Spain in the Copa America on the hypothetical guessing

In the previous post we analyze the more detailed aspects of the hypothesis that the Spanish team finished playing the Copa America 2011, to be held in Argentina from July 1. Recalling the workload of those selected have had Spanish in the three previous summers (2008-2010) and taking into account what lies ahead (Eurocopa'12, Confederaciones'13 and Mundial'14), we clarified that the summer recess 2011 will be the only rest you will have a lot of nothing more and nothing less than seven years. On the other hand also rule out the possibility that the RFEF send a combined under-21, as La Rojita play a few weeks before the European category.

However, leaving aside all obstacles that would prevent an alleged invitation accepted Spain as a substitute for Japan's national team, is so preposterous that Spain play the Copa America someday? I think not.

I understand that this possibility awakens all sorts of misgivings and suspicions on both sides of the Atlantic. On both sides who will cry out: what he paints Spain playing the Copa America? But the truth is that there would be a strange case, much less. CONMEBOL has invited itself to the Copa America to different federations that are not part of their continental association, especially in CONCACAF, as in the case of Mexico, which has even the fine twice, or the United States and Costa Rica, both guests on three occasions. Honduras participated in the 2001 edition, following the resignation of Argentina and another guest, Canada. And finally, is the case of Japan, invited for the first time in 1999 and has also received a ticket for this summer's edition.

Another event that comes to mind is the change in Commonwealth of Australia. The Australian Federation asked the Asian Football Confederation to let him join his organization, in order to compete against stronger teams that combined weak amateur that dominate the Confederation Ocean. Finally, in 2005 the CFA accepted the request of the FFA and since then Australia has participated in two editions of the Asia Cup, leading to proclamation as runner-up after losing the final against Japan on January 29. But the truth is that since the AFC still have gone further in its adoption in Australia: the 2015 edition will be hosted in the oceanic country.

In Europe, although many ignore or are not aware of them, there is also a country participating in UEFA competitions despite not part of the continent, Israel. The Israel Football Association was part of the AFC, coming to hold (and win) the 1964 Asian Cup. However, the Arab-Israeli conflict ended up causing the expulsion of Israel from the AFC. After that the IFA became sponsored by the International Ocean until, in 1991, the bad conscience of post-Nazi Europe led Israel became an official member of UEFA.

All this leads to a series of questions rather facile but not longer hide a great deal of truth: what countries have more in common: Australia and Iran and Spain and Argentina? About share more cultural aspects, Israel and Portugal and Spain and Venezuela? Leaving aside the sins of Christopher Columbus and Hernando Cortes, and Telefonica and Repsol, I feel much closer to any South American (including Brazilians, with the Galician language share a common origin) than a Belgian, a Swedish or Russian (let alone an Israeli ...). Football has its own monsters, but also has a conciliatory face and if the Spanish football make sure the Americas that would function as an element of confraternalización among Hispanic Americans of both sides of the Atlantic.

The cases listed above or equivalent and having gone to the co-cultural argument, consider the economic. The competition of the Spanish team in the Cup Améiaspnrauabeantcaprgood news for the host country. In addition to the visit of many fans (finally, after all, may be more Japanese travel to South America than Spanish), surely the participation of the Red positively influence international business investment. I will not go into this heart, because I am far from understanding economics, but what I think is beyond any doubt that Spain's involvement in the Copa America would not only benefit economically.

So, what could be wrong with the fact that the Spanish team is invited to play a Copa America? Man who will always be for what you do not like that today would be a strong candidate to win the tournament, and no shortage of South Americans who do not make a shred of grace. I would think that most of South America, leaving aside all this nonsense about Spanish imperialism (which, by now, is to mix apples with oranges), would be happy that Spain was once invited to the continental tournament, as they have been Japan, the U.S. or Canada. And from another point of view, I think that most of the Spanish, ignoring the current obstacles, it would seem proud that La Roja was invited to compete in the Copa America. It is clear that 2011 is the year indicated, but in future why not?