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SuperCopa 2011 Clasico – The most important match of the summer!
Hands down, the two Clasicos between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the 2011 Supercopa de España will again form a pair of matches never to forget.
We last saw both giants clash against each other in a two-legged encounter in the 2011 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. As expected, the battle did not lack of thrill and was nothing less than stimulating, but it surely did not leave its mark in the prettiest manner.
With the ensuing damages of the games creating a bigger barrier between the two Spanish titans, it could be a matter of retribution when Real Madrid and Barcelona face each other in the 2011 Supercopa. Before going further into the presented subject, let us take a brief look at the history of the championship – especially from the Blaugrana and Los Blancos’ prospects.
Francisco gets Paraguay job as Martino quits after Copa America final defeat
Paraguay have been quick to appoint a new coach following the resignation of Gerardo Martino.
On Friday afternoon, it was reported that Martino had stepped down as coach of the Guaranies after his side fell 3-0 to Uruguay in the 2011 Copa America final. During a press conference, the 48-year-old man publicly avowed his decision to quit Paraguay’s national team as he stated the following:“I am no longer the coach of the Paraguayan national team as of today. I can no longer contribute to everything we imagined when I took the reins of the national team.”
But the Paraguayan FA has taken no time at all to find Gerardo Martino’s successor. A few hours after Martino’s resignation, APF vice president Alejandro Dominguez issued a statement as he declared:
Argentina part company with 2011 Copa America loser Sergio Batista—report
It’s official. Sergio Batista is no longer the coach of Argentina’s Albiceleste.
Sergio Batista was meant to do what Diego Maradona couldn’t do at the 2010 FIFA World Cup—which was to end Argentina’s major title drought in all competitions since 1993. But the 2011 Copa America turned out to be sour for the Albiceleste who recorded only one victory before crashing out of the tournament in the quarter-finals following a penalty shootout loss to eventual champions Uruguay. Throughout the competition, Sergio Batista was branded as “stubborn” for using tactics which the majority of Argentine fans and pundits didn’t like. The criticized man, however, insisted on maintaining his position as the head coach of Argentina’s national football team after the country’s fiasco on home soil.
Round-up of the 2011 Copa America: 10 statistics & honours that have made history
From the award winners to the flops, from the group stages to the final, here is a roundup of the 2011 Copa America.
The 2011 Copa America showcased different things: the emergence of smaller teams in the CONMEBOL zone, the problems of giants like Argentina and Brazil and more.
Taking advantage of the situation, Uruguay went on to claim the title in style—ousting host Argentina on the way and stunning Paraguay with an emphatic 3-0 victory in the final.
In one of the competition’s highlights, Venezuela recorded their best ever finish but Peru got the last word in the third-place final by denying La Vinotinto bronze medals. Below are 10 things you should know following the end of the 2011 Copa America:
Uruguay Beat Paraguay 3-0 To Become Copa America Champions
The Uruguayans have finally realized one of their wildest dreams after 16 years of dissatisfaction by demolishing Paraguay in the 2011 Copa America final.
At the start of the tournament, many were eyeing a final fixture involving either giants Brazil or hosts Argentina .There were shocks though as La Celeste progressed through the last stage of the contest thanks to an unbeaten run.Having humbled the Argentines in the quarterfinals in a dramatic encounter, Uruguay were determined to finish their Copa America campaign in style. Fortunately for them, Paraguay proved to be too weak to cause them any harm in Buenos Aires.
Man of the Match Luis Suarez first scored the opener for his country after just 11 minutes, and by half time, the Uruguayans were leading 2-0 thanks to a strike from Diego Forlan. The Atletico Madrid forward netted another goal just a minute from additional time deep into the second half, only to seal what happened to be a comprehensible victory.
2011 Copa America: Uruguay, One Game Away From Becoming The Most Prolific Copa America Champion
Following their success in the last World Cup, Paraguay and Uruguay meet each other at the Monumental with the Copa America title at stake.
Uruguayans know their game. Team's coach Oscar Tabarez has given every single player in his squad (except for the two substitute goalkeepers) the opportunity to show their worth in the Celeste team. Striker Edinson Cavani and Nicolas Lodeiro, two vital players at the beginning at the tournament are likely to watch the final from the bench.A lot has changed in the last four years in South American football. Back in Venezuela in 2007, we witnessed one of the most intense Copa America in years, with 86 goals scored in 17 games. What's different now, with only 46 goals scored after the first 15 games?
