2011 Copa America Quarter-Finals Recap: Argentina & Brazil Ousted

This weekend saw 4 South American countries advance to the Copa America Semi-Finals and although there has been no clear favorite based on Group Stage play; we were still surprised with the results.

Hosts out: Argentina will now watch as a champion will be crowned on their soil

In perhaps the most anticipated match-up, we saw tournament hosts Argentina led by the world's most impressive player Lionel Messi face a confident Uruguay side led by Diego Forlan. Uruguay had qualified for the quarter-finals on the last match-day of their group similar to Argentina and both teams had much to prove in this tie if they were to own up to their favorites label. However, it was Uruguay that would stun the Argentine crowd with an early goal putting them in front after only 6 minutes of play. Argentina would respond on close to 20 minutes through Real Madrid striker Higuain. By the look of it, we seemed destined to be headed to a goal-scoring duel; however, we were a bit premature with that assumption as the 2 remained level through extra-time forcing a penalty shoot-out.

Uruguay celebrates their progression to the semi-finals.

Penalty shoot-outs are often considered by many to be a game of luck and although I believe everything partly has luck involved in it someway, this part of the game can also be prepared for. As I recently told someone, I truly believe that there are very few or no excuses for a player who miss a penalty kick by hitting the ball wide. For a professional player to miss the target completely is simply inexcusable. On the other side, a goal keeper is usually told or assumed to be guessing towards which side to defend whereas I do believe that is a vital part of penalty defense, I also believe that keepers should not always do so. They should rather attempt to judge the way the player is kicking the ball or go on based on the study they should have put in to before the game on where certain players usually strike the ball. Anyhow, that's just my 2 cents regarding the penalty procedure.

Both these sides looked well-prepared for this phase and it definitely showed as both sides converted until Carlos Tevez missed despite sending a powerful shot. In this case, the keeper guessed right but something also tells me that he studied Tevez and was aware of his tendencies to go with power. Uruguay progresses to the semi-finals while Argentina are yet again left to think 'what-if' as they'll have to watch another nation raise the Copa America on their home-soil. 

The Defending Champions Are Out: Brazil Fails To Impress

Surely with Argentina out, this would now be Brazil's tournament to win again, because there was no way anyone could picture a scenario with both out. But that's precisely what's happened. I had earlier commented on Brazil's potential issues at the back being a possible reason for an early exit and it seems as though they were alert an attentive to that as they didn't concede a goal throughout the match. Plus the extra advantage of having played Paraguay in the Group Stage would allow them to adjust to the mistakes they made in a match they nearly lost. However, they weren't so brilliant up front as they were unable to convert on their 16 chances. However, they still had a chance, like Argentina did, to advance via a penalty shoot-out. 

I'd first like to say though that Brazil's futility up front was not only their own undoing but also through the job Paraguayan goal keeper Justo Villar did which only continued in the shoot-out. Brazil is always remembered for classic shoot-outs and most recently the on in 1994 where they clinched the World Cup over Italy. Fate would not be so kind to them this time.

Paraguay got the better of Brazil arguably twice during the tournament.

Brazil's shooters were simply dreadful as Villar continued to frustrate by saving 2 shots with 2 others going wide. Paraguay converted on 2 kicks which would be enough to send them through and once again get the better of Brazil. As I earlier mentioned, the 2 teams had faced off in the Group Stage with Brazil needing a goal in extra-time to salvage a 2-2 draw. There were a few Brazilians, in particular Ramires, who deemed the result unfair, but you only have yourselves to blame if despite dominant play, your team is unable to convert and finish. Brazil's elimination means that we'll see a new champion crowned.

Peru Advance After Scoring Twice In Extra-Time

In our third quarter-final match-up, we saw Colombia led by the much in demand Falcão go up against Peru who has put together a solid campaign thus far. Yet again, we were treated to another scoreless event as neither side could break-through for 90 minutes. I find it humorous considering many South Americans tend to blast European football as it's low scoring at times and this time we were treated some scoreless afternoons. 

Colombia came into the tie favored although based on what I've been saying throughout the Group Stage and after that it's really a toss up and indeed it was. Colombian striker Falcão seemed like he was headed to score a few early on but Peru's defense held up perhaps Alberto Rodriguez, who now plays for Sporting C.P but faced Falcão several times last season, provided some good insight to his other defenders on how to neutralize his threat. Falcão did have a chance to put Colombia ahead but missed his penalty kick. 

It would come down to whose legs were fresher in the end as Peru capitalized on Colombia's overzealous approach in extra-time as they pushed too far up and were caught out not once but twice to send them into the semi-finals.  

Venezuela Over Early Deficit To Advance As Chile Fall Short

Chile and Venezuela provided was the only quarter-final to provide us with goals during normal time and also the only match to not go into extra-time or penalties. Chile came in quite confident over their chances to progress as they are equipped with several good youngsters including the popular Alexis Sanchez who remains rumored to be heading to Barcelona. However, it would be foolish to not rate this Venezuelan side which pulled off a shocker against Paraguay during the Group Stage when it seemed as if they were set to lose 3-1 on 89 minutes only to convert twice to ensure an incredible draw. 

Cichero scores the winner.

Chile seemed to be the more attentive side early on but failed to do much in the final 3rd of the pitch. It would be Venezuela who would take the lead on 39 minutes and it would remain like that through half-time until Suazo leveled matters on 68 minutes. After that, we seemed headed for yet more extra-time and possibly a penalty-shootout and it wouldn't be much of a surprise given the earlier fixtures but Venezuela completed the rout and upset. Although not as grand as eliminating a Argentina, Brazil or Uruguay, Chile was considered a rather strong side in this year's edition. Venezuela took care of matters 10 minutes from time and Chile could barely muster a dangerous attack to threaten the score-line as yet another of South American star took a bow in Alexis Sanchez. 

The Semi-Finals Are Set

Peru v Uruguay on Tuesday, July 19th @ 8:45 PM ET

Venuzuela v Paraguay on Wednesday, July 20th @ 8:45 PM ET

2011 Copa America Group Stage Recap: Look Back At The Group Stage