World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay will face Paraguay in the final of this year’s Copa America in Buenos Aires on Sunday.
Uruguay will be looking to win a record 15th Copa America title (Argentina has 14 titles) and their first since lifting the trophy on home soil way back in 1995.
Paraguay, who reached the quarter-finals of last year’s World Cup, will be chasing just their third title and first since 1979. It would be quite a drought-breaking title, considering it’s been 32 years of waiting.
However, strangely Paraguay haven’t won a single game at this year’s Copa America after normal or extra time, having drawn all three group games before progressing in the quarters and semi on spot kicks.
It’s a strange statistic, but has a lot to do with Paraguay’s defensive approach.
Indeed, given this Uruguay must head into the final with favouritism, particularly when they’ve got firepower like Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan.
Uruguay 2 Peru 0
It was Suarez who grabbed the goals (both early in the second-half) in the 2-0 semi-final victory over Peru and the Liverpool man will play a key role in the final.
“It was a very tough game in the first half and we lacked a little clarity, though we kept trying to make chances,” Suarez said. “This was a game where we had to come out and attack and, fortunately, that’s what we did.”
It’ll be a similar situation in the final against the negative Paraguayans.
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said: “Paraguay… have their historic style which is always difficult to play against.”
He added: “We are very, very happy to be in the final - but Sunday is still a long way away. We will need to maintain our organisation and discipline.
“Lads have to study, learn about football and being competitive.”
Uruguay’s star striker Forlan emphasised the point that despite taking favouritism into the final, the team would need to stay grounded.
“People will make us the favourites - but we know we have a difficult task ahead,” Forlan said.
Paraguay 0 (5) Venezuela 0 (3)
It wasn’t pretty but Paraguay have progressed to the final. Gerardo Martino’s side had been reduced to 10 men but they still prevaild on spot kicks.
Paraguay keeper Justo Villar was the hero, by saving Franklin Lucena’s weak penalty, before Dario Veron sealed their passage into the final from the spot.
Venezuela coach Cesar Farias felt Paraguay were fortunate to progress. “I don’t want to do them down – but Paraguay were incredibly lucky,” Farias said. “But we go home with our heads held high.
“They chalked off a goal for us, we hit the woodwork three times and created more chances. We should have won but it didn’t work out for us.”
“This is how things go with football and I cannot reproach my players. We didn’t lose a match throughout. Penalties are basically all down to luck and today it wasn’t on our side.”