By Joiner Martínez
Jun 25, 2024, 16:32 PM EDT
The first date of the brand new Copa América 2024 held in the United States is over. The opening day had everything: the debut of the world champions, a surprising tie between Costa Rica and Brazil, and Colombia and Uruguay as serious candidates for the title.
Beyond Brazil’s draw against Costa Rica, this first round of the group stage left exciting duels and important figures who, with great performances, made their calling card in this Copa América 2024 in the United States.
This Tuesday the Conmebol Copa América announced the ideal 11 of the first day of the group stage, which makes up the selection of those who for the organization were the eleven best players at this start of the competition.
In this eleven, the presence of Lionel Messi stands out, who leads the team of the week after his performance against Canada. However, other figures such as James Rodríguez, who led Colombia to extend its undefeated streak and debut with a 2-1 against Paraguay to become leader in its group.
For his part, the goalkeeper of the team led by Gustavo Alfaro was the one who kept the score unbeaten for the historic tie: four saves and two inside the area. Finally, Captain America, Christian Pulisic, led the North American team to victory against Bolivia with a goal and an assist.
The other Argentine who was also included by Conmebol is center back Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero, who showed personality and did not lose a single individual duel in the game against the Canadians.
The ideal formation is completed by Panama’s right back, Michael Murillo; the central defender of Mexico, César Montes; the left back of Uruguay, Matías Viña, the forward of the United States, Christian Pulisic; and Uruguayan winger Maximiliano Araujo.
Contrary to what was expected, Brazil did not have representation in this first ideal eleven of the tournament after the draw against Costa Rica, so its figures such as Vini Jr, Rodrygo, Paquetá, Endrick, among others, will seek to show a better face in the second working day.
The Ideal XI of the first day of the Copa América
Goalie
Patrick Sequeira
Defenses
Matías Viña, Cristian Romero, César Montes and Michael Murillo.
Midfielders
James Rodríguez, Luis Romo, Jefferson Lerma
Forwards
Maximiliano Araújo, Christian Pulisic and Lionel Messi
Keep reading:
Endrick surpasses Pelé’s historical record in Brazil’s equality against Costa Rica in the Copa América
“Colombia was justly deserving of the victory”: DT Néstor Lorenzo justified his team’s victory
Thousands of Argentine fans gather in Times Square before the match against Chile [Video]