"It was a miracle, I still cannot believe it". The words of Paraguay's goalkeeper Justo Villar reflect that, In this erratic, unpredictable Copa America, the podium is still up for grabs.
Can Paraguay defy Uruguay's leadership this Sunday? I believe it wouldn't be wise for Paraguay to repeat the same defensive approach for the final that they used in the previous games, for Uruguay grows much stronger when they dominate the flow of the ball.
Uruguay has, in fact, been growing since 2006, when Oscar Tabarez became Celeste's boss. They were not only one of the main revelations in South Africa finishing fourth, but they've also qualified for 2012 Olympic Games for the first time in over 80 years.
Venezuela were far superior than Paraguay in the semi-finals, but Justo Villar and a little bit of luck (three Venezuelan shots hit the woodwork) stopped Los Vinotintos from reaching their first final. Without Juan Manuel Vargas (sent off against Uruguay in the last round), I don't think Peru stands a chance against Venezuela, the revelation of the competition.
"We made it perfectly clear for everybody that in South America there's another team with great quality" said Venezuela's coach Cesar Farias. Venezuela showed they deserve some respect in the continent, can they put a ribbon to their best performance in the competition by claiming the third place?
Diego Lugano, Arevalo Rios and Luis Suarez are three vital players for Uruguay's scheme, and Paraguay must keep them under a close watch if they don't want to be humiliated at the Monumental. Paraguayan goalkeeper believes that playing for another goalless draw and waiting for the penalties would be "too much", but do they have what it takes to stop Uruguay?
With Roque Santa Cruz sidelined for the final with a leg injury, Paraguay does not have many options to lead their attack. It's their fifth Copa America final, their first since they claimed the title in 1979.. Can they take off at the Monumental and be crowned champions at Uruguay's expense?
Uruguay has, in fact, been growing since 2006, when Oscar Tabarez became Celeste's boss. They were not only one of the main revelations in South Africa finishing fourth, but they've also qualified for 2012 Olympic Games for the first time in over 80 years.
Venezuela were far superior than Paraguay in the semi-finals, but Justo Villar and a little bit of luck (three Venezuelan shots hit the woodwork) stopped Los Vinotintos from reaching their first final. Without Juan Manuel Vargas (sent off against Uruguay in the last round), I don't think Peru stands a chance against Venezuela, the revelation of the competition.
"We made it perfectly clear for everybody that in South America there's another team with great quality" said Venezuela's coach Cesar Farias. Venezuela showed they deserve some respect in the continent, can they put a ribbon to their best performance in the competition by claiming the third place?
Diego Lugano, Arevalo Rios and Luis Suarez are three vital players for Uruguay's scheme, and Paraguay must keep them under a close watch if they don't want to be humiliated at the Monumental. Paraguayan goalkeeper believes that playing for another goalless draw and waiting for the penalties would be "too much", but do they have what it takes to stop Uruguay?
With Roque Santa Cruz sidelined for the final with a leg injury, Paraguay does not have many options to lead their attack. It's their fifth Copa America final, their first since they claimed the title in 1979.. Can they take off at the Monumental and be crowned champions at Uruguay's expense?