Paraguayan playstyle is one of the best examples to illustrate this point. Gerardo Martino's boys have not scored nor conceded a single goal in the last 240 minutes in the Copa America. Former Argentinos Juniors' playmaker Nestor Ortigoza gave Los Guaranies a fresher perspective, and I believe he's earned his place in the starting eleven. Will it be wise for the Paraguayans to repeat the same approach to face Uruguay in the final?
Paraguayan coach may not have as many alternatives as his rival in his squad, and the situation grows even more difficult considering Jonathan Santana, Roque Santa Cruz and Aureliano Torres will be unable to perform. Sent off during the last game against Venezuela, Martino won't be allowed to sit on the bench for the final, will he still manage to lead Paraguay to the American glory?
2011 Copa America: Paraguay Reaches The Final Without A Single Copa America Victory
"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.
Second-best not an option for 2011 Copa America finalists Uruguay
Uruguay are 90 minutes or 120 minutes away from lifting the 2011 Copa America trophy. But after their semi-final triumph against Peru, the Uruguayans don’t want to get carried away.
“This victory was important and I'm very happy,” said a satisfied Alvaro Pereira to the press. “But we must keep our feet on the ground.“This team has demonstrated an amazing hunger for glory and now we must think about maintaining our form since the beginning, when we thought all games were finals.
“There are always mistakes [in games] and we made mistakes [against Peru], but now we must correct them and hopefully we can win this cup.”
Coach Oscar Tabarez echoed Pereira’s quotes by telling the media according to Terra US:
2011 Copa America: Venezuela And The Element Of Surprise
Both Paraguay and Venezuela advanced to the semi-finals by defeating a major candidate in quarters. Uruguay waits for the winner in Buenos Aires
Celestes look forward to consolidate their excellent moment next Sunday at the Monumental. They don't wait for a top candidate as Chile or Brazil in the final, but Paraguay and Venezuela have showed strong credentials to stop Uruguay from lifting their 15th title.Paraguayans have the opportunity to redeem themselves from their last Copa America final, back in 1979. This is Venezuela's best performance in the competition, but team's coach Cesar Farias believes they can make it even further this time.
Last week we witnessed an intense clash between these two fierce rivals, in which Venezuela came back from a 3-1 partial defeat, but I believe both teams have grown more confident in the course of the last week. Aerial play is likely to be decisive once again, just like it will be next Sunday in Buenos Aires against Uruguay.
Even Venezuela's own goalkeeper must have been surprised by his contribution to Venezuela's winning goal last week over Chile. Renny Vega is one of the main referents in the team, providing the same security Diego Muslera gives to the Uruguayans between the posts.
Uruguay eclipse biggest giants Argentina & Brazil by reaching 2011 Copa America final
Uruguay are well on track to becoming 2011 Copa America champions! Luis Suarez’s second half brace powered La Celeste Olimpica past Peru to reach the final of the competition.
As of now, many are fancying the Uruguayans to lift the title in Buenos Aires in a week’s time. It’s never easy to oust hosts, is it? We saw Japan stunning Germany at the Women’s World Cup. The rest of the story is easy to tell; the Japanese went on to win the title. Is this something Uruguay are going to emulate at the Copa America?Their chances to do so are big enough. The Uruguayans don’t just have great strikers in the form of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez. They have a great goalkeeper too. Muslera is the name.
This is a shot stopper whose pair of hands make Uruguay’s goal post seem protected by gates. Indeed, Muslera’s performance has caught the eye of the public at the benefit of Oscar Tabarez’s team.
2011 Copa America: South American Minnows Are Ready To Shed The Underdog Tag
Venezuela, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay give Copa America semi-finals an odd look
Is this the beginning of a new era in the history of American football? It looked like Argentina and Brazil were about to take off after a superb performance in the last game of the group stage, but the candidates could not live up to the expectations and faced elimination after 120 minutes of football.Who could have expected Colombia and Chile -the best teams in the first stage- eliminated by allegedly weak rivals as Venezuela and Peru? I don't think the outcome of the quarter-finals is beyond all logic. The last four survivors won their game tactically, and turned from underdogs into candidates.
They must now keep their form to capitalize their effort with the American title. It won't be easy for Venezuela, the less experienced team of the competition (the other three contenders have already lifted the American title at least twice).
