Spain Wants In? 2011 Copa America

So the associated press is reporting that Spain are considering an offer to take Japan's slot at this summer's Copa America in Argentina. Japan withdrew from the tournament given the current condition the nation is in, which the whole world knows. If Spain is being allowed to participate then why not Portugal?

Both nations have strong ties to the continent with Portugal's influence primarily being on Brazil although there are Portuguese ties to countries like Uruguay and Venezuela. Despite that, Brazil is the sole South American country that has Portuguese listed as their official language.

Oscar Cardozo (Paraguay), Pablo Aimar (Argentina), Nico Gaitan (Argentina), Javier Saviola (Argentina), Maxi Pereira (Uruguay) all play for Portugal's most popular club SL Benfica.

In regards to footballing matters, the connection of Spain and Portugal to the South American continent is greater than any other European counter-part's. Both La Liga and the Liga Portuguesa field more Latin American players in their league than any other major European league. Over the past decade, the immigration of players to both nations has grown substantially creating some concern in Portugal over foreign talent versus home-grown talent. Needless to say, the big clubs in both countries have reaped the benefits of having such talent and the culture in both nations has proved easily adaptable to South American players.

The prospect of having Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi together this Summer would be highly profitable.

So why not invite both? Portugal's impact seems to be just as equal as Spain's on both the cultural and footballing grounds. If having Spain participate equate to higher ratings and more profits then including Portugal somehow would only improve on that. So why don't these smart football minds get together and discuss this. After all, would fans rather see Canada and Costa Rica over Spain and Portugal? With all respect to those nations, the latter choice offers much more to fans of the game.

Just to make another point clear, I would not be such a big supporter of this if these 2 nations had zero influence on South American culture (ex: I would not suggest UEFA to consider inviting Argentina or Brazil to the European Championship since their influence only goes so strong in primarily Portugal and Spain along with the fact that the UEFA tournament is much more complex and complete in comparison to the Copa America). With that said, let me know what you think? Should Spain compete at the 2011 Copa America? If so, should Portugal also be granted an invitation as well?