Copa Crazy: Mexico Hoping For “Grand Fiesta”

Few major markets play host to major sporting events quite like the Valley.

This weekend University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale will be on full display when Copa America Centenario, the leading global soccer tournament arrives for the first of three games this month as Group C action pits Mexico against Uruguay Sunday night in the round robin format.

Mexico not only brings huge crowds but high expectations to Arizona as they open play.

“The players know that few opportunities come for a tournament like this,” ESPN reporter John Sutcliffe told Sports360AZ.com Friday afternoon. “For them, this is the chance to win Copa America. Mexico has been close. Step by step the Mexican team has 19 games without a loss.”

They’ve been doing it with defense not allowing a goal in their past seven games outscoring opponents 14-0. In many ways they control their own destiny this month coming in with a talented roster, momentum and maybe most importantly, confidence.

“This is a huge opportunity for Mexico to best in the region,” Sutcliffe said.

Mexico has come close to winning Copa America losing to Argentina in the 1993 finals.

Brazil, The United States, Argentina and Chile are viewed as others who could be hoisting the historic Copa America trophy June 26th at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford New Jersey.