Japanese draw Argentina in Copa America

Special guests Japan drew hosts Argentina as well as Colombia and Bolivia in Thursday’s draw for next July’s Copa America tournament.

Holders Brazil were paired with Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela in Group B while Group C contains World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay, Chile, Mexico and Peru.

The Argentines will be hoping for some better luck on home soil having not landed any senior silverware since a home Copa triumph in 1993.

Brazil won the last two editions in 2004 and 2007.

The top two in each group and the two best-placed third teams will go forward to the quarter-finals.

The tournament starts on July 3 and the the Monumental stadium at Buenos Aires will host the final three weeks later.

Argentina and Uruguay have won a record 14 editions ahead of eight for Brazil.