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| phot by Adam Straney |
- by Adam Huntington, writing from Dundee, Scotland
Between the two in this year's final, Uruguay are the much more decorated team. A win on Sunday would see them become the tournament's most successful team and achieve a record breaking 15th Copa America title, more than Argentina (14) and Brazil (8). Uruguay's appearance in the final is not too surprising; their performances are simply a continuation of form from their impressive World Cup last year. Somewhat reserved in the group stage; undefeated but managing only one win against a very depleted Mexico side. When drawn with Argentina in the Quarter Finals in the most anticipated tie of the round, it was widely believed that the Uruguayans would have their tournament hopes dashed. They easily could have been, had it not been for the inspired performance of 'keeper Fernando Muslera, who's unbelievable saves thwarted Argentina time and time again. The match eventually went to penalties, where Muslera denied Tevez and secured his teams appearance in the semi-final.
The win over Argentina gave the Uruguayan players more confidence in their play, they dominated Peru from the kick off and deservedly took the lead through Suarez at the start of the second half. When Suarez secured his brace just a few minutes later, the game was effectively over; Peru's attacking threat throughout the game was lacklustre, never truly testing Coates or Lugano in the centre of defence. When Vargas, one of Peru's most creative players, was sent off for a regrettable elbow, Uruguay were pretty much certified finalists. They simply had to wait to find out who they would play.
Paraguay's route to the final has been remarkable for one reason; they are yet to win a single game in the tournament. Coming into the Copa America without key strikers Pizarro and Farfan, many wondered where their goals would come from, others looked toward Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios. Their first group game against Ecuador ended goal-less, which a lot of people second guessed. They played well against Brazil in their second game, taking the lead until a very late Fred equaliser. The same happened against Venezuela; Paraguay leading by two goals this time before the tournament's overachievers grabbed two late goals. Still, without winning a game, Paraguay went through to the Quarter Finals as best third placed team out of the three groups. Their opponents, Brazil, had looked toothless throughout the group stages, nothing like we all anticipated and expected. Fortunately for Paraguay, Brazil carried this form on. They rode their luck against the Brazilians, Fred seen a shot of his cleared off the line, but luck seemed to shine down on them. With the game down to penalties, the penalty spot in the La Plata stadium crumbled away, leaving the Brazilians red-faced as they didn't manage to convert a single spot kick. Paraguay netted two, and sailed through to a Semi Final with Venezuela.
That game was a contemptuous affair, and was - again - settled by penalties. The Venezuelan defence was well organised, which frustrated Paraguay, who were lucky not to go behind in an entertaining first half. The second half however was poor; neither side created many chances and the game was destined to go the distance. Extra time saw both teams hit the bar, but neither could conjure up a goal. Penalties ended Venezuela's dream of making the final, but allowed Paraguay and Uruguay to lock heads for the first time in 7 years, and the first time ever in the final of the Copa America.
Whilst it's easy to assume the game will be won and lost in Paraguay's defence - and if they can keep Uruguay's attack at bay - I'd like to look at another aspect. Whilst it's undoubtedly true that Uruguay has the better attacking players, we've yet to see how well their defence can handle sustained pressure. Argentina tried in vain to score, but were thwarted by Muslera, Peru didn't seem to ask any questions at all, bar one shot, which Muslera fumbled. I'd like to see the Paraguay's front men and midfield work above themselves to pin back the wandering Pereira's, who have been devastating in Uruguay's last couple of games. By cutting out their opponents width, Paraguay can expect to defend a very direct approach; fast passing into the feet of Forlan who will inevitably come deep to receive the ball, or a long ball over the top for Suarez to chase. This all works in theory, but in practice it'll prove much more difficult to implement. Maxi and Alvaro Pereira have been, for me, Uruguay's best two players, working up and down each flank and always providing an outlet for their teammates. I'll be very surprised if one of these two don't feature heavily in the outcome of the final.
Luiz Suarez has emerged from the Copa America as a real talent, his pace, touch and intelligent movement have been a real highlight of the tournament. With Forlan's star slightly fading away, the promising Cavani injured and Abel Hernandez not yet established enough to start, Suarez has stepped up precisely when his country have needed him to. However, he is still very temperamental when tackled strongly, so don't expect Paraguay to show him much respect tomorrow evening. If the Paraguayan defence can suffocate Suarez effectively, they'll make the task of winning the final much easier. Something which would make that task much harder and almost impossible, would be an early Uruguay goal. Their players have the ability to keep the ball from Paraguay for long periods of time, and with that possession comes the ability to score again. Expect a very defensive opening half an hour or so from Paraguay, in which Uruguay will too start cautiously, but probe a little deeper.
The showdown tomorrow promises to be many things; historic, close, and climactic, but above all enthralling. The battle between Uruguay and Paraguay has the potential to captivate it's audience and provide a fitting end to a wonderfully abnormal Copa America.
