Top 5 Flops of Copa America 2011

Following Uruguay’s record 15^th Copa title win last night in a clash against Paraguay in the Copa America 2011 final match in Buenos Aires, the event came to a grand closure. The tournament filled with surprises and shocks saw teams like Paraguay, Venezuela and Peru making themselves count, while favorites like Argentina and Brazil had to remain content with their lackluster performance.

In this context SportsKeeda takes a look at the worst performers of the event or the biggest flops of the Copa America 2011.

Here are the list…

5. Lionel MessiAge: 24Position: ForwardTeams: Barcelona FC and Argentina

Lionel Messi

The 24 year old is the World’s best player of the current generation. The World best player has to be able to play in any condition under every circumstance. He was a complete failure in this regard though few goals came through his assist.

He once again failed to replicate his Barcelona form for the Albicelestes especially in the first two games though he looked to be fine in their 3-0 win over Costa Rica. With Uruguay, he was totally shut off and look off colour. He however scored from the spot in the decider.

Though I love him, I had to include him in this list as he had been consistently performing inconsistently for the national team.

4. NeymarAge: 19Position: ForwardTeams: Santos, Brazil U-20 and Brazil

Neymar

Touted as the next big thing not only in Brazilian football but in the world, Neymar, I personally feel, didn’t leave up to people’s expectation in the tournament though he scored twice against Ecuador. The onus to defend Brazil’s Copa title was hugely rested on him.

He showed youthful naivety and selfishness in his approach to game, which otherwise could have produced different results for Brazil. In the match against Paraguay in the Quarter, he persistently chose the wrong option and failed to break the stalemate for which he was substituted in the 80^th minute.

Undoubtedly, he did show his glimpse of brilliance when the ball was on his feet but he is still not the one to shoulder the responsibility of Brazil as he was touted. He is a flop in my opinion as he was flaunted to win Brazil their 9^th Copa America title. Probably, he might have been bogged down by the transfer rumours surrounding his move to Europe.

3. Mano MenezesAge: 49Position: CoachTeam: Brazil

Mano Menezes

Mano Manezes has conceded defeat even before the tournament began by stating in a show that, “If we come out of the tournament a bit improved on our current form, I will consider it a success.” I don’t think they improved a little bit. In fact they have been plunge into deeper crisis.

Like his Argentine compatriot Batista, Menezes’ coaching abilities came into severe criticism. He defied Brazils traditional way of football, ie attacking and rather set up a defensive mindset with little offensive plan.

In the Quarter-Final match against Paraguay, Menezes’ decision making totally lack sense when Neymar (a forward) was substituted for Fred (a mid-fielder), at a time Brazil was desperately in need of a goal. Meanwhile he kept innovative players like Elano warming the bench and made some average players running around ineffectively. He is my top 3 flop in the Copa America 2011.

2. Sergio BatistaAge: 48Position: CoachTeam: Argentina

Sergio Batista

Post Maradona’s departure following the disastrous World Cup campaign, Sergio Batista, the Olympic wining team Coach, have been entrusted to restructure and built the team. However, the 48 year old did not seems to do his homework properly as he failed to find the most lethal team combination among the long list of World’s most prolific footballers.

He kept experimenting with the team combination during the course of the event and before he could find his best team, Argentina was knockout from the tournament. His tactics backfired as he failed to find a solution, as to how he could use the world best footballer- Messi to Argentina’s advantage.

His team selection has been poor and he seems to be out of idea at times. His decision to substitute Sergio Aguero (the most successful striker in the tournament then) in the Quarter final with Carlos Tevez (who had a bad two previous games and left out from the third) was a blunder. Tevez remained ineffective in the remaining time and went on to miss the penalty which cause them dear. He is my No. 2 flop of the Copa America 2011.

1. Carlos Tevez:Age: 27Position: ForwardTeams:Manchester City and Argentina

Carlos Tevez

The 27 year old Manchester City forward has to live the rest of his life carrying the tag ‘Biggest Flop of Copa America 2011’. With not a single goal or an assists in the first two games, Tavez was drop for the third against Costa Rica, which Argentina won 3-0, to progress into Quarter Final.

He returns to the pitch in the Quarter Final as a Substitute for Sergio Aguero, just to earn a yellow card and missed a penalty, which results to Argentina’s ouster from the tournament. He also picks up a yellow card in the first game.

With two yellow cards, no assists, no goals, no substantial contribution in the built-up which resulted to goal, Carlos Tavez, undoubtedly is my top choice in this category.

Do you agree with my choice or do you have anyone else in mind who could make up to this list. Have your say and do leave a comment.