Copa America 
/ Tim Vickery / 10 July 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Can Mario Yepes (left, pictured with Abel Aguilar) marshall his defensive unit to another clean sheet
"I never imagined I’d end up spending 17 years in Brazil, and I’m booked in for the next few as well. The sudden arrival of all the Brazilian journalists has caused me to reflect on how deep my roots in the country have become - 15 years with the same girl, and I’m even missing my dog."
Tim Vickery welcomes the arrival of the Brazilian press corps as Argentina begins to feel like home and the competition finally comes to life
It was like old times in the small hours of Friday night and Saturday morning on Radio 5Live's World Football Phone In.
For the past couple of years I've been using some flash internet programme, the BBC's internal skype, to broadcast in quality. But here in Cordoba the press centre closes early and the wi fi in my hotel doesn't work, so it was back to the crackly old phone line, as lovable as vinyl.
One person texted in with a criticism of the Copa America's format, where only four of the 12 teams are eliminated in the group phase. He clearly has a point. The ten South American nations could easily be split into two groups. Inviting two more on seems principally motivated by commercial reasons - chiefly access to Mexico's considerable TV audience.
This year, though, there have been so many draws that the final round of group games could turn into something of a thriller. Who would have thought, for example, that Argentina would still be scraping around for points going into their third match? And with the other groups also tight, there is the possibility that four points might not guarantee a place in the quarter-finals. Certainly that is a chance that Colombia cannot take as they get the final round under way against Bolivia in Santa Fe - where the unfortunate public have so far sat through two goalless draws.
Bolivia need to win - but it is unclear where they are going to find a goal. They were gifted one against Argentina, but their limitations were exposed when they tried something more ambitious against Costa Rica. Colombia have yet to concede and have hardly suffered any moments of danger. Their priority will be to maintain that defensive order - another clean sheet ensures their presence in the last eight.
Meanwhile, and these are words I never thought I'd write, it's been good to meet up with the Brazilian press in Cordoba. Taken together they can come across as a loud, boorish monster, but on an individual basis there are lots of familiar faces in there, people I know from previous carnivals, as we say in this part of the world. It's nice to be able to speak Portuguese again, instead of battling through with Spanish and having people think I'm Brazilian as soon as I open my mouth.
I never imagined I'd end up spending 17 years in Brazil, and I'm booked in for the next few as well. The sudden arrival of all the Brazilian journalists has caused me to reflect on how deep my roots in the country have become - 15 years with the same girl, and I'm even missing my dog, who I was manipulated into accepting by the joint power of my girlfriend and two stepdaughters. I suppose I should face it - Rio de Janeiro is my home now, though I can hardly wait to spend a month in London in a few weeks.
First, though, there's a Copa America to enjoy, and while it has yet to truly catch fire, I have been enjoying it. Earlier in the week Uruguay coach Oscar Washington Tabarez said that the real Copa gets underway when the quarter-finals kick off. But after two draws, he is one of many coaches sweating on the last game in his bid to reach the last eight. I'm expecting Colombia's Hernan Dario Gomez to be the first to see his side book their place, while Gustavo Quinteros and his Bolivia squad will be heading for the airport.
Bet of the day: ,Colombia to keep a clean sheet [1.92]
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