Luis Suárez struck twice in three minutes as Uruguay beat Peru 2-0 to reach the Copa America final. Óscar Tabárez’s side is on track towards a success many think have been a long time coming.
Uruguay went ahead eight minutes into the second half when Diego Forlán shot left-footed from outside the box forcing Raul Fernandez into a diving save and the ever alert Suarez nipped in to score from a tight angle on the right. Suarez scored again three minutes later when Alvaro Pereira passed from the left and the striker collected the ball, rounded Fernandez on the edge of the box and steered it gently home.

In the other semifinal Paraguay beat Venezuela in a truly horrible game of football. The two sides met earlier in the group stages, where Paraguay wasted a 3-1 lead for Venezuela to draw 3-3. In the semifinal a cautious Paraguayan team were holding back in trying to deal with a solid defensive Venezuelan side, who normally relay on their counter attack abilities. Paraguay barely produced anything in 120 minutes and spent a lot of time bickering with the Venezuelan players and the match officials. Both the coach and assistant coach were sent away to watch the game from the stands. Venezuela on the other hand were simply out of luck. Not playing the most eye catching football either, they hit the woodwork three times and had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside.
So it was down to penalties again and we could smell where this was heading. Paraguay knocked Japan out of the World Cup on penalties last year. They knocked Brazil out of the Copa last week. Venezuela did considerably better than Brazil did. They scored on four out of five. Paraguay however put away all five. Their goalkeeping captain Justo Villar will play his 95th international match in the final.
In the meantime fans from Brazil, Argentina and Chile are asking themselves, how did these two teams end up in the top 4 and they didn’t. Answers to be found before the 2014 FIFA World Cup…

In the 1980s and 1990s Uruguay was a force in the Copa America. The current side under Óscar Tabárez is already the most consistent performer from South America. I have decided to take the ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo and experience the atmosphere for the final in the Uruguayan capital. Paraguay with Larissa Riquelme and other gorgeous fans or not. This Copa final is Uruguay’s to win or lose.

Uruguay will take on Peru in this Copa América’s first semifinal. A Peru team led by the great Uruguayan coach Sergio Markarián and his team of Uruguayan assitants. Markarián took on coaching Peru twelve months ago and has rekindled the Peruvian football spirit after a terrible spell in recent years. By reaching the semifinal, Markarián has already overachieved with this team, who’s primary goal is to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Peru’s last golden age was the team of the 1970s, with players like legendary Teófilo Cubillas, who took them to three World Cup’s (1970, 1978 & 1982, their last) and won the 1975 Copa América (their last).
In the group stages Peru drew 1-1 with Uruguay but the Uruguayans will be the favourites in the semifinal. Indeed, since hosts Argentina and champions Brazil are out of the tournament, Uruguay are now favourites to win this edition of Copa América. At the helm is the experienced coach Óscar Tabárez, who started his second stint as the national team coach in 2006. He led the team to a 4th place finish in the 2007 Copa América. This was followed up by qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where the team also finished in 4th place.

Tabárez has brought stability to a Uruguay team who hadn’t been in the World Cup top four since 1954. Their last Copa América title was back in 1995. In earlier years Uruguay was of course a power house in international football. They’re tied 1st equal with Argentina with 14 Copa titles each. After knocking out the Argentines in the quarterfinal they’re eyeing a possible 15th.

Whether it is Markarián or Tabárez who will successfully go through to the final, they are tipped to meet Paraguay there, coached by Argentine Gerardo Martino since 2007. He led them to the quarterfinals in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is set to resign after this Copa América campaign. Like with Uruguay, this team has had stability combined with a strong squad of experienced players. In many ways a clash between Uruguay and Paraguay will be a dream final. Paraguay last won in 1979.
While Uruguay first will have to overcome Peru, Paraguay still have to take care of Venezuela in the semifinal. Venezuela have been the greatest surprise of this Copa América. Coach César Farías has been in charge since late 2007 and nearly took the team to their first ever World Cup last year. Now they have reached their first ever Copa América semifinal. They played 0-0 with Brazil, beat Ecuador 1-0, drew an incredible 3-3 with Paraguay and then beat Chile 2-1 in the quarterfinal. Paraguay might be the favourites but they can’t take anything for granted in the semifinal.

