Top 5 lessons from Copa America 2015 so far

With the first round of matches now over and the quarter-final stage almost upon us, it’s time to take a look back at the big talking points from Copa America 2015 so far. A lot was said in the build-up to this tournament as some of the word’s best footballers made their way to the Land of Poets, but only some have delivered on their potential, while others have been left spluttering in the wake of some fine displays. The competition certainly hasn’t been without its share of drama and theatre; there have been contentious issues aplenty to choose from. But thankfully, the football on show has been top-class too. The favourites, Argentina, still remain very much in contention to be the best, as do Brazil. Meanwhile, the hosts have sparkled brilliantly amidst a series of potentially distracting sideshows.So without further ado, let's glance back over the last two weeks of football and pick out the main lessons learned so far.

#5 Childish Neymar needs to rein it in

Neymar needs to work on his temperament if he is to lead Brazil

With the confirmation that Brazil have opted not to appeal Neymar’s four-match ban, it’s imperative that the healing process begins in earnest. Truthfully, it is hard to see how even the Barcelona star’s most loyal of fans could come up with an argument strong enough to convincingly defend his actions.

As detailed by the Mirror, Neymar's tirade of abuse towards the referee during Brazil's disappointing loss against Colombia, as well as his confrontation with Juan Zuniga and Jeison Murillo, made for a terrible sight to behold on the field of play. The Champions League winner was lucky to even get away with the ban he received – it could have been much, much worse.

Showcasing childish behaviour is not something that should be associated with the beautiful game and it is vital it is stamped out, particularly in someone so well-known and popular as Neymar. Of course, all of this comes just weeks after his fracas with Athletico Bilbao players during their victorious Copa del Rey final, when he went to ground after some unnecessary show-boating near the end-line.

At just 23 years of age, it’s likely this is just a phase for the insanely talented striker. But it’s crucial that the powers that be behind the Brazil national team let him know that this is unacceptable behaviour before it spirals out of control.

#4 Argentina still favourites despite hiccoughs

Lionel Messi and Argentina haven’t dazzled at Copa America but are still doing most things right

With two wins, one draw and two clean sheets to speak of, La Albiceleste are doing most things right so far. And as long as they continue to improve with each passing game, they ought to emerge victorious come the start of July.

Without anything of note to distract them, Gerardo Martino’s men have been busy getting down to business with some slick football. Nevertheless, they didn’t have the smoothest of beginnings with a 2-2 draw against Paraguay that saw them let slip a solid two-goal first-half cushion that really should have been more. Taking their foot off the gas, the Argentines paid for their self-inflicted lethargy and made the last two games a little more nervy than they needed to be.

Against Uruguay, they looked off the pace again despite managing to sneak a Sergio Aguero goal past the defense in the 56th minute. And when the Jamaicans arrived on the scene, they only netted once again, but should really have put away more.

Simply put, Lionel Messi and company have glinted and gleamed intermittently, but will need to work on their industry. They have to step up a gear when it matters, and start putting away the chances that come their way.

With a few days to recover, plan and prepare for their next match against a struggling Colombia, the odds remain stacked in their favour. Whether or not they can end their 22-year wait remains to be seen, but they certainly have the players, the style and the incentive.

Will they be hungry enough to chase after the dream?

#3 Brazil\'s Robinho hasn\'t lost it

Robinho has stepped in to lead Brazil's front line after Neymar's suspension

Roaming about the pitch with purpose and poise, Brazil’s No. 20 glided in between players with ease, was comfortable in possession and played a key role in the opening goal of the night as Dunga’s men edged past Venezuela 2-1 to top their group. But this wasn’t yet another rising Canarinho star who was having a huge impact on the game. No; it was 31-year-old Robinho.

Battling against his label as a one-hit wonder, the Santos player dictated the game brilliantly alongside Willian, and it was Robinho whose corner found the thundering volley of Thiago Silva to help the five-time world champions to an early lead.

