After eliminating the host Argentina, Uruguay confirmed its favouritism and won Peru by 2-0 for the Copa America semi-final, played in La Plata. Striker Luis Suarez, with two goals in the second half, secured the win of the Celeste, which returns to play for the South American title four editions later (lost to Brazil in 1999). The Lugano and Forlan’s team now waits the winner of the clash between Paraguay and Venezuela for the big decision on Sunday, in Buenos Aires.
To reach the final, Uruguay ended up doing a great second half after a balanced first stage. In the first 45 minutes, both teams had a portable game with two good scoring chances for each side. The surprising Peruvian team, who had passed by Colombia in the quarterfinals, reached 4 minutes with a shot from outside the area by Yotún and then on 23 minutes with a cross from Vargas, who went through Guerrero and Advincula.
Uruguay, with more ball possession (52% to 48%), however, led to more danger. At 7 minutes, with Suarez, picking up a spare in the box and then with Alvaro Pereira, who had a good chance, almost scored after a corner kicked by Forlan.
In the second step, Uruguay returned better and after a failure of the best goalkeeper Raul Fernandez opened the scoring. At 7 minutes, Forlan kicked from outside the area, Fernandez did not hold the rebound and the opportunistic Luis Suarez made 1-0 for the Celeste. Behind the score, Peru felt the goal. Shortly after, 12 minutes, Alvaro Pereira found Suárez free and gave a great assistance to the striker, who only dribbled Fernandez and scored the second goal, almost ordering the victory. Suarez is now one of the Copa America top scorers with three goals, along with the Argentine Aguero.
Best in the pitch and with the advantage, Uruguay became even closer to the place in the final half when Vargas hit an elbow in Coates, sent off after just 23 minutes. After that, the Uruguayan coach took out Suarez and put in Gargano, and the team only managed the result, securing its place on the final.
Uruguay is now awaiting the winner of Paraguay and Venezuela for the final, which will be held next Sunday, July 24th, in Buenos Aires, at the Monumental stadium. If Uruguay reaches the title, the Celeste will become the biggest champion of the Copa America’s history with 15 titles and repeated the feat in 1987, when was champion in Argentina itself. Peru will play the match for third place in La Plata, on Saturday.
Source: CopaAmerica.com and SportsHDChannel
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