I got to say.. here in the bars of Buenos Aires Paraguay is the Copa favourite, not least because of the Larissa Riquelme factor (as mentioned in a previous report)..

Monday July 18th

A defensive Paraguay team took on a Brazil full of urgency in what turned out a very physical quarterfinal. Brazil pushed on for most of the match against a resolute Paraguayan defense with goalkeeper Justo Villar in good form. When the Brazilians finally beat Villar, Édgar Barreto cleared off the line with a header. Paraguay looked the unlikely winner without any decent chances. Maicon took well care of Estigarribia who caused such havoc against them in the group stages, that time with Dani Alves on right back. However, after running out 0-0 after 120 minutes of play, Estigarribia and Riveros were the only two players to score in the penalty shootout. Brazil missed four out of four penalties taken. There is still plenty of work to do for the Brazilians, before hosting the next FIFA World Cup in three years time.

In the other quarterfinal on Sunday, favourites Chile were stunned by Venezuela. Chile were slow out of the blocks but eventually looked to take control of the match, though with Venezuela looking dangerous on the counter attack. Eleven minutes before the break Vizcarrondo put Venezuela ahead. In the second half Chile came out with an increased urgency. In the first few minutes they hit the woodwork twice while pushing for the equalizer. It didn’t happen until the 69th minute, when Alexis Sanchez picked out Humberto Suazo who drove a shot off the underside of the crossbar. It only lasted ten minutes, when the Chile goalkeeper failed to control a freekick and Cichero was there to put it in. Venezuela are past the quarterfinal for the first time in their Copa América history.

Sunday July 17th

Heartbreak for hosts Argentina when Uruguay knocks them out in penalty shootout. The two teams battled it out to a 1-1 draw after full time and added extra time. The goals came early in the first half. Diego Pérez put Uruguay ahead with a 5th minute tap-in after a Diego Forlán freekick. Twelve minutes later Gonzalo Higuaín headed in a Lionel Messi cross. Higuaín was later so close when he was denied by the post. Both teams were reduced to ten men, with both Pérez and Mascherano getting two yellow cards in the match.
Carlos Tévez came on as a late substitute for Agüero but the Manchester City man looked frustrated and negative in his approach to the game. He was the only player in the penalty shootout to miss, when he opted for power rather than placing the ball. The Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was man of the match, having produced several world class saves in the match.

The result has left Argentina in a somber mood as they’re contemplating where their national side is heading. Many of the Argentines are now looking towards Paraguay to deliver a blow to Argentina’s biggest nemesis, Brazil, in their quarterfinal on Sunday.

In the other quarterfinal on Saturday, Peru couldn’t break the deadlock with Colombia until extra time. They scored in the 101st and 111th minutes, progressing to the semifinal with a 2-0 win. Colombia leave Copa América without having conceded a single goal during ordinary time, which saw them win their group stage.
Peru will play Uruguay in the semifinal on Tuesday, while the winner of Brazil – Uruguay will play the winner of Chile – Venezuela on Wednesday.
The play-off for third place will be at La Plata next Saturday, while the final is played at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires next Sunday.

Lionel Messi and Argentina finally found their feet in the last group game against Costa Rica. Coach Batista made some changes, obviously necessary from the first two matches, which had faith restored with the Argentinian fans. Higuaín started on top, Messi came drifting in from the right, supported by Zabaleta’s runs forward from the back. Agüero gave them balance on the left, with Di María offering support. Carlos Tevez dropped to the bench. Messi started to shine, like we all know he can, and the Argentines were chanting his name rather than booing him off the pitch. Argentina had a solid 3-0 win which secured them 2nd place in Group A, behind Colombia. The hosts have to step up their game further when they’re meeting Uruguay in the quarters but the belief has been restored. It should be a great match in Santa Fe on Saturday.

