Tommorrow is the final of the Copa America – the South American football championship, the oldest continental championship in football.
The final of the 42nd championship is between Uruguay and Paraguay. The two pre-tournament favourites, Argentina and Brazil, were both eliminated at the quarter final stage, in penalty shootouts, against the two finalists.
Interestingly, if Uruguay win, they will actually become the most succesful team in Copa America history. They currently share that title of 14 wins each with Argentina. Brazil has eight titles, Paraguay and Peru two titles each, and Colombia and Bolivia have both won once.
The tournament has been noted for the number of draws, with eight draws in the group stage, and neither Argentina or Brazil managing to win until their third and final group games.
Two of the quarter finals and one semi final were also decided on penalties after ending in draws after extra-time.
This has led to the strange situation where Paraguay has reached the final of the Copa America without actually “winning” a game in regulation or extra-time. This is the first time a team has reached the final of a major international club or national team cup without winning a game.
Paraguay drew all three of their group games (although to be fair, they were beating both Brazil and Venezuela comfortably, until Brazil drew with an 89th minute goal and Venezuela drew with 89 and 92nd minute goals).
Paraguay then drew with Brazil in a quarter final, to win on penalties 2-0, and drew with Venezuela to win on penalties 5-3.
I am an Aussie living in Paraguay, and the Argentinian, Venezuelan, and Brazillian press, and coaches, are livid. Complaining that a team that “hasnt won a game” has reached the final. There have also been complaints about Paraguay´s lack of attacking football.
It is true that during the quarter final against Brazil Paraguay did not manage a shot on goal that troubled the Brazillian keeper, but, their defence was incredible. Against Venezuela, Paraguay dominated the first half in attack, Venezuela attacked more in the second half. After a Paraguayan player was red carded in extra time, Paraguay concentrated on defence. Again the Paraguayan goal keeper, Justo Villar, was incredible.
As an Argentina journalist commented yesterday, football is a game of attack and defence. It does take some skill not letting a team with the talent of Brazil score against you.
I also think that the comments about Paraguay “not having won a game” are incorrect. The rules of the Copa America state that in the knockout stages, if scores are equal at full-time, extra-time is played, and if scores are equal after that, the result is decided on penalties.
Paraguay has won two games, albeit on penalties. In contrast, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina have all lost a game in the knockout phase.
John Alexander
Guest
Sharminator, off topic questions: what on earth are you doing for a quid in Paraguay?
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
If you get a chance I would love if you could please give us a sense of the atmosphere in the streets & cafes of Paraguay - particularly before & during the game? Although it must be a pretty sombre mood now with significant disappointment tonight - although, Paraguay should be very proud of this team that - yet again - did better than Brasil & Argentina.
Sharminator
Roar Rookie
Desperation was what finally got us attacking. Especially in this game we didnt have the attacking weapons to score ... If I remember correctly this is only Zaballos 2nd game starting for Paraguay ... he came on against Ecuador but he was a surprise name in the squead and was really only in the squad to get experience. Haedo normally starts off the bench. But with Roque, Barrios and a few other injuries both of them had to start.
Sharminator
Roar Rookie
Everyone over here was a bit confused about the Paraguayan line up at the start of the game, with 4 changes to the team against Venezuela, .. and with Zaballos and Piris starting .. who are both young stars of the local Paraguayan league, instead of the tried and tested usual suspects. Everyone was particularly confused about Barrios being on the Bench ... as he, along with Roque, is our main attacking weapon. Normally Roque and Barrios start with Haedo coming on in the second half. But obviously we can see why, as Barrios went off injured after a few minutes on the field. Im also not sure about the decision to keep Justo Villar on the field, he is the captain and a superb goalie, but ... due to his injury he couldnt kick the ball, which meant we always had to have another man back in defence. Well done Uruguay .. the combinations especially between Suarez and Forlan were superb, and the pressure they put on us in defenca was immense.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
GAME OVER ... huge gaps as Paraguay had to push forward and Suarez & Forlan only need 1/2 a chance. Like a clap of thunder when the ball hit the back of the net.
