Uruguay vs Paraguay Copa America 2011 Final Live streaming

Copa America 2011 Final
Uruguay v Paraguay
2011/7/24
19:00 +00:00  GMT
Uruguay    vs    Paraguay

Uruguay seeking 15th Copa America title

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Paraguay defeated Venezuela on penalties to reach their first Copa America final since 1979

Competition Stats

	Uruguay	Paraguay
Goals	Luis Suárez 3	Roque Santa Cruz 1
Assists	Álvaro Pereira 1	Roque Santa Cruz 1
Yellows	José Martín Caceres 3	Jonathan Santana 2
Reds	Diego Pérez 1	Jonathan Santana 1
Squads: Uruguay | Paraguay

Next Matches

Uruguay		Paraguay
7/24	H: Paraguay	7/24	A: Uruguay

James Dall

It has been a peculiar Copa America. South American giants Brazil and Argentina have fallen with red-faced thuds as so-called underdogs have arced their necks. Drama, meanwhile, has presented itself in spurts. Now for one final twist as Paraguay lock horns with Uruguay in this Sunday's final at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Uruguay are favourites to triumph, but their opponents have this tournament made a habit of squeezing out results, having not won a game in normal time.
That Paraguay are in this weekend's showpiece courtesy of a winless path is worthy of dissection. Drawn in Group B alongside Brazil, Venezuela and Ecuador, Paraguay played out a goalless draw in their opening match versus the latter - this outcome would prove a familiar feeling for Gerardo Martino and his players. The nation was then denied victory in the 89th minute against Brazil, the match ending 2-2, before two late goals, this time versus Venezuela, meant three group games played and as many stalemates accrued.Despite being winless and finishing third, Paraguay advanced to the next phase as their neutral goal difference proved the second best of the teams that finished third. A repeat meeting with five-time World Cup winners Brazil beckoned, this time in the quarter-finals. No goals were scored over 120 minutes, so penalties awaited. Spectators were open-mouthed when Brazil missed all four of theirs, as Paraguay tucked home two of their three to reach the final four. Almost inevitably, Paraguay's semi-final meeting with Venezuela finished square. And they again held their nerve to win another spot-kick shootout.Uruguay, meanwhile, were hardly rampant in the group phase, winning just one of their three fixtures, but their return of five points proved enough to secure a runners-up berth. Oscar Tabarez's charges then faced the task of tackling hosts Argentina. The sides could not be split after a goal apiece in the first half, so, like Paraguay at the same stage, they headed for penalties. Uruguay were composed, scoring all five of their efforts as Carlos Tevez missed for Argentina. It was more routine in the semi-finals, a brace from Luis Suarez disposing of Peru.Now Uruguay are on the brink of making history. Should they emerge victorious against Paraguay then they will reach 15 South American titles, usurping heavyweights Argentina. This would be a remarkable feat that would reiterate Uruguay's continued ability to punch above their weight. Indeed, Uruguay, who boast two World Cup titles to their name, are the second-smallest nation in South America. Tabarez is the current man at the helm, and he has thoroughly impressed since his appointment in 2006, having led the team to the semi-finals of the World Cup last year.Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino, however, will be forced to watch his side from the stands after receiving a two-game touchline ban for his part in the fracas that marred the semi-final win over Venezuela. Martino was fined $10,000, while his team were accused by Venezuela boss Cesar Farias of provoking the melee. Their penchant for penalties, meanwhile, appears habitual. Under Martino, Paraguay were beaten by eventual winners Spain at the 2010 World Cup, having reached the last eight by - yes, you guessed it - a victory on penalties. Uruguay would be advised not to let their fate be decided by shots from 12 yards, though Ghana suffered at their hands in South Africa in a shoot-out.While La Albirroja have been rather unconvincing during this competition - although it is worth reiterating they came within a whisker of seeing off Brazil in the group stage - their supporters will unlikely care a jot, for they are playing in their first Copa America final for 32 years. Back in 1979, they beat Chile 3-1 on aggregate, claiming their second South American title. Speaking ahead of this weekend, Martino, said: "It feels like a miracle. But after two lots of extra-time we arrive at the final with almost no oxygen, with five or six injured and one suspended. Uruguay is in a different state. Their key players are rested, but we will fight to the utmost."Paraguay are sweating on the fitness of Roque Santa Cruz after the striker lasted just six minutes against Venezuela before having to be taken off through injury. Jonathan Santana will certainly miss out after his sending-off in the semi-finals. Tabarez, meanwhile, will weigh up whether to gamble on Edinson Cavani's fitness, in particular after Napoli president Antonio De Laurentiis stated: "I'll kill them if they've broken my Edinson."Uruguay player to watch: Luis Suarez. The twinkle-toed attacker will finish as top goalscorer of the tournament should he net on Sunday. Suarez currently has three goals to his name, the same number as Argentina's Sergio Aguero. Liverpool's Suarez boasts much quality, and he could be the deciding factor when the two sides clash. His dovetailing with strike partner Diego Forlan will give Paraguay's defence much to consider.Paraguay player to watch: Paulo da Silva. As the 'stats' section of this preview indicates, Paraguay are no strangers to playing without the ball, hence it is imperative they are switched on when not in possession. Da Silva, once of Sunderland, has been snarling in the tackle during the competition, managing 29 successful dispossessions to date. The Real Zaragoza centre-back looks set for a busy outing.Key Battle: Diego Lugano v Santa Cruz (if fit). The latter's availability would act as a huge fillip for Paraguay, but even if the Manchester City flop proves available he faces a stern task against the impressive Lugano. The Fenerbahce defender has been imposing in the heart of Uruguay's defence, receiving plaudits from sections of the press.Trivia: This is only the second Copa America final in 22 years when neither Brazil or Argentina will compete for the title.Stats: Paraguay have recorded the most unsuccessful passes in the tournament, with 223 going astray. But they have managed the most successful tackles, at 162.Prediction: Fatigue will be an intriguing issue with Paraguay having endured some draining outings in their route to the final. Can their defence can hold out concentration for 90 plus minutes against the buzzing Suarez? The bookmakers have Uruguay down as weighty favourites, and it is hard to look beyond La Celeste. Paraguay's pluck, demonstrated throughout, has been hard to ignore, and they are the unfashionable side to tip. Despite the temptation to be rogue, Uruguay should win.
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