Konstantinos Katsouranis of Greece marks James Rodriguez of Colombia. Source: Getty Images

Since Colombia is such an important team we decided to do TWO previews on Colombia. To check out Victor Araiza’s piece go here.

Head Coach: José Pékerman 

Schedule: USA (6/3 Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco), Paraguay (6/7 Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA), Costa Rica ( 6/11 NRG Stadium, Houston, TX) 

Best Finishes in Copa America: Championship 2001, Semi Final 2004, 

Players to Watch:  FWD Carlos Bacca (AC Milan), MID James Rodriguez M(Real Madrid), MID Juan Cuadrado (Chelsea), Cristián Zapata  

Columbia has been a squad on the rise over the last 2 years, and getting deep into the 2014 was a definite confidence boast. Heading into Copa America 2016, on paper the side will be one of the favorites to win the tournament.

In their last 3 caps the Los Cafeteros have consistently improved taking all including a 3-1 win against Haiti heading into the competition. One advantage this side has is experience, especially in the mid field. James Rodriguez, Carlos Sánchez and Juan Cuadrado each has 40+ international matches on there resume

James Rodriguez will be the main attraction to look out for. A few weeks ago, his club Real Madrid took the UEFA Champions League cup, and now Rodriguez has his sights set on bringing home the countries first Copa America title since 2001. With 14 in goals in 42 caps, James will most certainly be the player each team has its sight set on.

The attack will be anchored around Rodriguez but Carlos Bacca and Cuadrado will play major roles. A major key for Columbia will be defense. Cristian Zapata (41) is the only player called up with major cap experience outside of goal keeper David Ospina (41). During group play, the squad should be okay, but how the inexperienced defense holds up deeper into the tournament  is the question.

Even with a disappointing finish to Copa América 2015, Los Cafeteros  have a chance to right their wrongs this time around. With United States, Costa Rica, and Paraguay in Group A, the side is a shoe in for the next round. Their initial test in the opening match against USA in San Francisco will be big in telling us everything we need to know about this squad. In their Olympic Qualifying Match, Columbia defeated the US 2-1.

Fun Fact: Columbia is the only country in South America with access to the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.