PaddyBoy
Guest
That is all she wrote, I'm off to get some sleep :).
Sharminator
Roar Rookie
yep .. thats the sort of shot that Roque Santa Cruz would make .. but he´s out injured
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Totally different game this half. Uruguay reduced to the counter-attack and still dangerous but Paraguay have finally decided to play football ... and, they have the talent so I just don't understand why it's taken them so long to be adventurous.
PaddyBoy
Guest
Who's that guy on the right wing for Paraguay? Tricky little bloke, bloody quick too.
PaddyBoy
Guest
Aren't Paraguay a completely different team? Suarez is doing lovely work nicking the ball off the defenders, about 3-4 times they've been caught napping.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Paraguay have come out fighting in the 2nd half. Another excellent chance ... if Paraguay scores, they have the momentum. Uruguay seem to have stopped - or, at least, Paraguay aren't allowing them to dictate the game. Of course, as they get more desperate, Paraguay will leave gaps in defence and Forlan & Suarez will just wait to pounce. I can sense drama to come ...
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Cracking game ... the sort of tension I want from a Cup Final. And, that volley by Valdéz should remind Uruguay that at 2-0 the game is far from over.
PaddyBoy
Guest
That would have been the most glorious goal if that shot from Valdez went in, spewing.
PaddyBoy
Guest
Pretty good game hey, Paraguay not looking like much though, there were two handballs, one after the header and another one where the Paraguayan fell on the ball (both at nil-all).
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Fantastic game, thus far, from Uruguay - totally controlling the game with quick, attacking football right from the opening whistle. In fact, Uruguay should have had a penalty and a Paraguay given a red card for handball on the goal line in the opening minute. And, don't the Sth American crowds know how to support their teams ... a pulsating atmosphere created by a capacity 65k supporters blowing trumpets, singing and dancing throughout the game. With 45' to go, Uruguay seem to have it under control but 2 things bother me if I were a Uruguayan ... 1. the players seemed to be congratulating each other at 1/2 time, which is very dangerous in a Cup Final and 2. a 2-0 lead is THE most dangerous score in Football. If Paraguay can scrap a goal at any time before the 90' we'll be in for a frenzied finish to the game.
PaddyBoy
Guest
At this stage it's looking like no, almost half time and 2-0 down. I've got no problem with "anti-football" if the team is far weaker. People criticise teams for not sitting back and letting bigger teams punish them when they have a better chance of getting a result. Far better than the dodgy play that Uruguay perpetuate (esp "Biter" Suarez).
Mick
Guest
Paraguay won 2 penalty shoot outs, not 2 games. I am looking for to the final
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
In previous WCs, I've always had a soft spot for Paraguay since, for me, they represented the South American underdog. But, no more. I'm disgusted by their anti-football (albeit pragmatic) attitude at the Copa America. Additionally, at the FIFA WC, Paraguay was also involved in one of the most boring games of football that I've ever seen during the "knock-out stage" of any competition, when they played Japan ... 120 minutes of rubbish - although the Japanese were also to blame. So, notwithstanding my intense dislike for Uruguay for a multitude of reasons including: their disgusting behaviour during a pre-WC "friendly" in 1974 when a Uruguayan thug, Luis Garisto, whacked Ray Baartz in the throat behind play with such force that Baartz's carotid artery was damaged, he nearly died and Baartz was unable to play in the 1974 WC and his career was ended; the fact that Uruguay prevented us from qualifying for WC2002; and Suárez's goal-line handball that robbed Ghana & Africa of a 1st ever WC Semi Final ... ... despite all these things, I'm going to find myself cheering for Uruguay tomorrow morning - the team has some wonderfully gifted players ... and, I've even brought myself round to forgiving Suárez - he's simply great to watch.