freezing point.

Mérida was founded October 9, 1558 by the Spanish captain Juan Rodríguez Suárez with a group of 59 to 70 soldiers in the town of "San Juan de Lagunillas", although a year later it was moved to its modern location some kilometres further in the Chama river valley by Juan de Maldonado acting under the authority of the "Audiencia de Santa Fe". It is named for the city of Mérida, Spain.

It can be noted that in 1813 Mérida first coined the name "El Libertador" for independence hero, Simón Bolívar, when he arrived in the city, victorious, in the first periods of the Campaña Admirable (Admirable Campaign), the first campaign to liberate Venezuela from the Spanish. The title was later ratified in Caracas the same year, and lives on today as one of Simón's legacies all across the world.

Stadium

The stadium, during the 2005 National Games

(CAPACITY: 45,000) The ''Five White Eagles'' Stadium, Maybe the most beautiful of all the Copa America 2007 stadiums. It's name come from and ancient indian legend, about the five peaks that surrounds the city.

Barinas

Barinas is a city in west central Venezuela. Its population is 153,630. It is the capital of Barinas State.

Current President Hugo Chávez was born in this state. The governor is Hugo Chavez's father.

Barinas State covers a total surface area of 35,200 km² and, in 2001, had an estimated population of 624 508.

It was founded with the name of Altamira de Cáceres, June 30 of 1577 by Captain Juan Andrés Varela.

The state form part of the famous ''Los Llanos'' region, a place without mountains, where the llaneros (cowboys) & farmers live.

Stadium

(CAPACITY: 30,000) Is the smaller of the Copa America stadium

[4gamesandcounting]

I was worried I would be scrolling down to see lots of artistic concepts (a la South Africa World Cup stadia) but am really pleased to see current photos of work being done. Great to see some great stadiums being built in this country - a possible bidder for the World Cup 2014? Infrastructure and stadiums it seems like it has an uppe hand!

[mexico1968]

they are late for the schedule...

Otherwise..the Copa America is not a great tournament as conmebol has tryed to point it out..they have been trying to make it like the Euro..but the level isnt enough yet.

[4gamesandcounting]

About this rotation thing. I think its got some good points. Its every two years - so not too long, and as everyone in S America is football crazy then everyone gets to see top class football at home, particularly in a continent that isnt overflowing with wealth.

However I get the feeling that Venezuela didnt really want it. They are not football crazy, they are last in the rotation. Are they just getting it and hosting it because they have to or because they want to? Whats the feeling in SA about Venezuela hosting and the rotation system in general. Will there be another rotation?

[rav3n]

No. The rotation ends in 2009 (i guess) with the Copa America being held on Mexico. After that, there will no longer exist the rotation method.

Yeah, the country is more baseball aficionated, but in the last years the love for football has been growing a lot (the notable improvement on the national selection and their efforts to qualify for the 2010 WC). Apart of that, the country never had good stadiums because of the lack of interest of the former goverments on the sport mathers (this actual one really cared about the situation).

Maybe the Copa America is just an excuse for Venezuela to have good stadiums, but the great problem of the competition is how the stadiums are gona be used after the cup. Anyway i think they can host a great event and the cup will help to increase even more the love for football (remember USA'94)

[Rafa]

yeah better start building..dont be like south africa and decide to build five new stadia four years before.

[KRATK]

I think it's great that Venezuela will host the next Copa América. Of course, the tournament won't be as popular as it would be hosted in Brazil or Argentina, but this can boost the popularity of football in the only country of CONMEBOL were soccer isn't the principal sport.