The Copa América 2001 was the 40th game of the South American continental football championship and took place for the first time in Colombia from July 11th to 29th. After Colombia was chosen as the host country by CONMEBOL , several problems arose between the two. Venezuela was offered to host the tournament as a substitute host. However, CONMEBOL backed off at the last minute and finally decided on Colombia. Before the tournament, Argentina received threats from terrorists and decided not to participate in the Copa. In addition to the Argentines, Canada also canceled . Costa Rica and, for the first time, Honduras were invited as replacements. For the first time in the history of the competition, including "permanent guest " Mexico, three visiting teams took part in the tournament. The Honduras team was notified so late that they could arrive with just enough players - the tournament had already started - on July 13th, just a few hours before their first game. Despite all these obstacles, Honduras played good games and even defeated defending champion and runner-up Brazil 2-0 in the quarter-finals. This victory was also celebrated and in the media in Argentina, Brazil's greatest opponent.
Nothing changed in terms of the competition mode. The game was played in a combination of a group phase and a subsequent knockout round . The group stage was played in three groups of four teams each. The composition of the groups was determined by CONMEBOL in a public draw. The two best teams in each group and the two best third-placed teams reached the quarter-finals. In the event of a tie, the goal difference decided. In the final round there was no extra time after 90 minutes if the score was tied, but instead a penalty shoot-out . As has been the case several times in the past, the group stage matches were played in double events on one day in the same stadium.
Host Colombia used their home advantage and surprisingly won the Copa America for the first time without losing points or conceding a goal. With this victory Colombia qualified as representative of South America for the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup in France.
Colombia (1st title)
.svg){kind=small}
Amado Guevara
yellow cards
Yellow-red cards
Red cards
|
Chile
Ecuador
.svg){kind=small}
Venezuela
Brazil
Mexico
Peru
.svg){kind=small}
Paraguay
Costa Rica
Uruguay
Bolivia
