The 10 CONMEBOL nations plus guests Mexico and Japan were drawn into the three Copa groups in a lavish ceremony, with hosts Argentina having every reason to be pleased with the outcome... By Daniel Edwards Hosts Argentina received a kind draw in their quest to regain the Copa America on home soil in 2011, as they avoided both Chile and Paraguay. The ceremony, held in La Plata, was a lavish affair and featured performances from groups hailing from across Argentina as the organisers emphasised the participation of an entire nation. The draw itself however was lacking a certain suspense, as it was known beforehand that hosts Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay would head the three groups. The dances finally ended however, and the guests on the stage got down to the serious business of drawing the groups. Argentina headed Group A, and will have to negotiate Bolivia, Colombia and Japan to progress into the knockout stages. Brazil in Group B meanwhile were drawn with Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela; and in the last group Uruguay will face Chile, Mexico and Peru in arguably the toughest of the three. Shortly before the draw a change in the starting date was also announced by CONMEBOL, moving the date forward a day to Friday July 1 2011. Argentina will kick off the tournament in the brand new Ciudad de La Plata stadium, playing Bolivia at 21:45 local time. (Goal.com) --

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