Brazil’s young star, Neymar, also got himself going in their last group match when Brazil beat Ecuador 4-2. Neymar netted twice and the same did AC Milan’s Alexandre Pato. Maicon replaced Dani Alves on right back and also put in a strong performance. In their previous match Brazil left it very late for their equalizer against a Paraguay team with experience and lots of heart. That’s when Paraguay’s left wing, Estigarribia, was a constant problem for Dani Alves. Paraguay have again become everyones favourites to do well, just like they were in the World Cup last year. In their last Group B match they came back from being 1-3 down to Venezuela to draw 3-3.

Venezuela and Peru are two teams who have performed strongly throughout the group stages. Venezuela finished 2nd in Group B, while Peru finished 3rd in Group C after the heart break of an own goal in injury time to lose 0-1 to Chile. As the best of the 3rd placed teams Peru have still qualified for the quarters, as have Paraguay by being the 2nd best 3rd placed team.

Saturday’s quarter finals:
Colombia – Peru in Córdoba
Argentina – Uruguay in Santa Fe

Sunday’s quarter-finals:
Brazil – Paraguay in La Plata
Chile – Venezuela in San Juan

Regular updates with all the transfer news as they happen through this transfer window..
Latest updates: Tuesday 26 July

From Wigan Athletic: Left winger CHARLES N’ZOGBIA to Aston Villa on a £9.5 million deal.

From Palermo: Centre back DORIN GOIAN to Rangers. The Romanian international has signed a three year deal.

From Palermo: Midfielder PAJTIM KASAMI to Fulham on a four year deal.

From Bursaspor: Striker KENNY MILLER to Cardiff City. The Scotland international did not settle in Turkey and asked to be allowed to return to Britain.

From Bayer Leverkusen: Midfielder ARTURO VIDAL to Juventus on a five year deal.

From Olympique Marseille: Left back GABRIEL HEINZE to AS Roma on a free transfer. The 33 year old Argentina international has signed a one year contract.

From Fulham: Right back JOHN PAINTSIL to Leicester City on a free transfer. The Ghanaian international was released from Fulham after Martin Jol’s arrival as new manager.

From De Graafschap: Winger STEVE DE RIDDER to Southampton on a three year deal.

From Le Mans: Striker FREDDY DROGBA to Dijon on a free transfer.

From Udinese: Striker ALEXIS SANCHEZ to Barcelona for an initial fee of €26 million with an additional €11.5 million in add-ons.

From Kashiwa Reysol: Midfielder YUKI OTSU to Borussia Mönchengladbach on a three year deal.

From Helsingborgs IF: Striker ALEXANDER GERNDT to FC Utrecht on a four year deal.

From Barcelona: Striker BOJAN KRKIC to AS Roma for €12 million. He had been excused from attending training and pre-season preparations with Barcelona. The transfer was delayed while Barcelona and the player waited to see if they’ve been successful in signing Chile striker Alexis Sánchez from Udinese.

From Villarreal: Striker JOZY ALTIDORE to AZ Alkmaar on a four year contract. The USA international has had loan spells at Hull City and Bursaspor during his time at Villarreal.

From Lazio: Goalkeeper FERNANDO MUSLERA to Galatasaray on a five year deal. The transfer involved Lorik Cana moving the opposite direction, to Lazio, while Galatasaray also paid €6.75 million to Muslera’s former club Montevideo Wanderers who still owned 50% of his playing rights. The total value of the transfer is €12 million, making the Uruguay international the most expensive goalkeeper transfer in Turkey.

From Blackburn: Goalkeeper JASON BROWN to Aberdeen on a free transfer.

From Juventus: Midfielder TIAGO MENDES to Atlético Madrid on a two year contract. The Portuguese international has been on loan to Atlético since January 2010.

From Slovan Liberec: Midfielder MARCEL GECOV to Fulham on a two year contract.

From Sevilla: Left winger DIEGO CAPEL to Sporting Clube de Portugal for €6 million fee, on a five-year contract.

From Deportivo de La Coruña: Forward ADRIAN LOPEZ to Atlético Madrid on a free transfer. The 23 year old has signed a four year contract.