I believe the determination they've shown in the first four games, and the experience they've gained from such tough games, is likely to take them to the grand finale.
What went wrong with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia & Chile at the Copa America?
This is not what the majority of the public—led by supporters of the strongest teams—wanted to see. Argentina, Colombia, Brazil and Chile are all out of the 2011 Copa America!
How it happened
Argentina had raised early doubts about their chances of winning the competition when Bolivia and Colombia both held them to draws. But having bounced back in style against Costa Rica, hopes got rekindled until Uruguay had the last say in the quarter-finals.
Even Lionel Messi’s majestic performance couldn’t destroy La Celeste Olimpica as Tevez’s penalty miss in the shoot-outs sealed Argentina’s exit. One could now wonder about Sergio Batista’s future with the Albiceleste.
In the meantime, Colombia might find it hard to face reality. What really prevented them from finding their way against Peru? After qualifying from the group stages with 7 points, football fans and pundits had backed the Colombians to maintain their composure and at least reach the semi-finals. The truth, however, is that Los Cafeteros have allowed the Peruvians to keep dreaming at the 2011 Copa America.
2011 Copa America: Peru and Uruguay Set The Example, Can Paraguay and Venezuela Follow It?
Brazil and Chile must secure the game in 90 minutes to avoid an awkward surprise this Sunday.
A smart, tactical football gave Peru and Uruguay the opportunity to outwit the alleged candidates and advance to the semi-finals. Despite showing some of their best football, Argentina and Colombia are out.What's the logic behind these two unexpected results, and most importantly, what can Brazil and Chile learn from them? Argentina fell at Colon's "Elephant's Graveyard", a legendary stadium in which endless major teams have fell throughout history.
Brazil prepares for a tough clash against Paraguay. From a tactical point of view, I believe this game may resemble Argentina's, with the Scratch dominating the game while Paraguay try to take advantage of their aerial superiority.
Chile's coach Claudio Borghi misses playmaker Matias Fernandez, whose form was vital for La Roja to qualify as Group C leader. Do Chile have what it takes to defeat Venezuela, a goal neither Brazil nor Paraguay managed to achieve during the first stage?
Copa America on TV - Argentina vs Uruguay Global Television Schedules
The biggest Copa America 2011 match is arguably the South American Clasico - Argentina vs Uruguay.
Argentina left it until the last group match to qualify defeating Costa Rica 3-0 with two goals from Aguero and one from DiMaria. Messi ran the show and now the Argentina have regained their confidence.Argentina face Uruguay in the Quarter-Finals of Copa America 2011. The match takes place today at Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao López in Santa Fé, Argentina. Kick Off time is 6:15 pm eastern time.
In the US you can tune into ESPN Deportes Radio for Spanish Language radio broadcast or watch it on TV on Univision. Online in spanish on Univision Deportes or on YouTube.com/ca2011 for english broadcast.
2011 Copa America: Seven Stunning Facts About Quarters You May Not Know
Karl Marx said "History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as farce". What would happen if Brazil were champions for the third consecutive time?
It's been seven years since Colombia lastly reached the quarter-finals. The other seven contenders advanced to the knockouts back in 2007, when Brazil defeated Argentina in the final and Mexico (the worst team in the group stage this year) finished third. What do you think will happen this time?Seven out of the last eight survivors remain unbeaten after three Copa America games. Chile defeated a Peruvian squad with many absentees thanks to Andre Carrillo's goal on injury time.
I believe Colombia and Chile were the best two teams of the group stage. In fact, seven points were enough for them to consolidate their lead in the group stage. Let's not forget that's 77.77% out of the nine possible points.
Alexis Sanchez was without a shadow of a doubt one of the fittest players in the first stage, did I mention he wears the number seven in Claudio Borghi's Chile?
Copa America 2011 on TV - Quarter-finals TV Schedules
The group stage did not bring the excitement we expected but the play-off campaign is where it gets interesting.
We now know the identify of the eight South American nations that have reach the Quarter-finals. Most were expected to reach this level, however no one expected Brazil and Argentina to be sweating it until the last match for play-off qualification. The two teams (almost) everyone wants to see in the Final have reached the quarter-finals and will avoid each other until the Final if each team progresses. The other six teams are Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and suprisingly with convincing displays Venezuela.
