Copa America-2019  draw revealed

Sports Desk: The 2019 Copa America draw took place in Rio de Janeiro last night, with hosts Brazil receiving a relatively easy group as they attempt to win the tournament for the first time in 12 years.

The Selecao, who have won all their games since being eliminated from the 2018 FIFA World Cup, were one of three seeded teams in the draw, along with Argentina and Uruguay.

They were drawn with Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru in Group A and will open the tournament against Bolivia on 14 June.

Argentina, meanwhile, received arguably the toughest path of the top-seeded teams as they were drawn alongside Colombia, Paraguay and Qatar in Group B.

In Group C, Uruguay were placed with Ecuador, Japan and defending champions Chile.

The top two teams from each group, plus the two best third-placed nations, will qualify for the quarter-finals.

Qatar and Japan are the two invited teams in this year's Copa America, adding to the 10 nations from CONMEBOL.

Brazil last won the Copa America in 2007, while Argentina's trophy drought dates back to 1993, with the Albiceleste having lost four Copa finals since.

Uruguay are the record champions in the competition's history, having won the tournament 15 times.

risingbd/Dhaka/January 25, 2019/AKA