Seton Hall
Joseph Osei-Bonsu examines the international soccer play happening this summer
Date: May 22, 2019By: Joseph Osei-Bonsu
Some of this summer’s tournaments include the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Copa America, CONCACAF Gold Cup, and African Cup of Nations. Players to look out for this summer during these international tournaments are the United States’ Carli Lloyd, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, and Senegal’s Sadio Mane.
Beginning in 1957 with just three teams, the African Cup of Nations sees 24 of Africa’s best soccer nations vying for the continent’s highest prize. The tournament has had periods of domination including the Ghanaian, Algerian, Cameroonian and most recently, Egyptian eras. Countries like Zambia, Nigeria, and South Africa all have won-one tournament championship.
This year’s Egyptian-held tournament is heating up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent memory. On June 21, after Little ‘Tut’, the tournament’s official mascot ceremonially kicks the first ball, the tournament will introduce a series of firsts.
It will be the first time the Nations’ Cup will be hosting 24 teams in the summer, after decades of having 16 teams in the winter. Burundi, Madagascar, and Mauritania will make their debuts in the tournament as well.
Will the African Cup of Nations continue as a tournament of first-time surprises, up until July 19? History suggests that will not happen, but that can change, as in 2017 defending champions Cameroon shocked Egypt. With Egypt’s imperious captain, Salah, leading them on home soil, Egypt looks to win a record seventh title. Ghana’s Andre Ayew, Senegal’s Mane, Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and company will have something to say about that.
Unfortunately for one of the greatest soccer players ever, Messi, leading Argentina to South American glory has proven to be a saga of heartbreak. Losing to Chile in back-to-back finals on penalties ended his international career.
But on June 14, Messi will once again spearhead Argentina’s efforts for a record-tying 15th Copa América title. The only issue is that this year’s competition is being held on the home grounds of Argentina’s arch-rivals, Brazil.
Similar to the African Cup of Nations, Copa América 2019 will have countries making their debuts. Japan and Qatar – Asian teams - have been invited to the first Copa America tournament played on an odd year with 12 teams, since 1993.
Being the oldest men’s continental soccer competition in the world, Copa América is replete with history. And this year, the likes of Neymar Jr. of Brazil, Colombia’s James Rodriguez, Chile’s Alexis Sanchez and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez will be aiming to add their individual and country names to the prestigious annals on July 7.
On that same day, former Manchester City Women and England striker Nikita Parris, will hope to light up the Eiffel Tower in Paris with the colors of St. George’s flag. Leading the attack of the reigning She-Believes Cup champions, there are many who feel this year’s FIFA Women’s’ World Cup is England’s for the taking.
When you consider the European club dominance of French club, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in recent years, superstars such as Eugenie Le Sommer and Wendie Renard give France a great chance at winning the World Cup.
Brazil’s Marta, Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala, Denmark’s Dane Pernille Harder, and Asian Women’s Player of the Year, Wang Shuang, will compete against each other for one month, beginning on June 7.
This summer’s international soccer schedule is filled with compelling matchups. From Africa, to Europe, to South America, WSOU Sports will cover each piece of tournament action every Wednesday.
Joseph Osei-Bonsu can be reached at joseph.oseibonsu@student.shu.edu
