After a month long's worth of competition, the 2011 Copa America is wrapping up and this week served up the Semi-Finals which featured undoubtedly 4 sides many didn't expect to be in such a position with exception to Uruguay. However, one thing that is certain is that each of these 4 teams reached this point deservedly.
Uruguay v Peru
After an impressive Quarter-Final finish for both sides, they each looked very well capable of reaching and winning the final and I'd make a reasonable guess that the winner would come out of this tie. Uruguay had just knocked off Uruguay impressively after going a player down within the last minutes of the first-half to knock Argentina out of the competition. Ask anyone, it's an incredible feat to be able to eliminate a side like Argentina but on top of that they were the tournament hosts which makes the mission even more difficult.
On the other side, we have Peru who have seemingly defied the odds so far and went up against a Colombian side who are boosting some of the regions best talent. They were able to break-down a Colombian defense in extra-time scoring twice and just as impressively hold their own in defense. Perhaps, Colombia just didn't have the legs to contend late or they simply didn't want it as much as Peru; nonetheless, thus Peruvian side showed us how far hard-work and determination counts in these tournaments.
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| Diego Forlan (Right) has been the face of the national side for quite some time. |
The match began just as many of us expected with Peru setting forth a defensive front that would attempt to frustrate Uruguay as it did against Colombia. The first half played well into their plan as Uruguay were left frustrated at the scoreline firmly at 0-0. However, Uruguay came out much stronger in the 2nd half, and unlike Colombia, would capitalize on Peru's momentary lapses. Still it took a great piece of skill for Uruguay to strike as Diego Forlan sent in a clever ball which rebounded to Luis Suarez putting them ahead. After an entire period of scoreless play, you'd think after that goal we wouldn't see another one anytime soon; however, Peru's game plan had completely hit the wall and were now quite vulnerable. Suarez's goal definitely sent the Peruvian players into a state of disarray as within moments Uruguay were up 2-0. A huge defensive lapse allowed Suarez to round the keeper and roll the ball into the back of the net giving him a much deserved brace and earning Uruguay an invitation to the final.
Paraguay v Venezuela
Paraguay and Venezuela featured a fixture no one could have predicted. Both sides were predicted by very few to reach this point and yet they had down it each in their own ways. Paraguay featured a side which has just knocked out defending champions and favorites Brazil via penalty shoot-out. Paraguay's keeper Villar had put up one of the best defensive performances of the tournament frustrating Brazil throughout the match and then in penalties as he saved 2 and saw another 2 fly over his head to keep yet another clean sheet. Meanwhile, Venezuela had impressively knocked off a Chilean side boosted by recent Barcelona acquisition Alexis Sanchez to win 2-1 in a match which concluded in a rarity for this tournament in 90 minutes.
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| Larissa Riquelme has promised to go naked if Paraguay are to win the Copa America. |
Both sides had already faced off in a thrilling finish I might add, Paraguay had a 3-1 lead heading into the 90th minute as Venezuela remarkably pulled back 2 within 3 minutes to salvage a draw. Paraguay would definitely look to be extra careful this time around. Venezuela came out with the intent to attack and who could blame them after they succeeded in taking the game to Chile whereas Paraguay took their chances too but were trying to be extra careful at the back. To no one's surprise, the match ended 0-0 after extra-time forcing yet another penalty shoot-out in the tournament. I'm sure this tournament has to have had close to or the record for matches going into extra-time/penalty shoot-out with all that we've seen. Paraguay would go on to beat Venezuela thus ending their fairy-tale journey in the tournament. Paraguay will now face off against Uruguay for the right to call themselves South American Champions.
Uruguay v Paraguay: The Final
I'm sure there are many fans disappointed that neither Brazil or Argentina will feature; however, we should appreciate that despite the list of superstars featured on both that other nations are still able to compete and defy them. Uruguay, in particular, has performed quite well in recent years and finished 4th in this past FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Paraguay also featured and lost in the Quarter-Finals of the FIFA World Cup to the eventual champions Spain by a margin of 1-0. These 2 sides have proven to be worthy of such a title and are in no regards showing how weak the region has become but how it continues to improve. With a victory, Uruguay will become the most successful side in this tournaments history so you'll know they'll be wanting to pull out all the stops. Similarly for Paraguay, they understand how grand of an opportunity they have along with the prospect of seeing Larissa Riquelme go nude. All jokes aside, Paraguay and Uruguay are going to put on just as entertaining of a match as the likes of Brazil or Argentina, but this is about these 2 nations.
2011 Copa America Final:
Uruguay v Paraguay
Sunday, July 24th
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3 PM ET
2011 Copa America 3rd Place Match:
Venezuela v Peru
Saturday, July 23rd
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3 PM ET
For a look back at the tournament check out these links below.
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