ESPN UK showing 2011 Copa America and Pre-Season Friendlies
Don't miss exciting football this weekend as ESPN UK showcases the Copa America Quarter Finals and pre-season friendlies.
THIS WEEKEND ON ESPN UK - July 15-17, 2011Live Sports: 2011 Copa America, Pre-Season Friendlies, Premiership Rugby 7s, MLB, AFLLondon, 14th July 2011 – This weekend ESPN brings viewers four live and exclusive games from the 2011 Copa America as the knock-out stages begin.
The action starts on Saturday evening between Group A winner Colombia and Peru followed by hosts Argentina’s clash with Uruguay. Sunday evening sees the next two quarter finals take place when Brazil face Paraguay and Chile take on Venezuela.
2011 Copa America: Strengths and Weaknesses Of The Eight Survivors
It's been over a year and a half since Argentina and Uruguay met each other on the pitch. The winner takes all at this Clasico Rioplatense
South American powerhouses reacted on time for the last game of the group stage and secured their place among America's fittest eight.Despite their overwhelming attack, Mano Menezes' Canarinha granted far too much space to their rival in the box. Alexandre Pato believes "A new Copa America starts now", but I think the Brazilians have a lot of work to do if they're meant to reach the finals.
I don't think there's any doubt Sergio Aguero should be part of Argentina's starting eleven for the derby against Uruguay. I believe Sergio Batista managed to build a new identity in the last game while sticking to the same scheme, with Fernando Gago and Angel Di Maria controlling the flow of the ball and Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain as alternatives to Lionel Messi in the attack.
Barcelona's star played his best game with La Albiceleste this year as the main engine of the attack, unlike his fellow Blaugrana partner Gabriel Milito, who has not yet been able to recover his form. Having played only 10 games for Barcelona this season, Milito is not the only weakness in the Argentinian defense.
The Brazilians may have avoided Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia at least until the final game, but will the confidence they've gained against Ecuador be enough to help them against Paraguay? Let's not forget Los Guaranies were one minute away from defeating Brazil in the second game, if it wasn't for Fred's equalizer on injury time.
2011 Copa America: The Last Opportunity For Brazil To Recover Their Form
Venezuela defends Group B top position, as well as their ticket to the knockouts on Wednesday early game
Should Mano Menezes swift tactics for this clash? And what about Paraguay? Argentina and Uruguay found themselves on the pitch thanks to Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Pereira respectively, two players that weren't on the original starting eleven.We've seen Brazil playing beautiful, but harmless football in the Copa so far. I think Elano is the kind of player Menezes needs at this moment, though Scratch coach might opt for a more aggressive attacker. Who could have expected Brazil lacking the finishing?
Do you think Fred earned his place in the starting eleven with his last-minute goal? I believe Brazil has enough presence as it is in the opposing area, but they need to find a driver, a playmaker to organize the attack and make the best out of Canarinh's attackers.
To make things even worse, Tottenham's midfielder Sandro will be sidelined for the rest of the competition due to a left knee injury.
Just as Brazil, Ecuador needs to bag the victory to claim their place in the knockouts. Felipe Caicedo's individual capabilities in the area, paired with a fast attack with a strong presence on the wings are weapons that can deliver a fatal blow to Brazil.
Oswaldo Minda and Michael Arroyos provide Ecuador with a more stable midfield, giving more opportunities for the wingers to join the attack.
2011 Copa America: Argentina's Awakening Feeds Uruguay's Qualifying Dreams
La Celeste depends on a victory to reach the knockouts. Mexico does not want to be sent back home in shame after two consecutive defeats.
The third game of the group stage offers Chile and Peru (already qualified with four points) a perfect opportunity to try different alternatives in their formation while at the same time cleaning their discipline record.Matias Fernandez and Alexis Sanchez have been the back bone of Claudio Borghi's successful scheme in the last games, building strong attacks thanks to Mauricio Isla's and Arturo Vidal's security in the midfield.
Sanchez and Vidal won't be part of the starting eleven, for they've already been booked once and another yellow card could compromise their presence in the next game. Is Chile a serious contender without WonderBoy?
Peruvian coach Sergio Markarian is likely to follow Borghi's example and give Paolo Guerrero and Juan Vargas a day-off, as their presence will be mandatory for Peru if they are to reach the semi-finals. Do you think Peru can survive the American fight without their two brightest stars?