Monday 22 February 2016

Gilmar happy with Brazil’s Copa America draw


The CBF technical coordinator was satisfied with Sunday night's draw for the tournament in USA, insisting he was pleased to avoid a tougher group

Brazilian football confederation technical coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi says he is happy with Brazil’s draw for this year’s Copa America Centenario.

The eight-time South American champions were drawn in Group B, along with Ecuador, Haiti and Peru in New York on Sunday.

And former World Cup-winner Gilmar revealed his relief after what could have been a much tougher draw for the Selecao.

“It was a good draw,” he said.

“I think the United States took the hardest group. But how difficult our draw is will depend on us.

“Ecuador are going through a good time, leading the World Cup qualifying group, they are a competitive team and have to be respected. It will be a difficult game.

"We do not know much about Haiti but we will send our observers to monitor them in order to be fully prepared. Against Peru they had a tough game (at last year’s Copa America), but they have improved a lot.”

Gilmar is now planning a meeting with his staff to finalise the logistics of Brazil’s tournament in the United States.

“We had a meeting on Sunday with the logistics personnel. Now let’s look at the training venues,” he added.

“On Tuesday, we have a meeting at CBF to finalise the program, which is now almost ready.”

Brazil open the tournament against Ecuador in Pasadena, California on June 4 before meeting Haiti in Orlando, Florida on June 8 and Peru in Foxborough, Massachusetts on June 12.

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