Robinho is still very much a force to be reckoned with, although his future in the domestic Brazilian game remains up in the air if he continues to play like this; suitors will once more be lining up for his services in the near future. Once the most promising youngster on the planet, his big-money move to Manchester City probably seems like a long time ago now, but it’s hard to argue he isn’t doing his best to roll back the years.

Included as a surprise starter against La Vinotinto, he more than proved his worth with some constructive passing, eagle-eye vision and composure to help ensure they got the win they craved.

Indeed, with Neymar out of contention to play any further part in his side’s journey through the Chilean winter, Robinho could well be primed to recapture the form that saw him finish as the tournament’s top goalscorer back in 2007, when the world was very much at his feet.

#2 Arturo Vidal key for Chile despite indiscretions

Arturo Vidal is still in Chile’s Copa America squad despite the drun driving incident

It seems as if the public is divided on the Arturo Vidal storyline that continues to permeate the hustle and bustle of this year’s Copa. Detracting somewhat from the football, much of the media’s focus has been on the calamitous crash that could very nearly have ended the Chilean star’s tournament.

In case you missed it, the Juventus star had his driver's license revoked after he crashed his expensive Ferrari while under the influence of alcohol on a night off. Since then, he’s promised to donate his tournament fee to a charity, as reported by the Daily Mail.

But Vidal still has a long way to go to make it all recede from public memory.

While some think he shouldn’t even be allowed to play following his dangerous antics, there are others who feel he is indispensable to the team right now, and that he might just bring that bit of brilliance they need to win it outright. After all, the 28-year-old has been having a terrific tournament on the pitch, playing with the tantalising flourish that helped him enjoy such a successful season with the “Old Lady” in Italy.

Chile fans are behind Arturo Vidal with a banner that says “In good times and in bad”

A key player in their fantastic capture of the Serie A title as well as the Coppa Italia, Vidal's defensive contributions melded beautifully with his offensive exploits as they even pushed hard for the Champions League trophy, despite getting rebuffed in Berlin by a brilliant Barcelona side.

So despite only featuring for one half against Bolivia in their 5-0 win since his accident, it’s clear that Vidal remains a thrilling player to watch. It is also evident that he is indispensable to Jorge Sampaoli’s charges as they look to end a 99-year wait and etch their names on the bottom of the Copa America.

#1 The Falcao conundrum remains unresolved

Colombia captain Radamel Falcao has failed to impress at the Copa America

Drafted in by Manchester United at the beginning of the 2014/15 season, hopes were high that Radamel Falcao would smash home a flurry of goals as the Red Devils romped to yet another Premier League trophy. But wrapped up in the dreams of finally escaping the “Moyesian” tragedy that had engulfed Old Trafford for a full season, their wishful thinking that the Colombian would become their saviour ended only in yet more idealisms and “if onlys”, as the ex-Monaco man failed to deliver.

Now, Falcao looks to be on the verge of a move back to the Premier League – to Chelsea, in fact. However, a potential transfer to Stamford Bridge could bear a much closer resemblance with Fernando Torres’ forgettable spell there than it could with the reawakening of El Tigre.

So far, the 29-year-old’s form in South America these past few days has been nothing short of mediocre, and there are very few signs that he is getting back to the very peak of his powers. At best, this is perplexing and a little worrying for his stalling career, but at worst it’s a strong hint that he might never reach the heights he once knew so well, not too long ago.

And that would be a sad waste of a talent that once terrorised the best of defences.

On the upside, Falcao still has time to prove himself. But the signs are all in place that Jose Pekerman is already losing patience with his captain. Against Peru recently, he was substituted for Jackson Martinez early in the second half as Los Cafeteros went in search of a desperate equaliser at a pivotal time in the game.

Not capable of being relied upon right now, it’s going to be interesting to see how much fight Falcao has left in him. Because right now, he looks a spent force.