Adam Federici's Socceroos draw tough pool at Copa America 2020
HUSKISSON'S Adam Federici and his Australian Socceroos will take on hosts Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay in the Group Stage at the Copa America 2020 in June, after the draw for the prestigious competition was held in Cartagena, Colombia on Tuesday.
The draw, which was attended by Socceroos assistant coach Rene Meulensteen, saw Australia, fresh off a World Cup qualifying win against Jordan, grouped in the 'South Zone' for the competition, meaning the Socceroos will play all of their pool matches in Argentina.
The match schedule for the 47th edition of the Copa America will be confirmed in due course, however Australia could play its fixtures in the cities of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Mendoza, and/or Santiago del Estero.
We are going to Argentina!
— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) December 4, 2019
🇦🇷🇦🇺🇧🇴🇨🇱🇵🇾🇺🇾#CopaAmerica2020pic.twitter.com/rVY1yyAEjn
Along with Qatar, Australia is one of two invited nations for the tournament, which is being held in consecutive years to bring it in line with UEFA's European Championship.
"The Copa America is the oldest international football competition in the world and we are honoured to have received an invitation to compete," Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold said to the FFA.
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"With the draw now complete we will ramp up our logistical planning and scouting over the coming months, while maintaining full focus on the final four fixtures we have in round two of FIFA World Cup qualifying.
"Adding the Copa America to our schedule next year will mean that the Socceroos will play at least fourteen matches throughout 2020.
Our #CopaAmerica2020 group stage fixtures:
— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) December 4, 2019
13/6 v 🇺🇾 in Cordoba
17/6 v 🇵🇾 in La Plata
22/6 v 🇧🇴 in La Plata
26/6 v 🇦🇷 in Buenos Aires
30/6 v 🇨🇱 in Cordoba#AllForTheSocceroospic.twitter.com/BFHN2OYFC6
"This will mean that there are plenty of matches for fans to enjoy, but also provide us with the chance to work consistently with the squad as we prepare for round three of FIFA World Cup qualification."
Brazil are the reigning Copa America Champions having secured their ninth title earlier this year, while Uruguay are the most successful nation in Copa America history, having held the trophy aloft on 15 occasions.