From Liverpool: Left back CHRIS MAVINGA to Stade Rennais on a four year contract. With the move to Rennes, the 20 year old is returning to French football, having arrived at Liverpool from Paris Saint Germain two years ago. The U-20 French international did not break into the Liverpool 1st team under Roy Hodgson and spent the latter part of last season on loan at Belgian side Racing Genk.

From AC Siena: Striker SOULEYMANE COULIBALY to Tottenham for a £1.5 million fee. The 16 year old from Côte d’Ivoire won the Golden Boot in the recent U-17 World Championship.

From Fulham: Midfielder JONATHAN GREENING to Nottingham Forest for a £600.000 fee. The 32 year old has signed a three year contract.

From Manchester City: Striker CARLOS TEVEZ to Corinthians. Only formalities remains between the Brazilian club and a signature from the 27 year old Argentine international. UPDATE July 21st: Corinthians wasted their opportunity and didn’t manage to get through the deal before the Brazilian transfer window closed yesterday. This despite Manchester City having done what they could to help them, after accepting the £40 million bid. This has been revealed on Corinthian’s official website.

From Rosenborg: Midfielder PER CILJAN SKJELBRED to Hamburger SV. The Norwegian international has signed a four year deal.

From Aalesund: Left back JONATHAN PARR to Crystal Palace. The 22 year old will link up with fellow Norwegian Steffen Iversen at Selhurst Park.

From Real Madrid: Centre back EZEQUIEL GARAY to Benfica. The Argentine international has signed for an undisclosed fee.

From Santos: Right back JONATHAN to Internazionale on a four year contract.

From AS Roma: Goalkeeper ALEXANDER DONI to Liverpool on a free transfer.

From Manchester City: Goalkeeper SHAY GIVEN to Aston Villa on a five year deal.

From Plymouth Argyle: Midfielder KARI ARNASON to Aberdeen.

From Bordeaux: Striker FERNANDO CAVENAGHI to River Plate, who just have been shock relegated to the Argentinian second division. The 27 year old won three championships with River Plate before he left for Spartak Moscow in 2004. He moved to Bordeaux in 2007 and won Ligue 1 with the club in 2008/09. Last season he was on loan, first with Mallorca, then with Brazilian club Internacional.

From Stoke City: Forward EIDUR GUDJOHNSEN to AEK Athens on a free transfer. This after a deal with West Ham United was almost completed but fell through. The Icelandic international had a miserable season at Stoke and spent the later part of it on loan to Fulham. The prior season he was on loan at Tottenham from French side Monaco. In two months he will turn 33 years old and still seeks to emulate some the previous success enjoyed at Barcelona, Chelsea and Bolton.

From Aston Villa: Left winger STEWART DOWNING to Liverpool for a fee of £20 million.

From West Ham United: Midfielder KIERON DYER to Queens Park Rangers on a one year contract.

From AS Roma: Left back JOHN ARNE RIISE to Fulham on a three year deal.

From Liverpool: Left back PAUL KONCHESKY to Leicester City on a three year contract. The 30 year old only signed for Liverpool, from Fulham in August last year. When Kenny Dalglish took over as Liverpool manager Konchesky went on loan to Nottingham Forest for the second half of the season.

From Birmingham City: Defender ROGER JOHNSON to Wolverhampton Wanderers on a four year deal.

From Cardiff City: Striker JAY BOTHROYD to Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer.

From Standard Liège: Midfielder AXEL WITSEL to Benfica for a fee of €8 million. The Belgian international has signed a five year deal.

From Tottenham: Centre back JONATHAN WOODGATE to Stoke City on a free transfer. The injury plagued player was released from Tottenham and has now signed a one year contract with Tony Pulis’ side.

From Lille: Forward GERVINHO to Arsenal. The signature of 24 year old Ivory Coast international has finally been confirmed by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

From Stade Rennais: Midfielder SYLVAIN MARVEAUX to Newcastle United on a free transfer. The Frenchman failed to agree terms with Liverpool and has instead signed a five year contract with Newcastle.

From Birmingham City: Midfielder LEE BOWYER to Ipswich Town on a free transfer.

From West Bromwich Albion: Right back GIANNI ZUIVERLOON to Real Mallorca on a three year contract. The Dutchman came to WBA from Heerenveen in 2008.