Why Canadians should care about Copa America

The oldest international soccer tournament in the world is happening right now, and chances are you haven't tuned in for any of the action.

Before you mount your defence of "Of course I have, I'm in a Euro pool at work," let's be clear that the European Championship is not the only soccer tournament taking place this summer.

We're actually talking about the Copa America; a tournament featuring multi-world champions Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, plus more 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists than the Euros, making it an arguably more competitive affair.

Tragically, no English broadcast has been provided to Canadians, despite the following:

• It's the first time the tourney has been held outside of South America, but has had no trouble filling 40,000- to 70,000-seat stadiums in the U.S.

• Unlike the Euros, the Copa is relevant to Canada since it's not only South American, but Caribbean and North American nations competing. If Canada ever hopes to make another World Cup, these are the teams they will need to beat.

The good news is that it's not too late. To help build the excitement, here's everything you may have missed so far to get you ready for Sunday's final between Argentina and Chile (8 p.m. ET on Univision).

Argentina goes 3 for 3

Sunday's final will be a battle of the Andes. While Chile will be going for its second straight Copa, Argentina will be appearing in its third final in three international tournaments. Runners-up at the 2014 World Cup to Germany and then again at 2015 Copa America to Chile (on penalties), the Albiceleste will once again face La Roja in the hope of landing its first senior international title in 23 years.

Video replay, please

With the 30th anniversary of the "Hand of God" just past (June 22, 1986), Peru's Raúl Ruidíaz ousted Brazil from the tournament with a salute to the maestro. Though not as clever as Maradona's, his effort was no less effective.

Haiti's remarkable journey or…oh, Canada

While Haiti failed to get beyond the group stage, it nevertheless beat wealthier and more populous nations such as Canada for a tournament spot, qualifying for its first major international tournament since the 1974 World Cup. The team of semi-professionals (some play in leagues as far away as Vietnam and India), according the New York Times, were on a per-diem of $200 to $300 US but still managed to capture international attention — especially as they took on Brazil's millionaire stars.

Even though this proverbial David could not overcome Goliath (Haiti suffered a 7-1 whooping) the journey excited a nation that with so little, accomplished so much.

Trump factor

One of the lasting ironies of the Copa is that it's taking place in the U.S. during the candidacy of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. If, as the Romans say, truth lies in the coliseum, then what a twist that Trump is attempting to isolate the U.S. right as soccer, the world's game, sweeps across its lands.

In a clever piece of marketing, Trumps anti-Hispanic rhetoric was used to promote the tournament to audiences around the world.

Yankee success

When the tournament began, few imagined that the U.S. would make the semifinals. But after a poor start against Colombia, the Americans bounced back with victories over Costa Rica and Paraguay, and then followed that up with with a big win over Ecuador, one of the best teams in South America right now. The Americans missed the final after losing to Argentina in the semifinals.

Considering the American success, Canada may now finally stand alone as the final frontier — the lone country untouched by the world's game. At least it will if it keeps ignoring tournaments like the Copa America.