What: 2011 Copa America (Semi-final)
Who: Peru vs Uruguay
When: Tuesday 19th July, 2011, at 21:45 local time (00:45 UK time)
Where: Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
Real Chance
After knocking out Colombia in the quarter-finals, Peru hold a good chance of making history by clinching their third ever Copa America title. To do so, they will have to overcome tough contenders Uruguay before reaching the much-anticipated final. For wily old coach Sergio Markarian, who will lead Peru against his native Uruguayans, the really hard work starts now.
Peru surprised many when they managed to defeat heavy favourites Colombia in the previous round. A solid 2-0 win in their favour meant that La Rojiblanca’s title aspirations were given a huge boost. Speaking after the game, star man and scorer, Juan Manuel Vargas, believed that unity was his team’s most important asset, stressing that this factor will greatly aid in carrying his side further in the competition: “This group was very united on the pitch. Now we have another, more important game [in the semi-finals] and we have four days to work at it and maintain what we have at the moment”.
Coach Markarian went further than Vargas though, citing that his team needs to be more efficient should they want to go all the way in the Copa America, alluding that he may adopt a more cautious and disciplined style of play in the upcoming matches: "We have good players. Before, it was said that we play nice football but I have striven to make the team more efficient. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice style for substance."
The Big Surprise
It was the biggest unmentioned thought in Argentina: What if the national team failed to make the final? As the elephant got out of the room with Carlos Tevez’s missed penalty, Uruguay were in dreamland with their team hurdling past the hosts and booking a place in the semi-final. With Argentina out of the way, Uruguay have a chance of establishing themselves as 15-time competition winners should they be able to lift the 2011 Copa America.
While much talk revolved around Sergio Batista and his team prior to the tournament’s start, credit is due to Oscar Tabarez’s side for knocking out a star-studded Argentina. Against Lionel Messi and co. the team competed stubbornly pushed the contest to the limit before the match was decided from the penalty spot.
Tabarez in particular was very proud of his team, stating that he could see some of their 2010 World Cup form against La Albiceleste, while still affirming that the next step will not be easy: "We are very happy. We knew the team was improving and we had to do well against a team with great history, great players and the fans behind it. And, in the hardest moment, and when we needed it most, we showed the things we saw at the World Cup. Now the whole dressing room will celebrate, and after that we have the chance to go even further, but it will not be easy."
Recent form
Peru:
Uruguay 1-1 Peru
(04/07; Copa America)
Peru 1-0 Mexico (08/07; Copa America)
Chile 1-0 Peru (12/07; Copa America)
Colombia 0-2 Peru
(16/07; Copa America)
Uruguay:
Uruguay 1-1 Peru
(04/07; Copa America)
Uruguay 1-1 Chile
(08/07; Copa America)
Uruguay 1-0 Mexico (12/07; Copa America)
Argentina 1-1 Uruguay; 5-4 pens to Uruguay (16/07; Copa America)
Players to watch
Peru – Juan Manuel Vargas: The Fiorentina winger was perfect for his team against the Colombians, getting on the scoresheet and ensuring La Rojiblanca a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 1997. Now, he will have to up his game should Peru want to overcome Uruguay and go all the way towards the final at El Monumental.
Uruguay – Luis Suarez: Much has been expected from Suarez in this competition. After completing a move to Liverpool last winter, the former Ajax player established himself as one of the best pieces of business for the 2010/11 English Premier League season. Now with the national team again, he will be hoping to add to the goal he scored against Peru in the group stage and guide his side through.
Match Prediction
With Argentina now out of their way, Uruguay have been handed a massive boost of confidence in the latter stages of the Copa America. While the Uruguayans start as favourites, the group game between these two ended in a draw (1-1), giving a clue the duo may not be easy to split once again. However, the extra quality present in the Uruguayan side should give them the edge. Expect Luis Suarez and co. to advance.
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