Copa America preview

turbo_drift SG

Colombia add to USA misery

USA suffered their third defeat on the trot as they lost 1-0 to Colombia in their final Group C game.

Like USA, Colombia had lost their first two matches and had no chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, but they bowed out of the tournament with a well-deserved victory.

Bob Bradley selected just one player with World Cup experience in his USA starting XI and his side's inexperience showed as Colombia controlled the first half.

Jaime Castrillon grabbed the crucial goal after 16 minutes as he rose highest at the back post to powerfully head home Camilo Zuniga's cross.

A defensive mix-up almost led to a second for Colombia three minutes later, but Drew Moor managed to clear the ball off the goal-line.

USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan then conceded a penalty after 37 minutes for a trip on Hugo Rodallega, but made amends as he dived to his right to save the striker's spot-kick.

The second half was more competitive as USA started to carve out a few chances, but Colombia still came closest to scoring and Guzan had to make a number of good saves to keep his side in with a chance.

Kyle Beckerman appeared to equalise for USA four minutes from time but his effort was ruled out for offside, before Colombia goalkeeper Robinson Zapata was given a second yellow card for time wasting.

Rodallega spent the last few minutes in goal but Colombia survived to clinch third-place in Group C.

turbo_drift SG

Argentina secure top spot

Argentina moved into the quarter-finals of the Copa America as Group C winners following a 1-0 victory over Paraguay.

Both sides had won their opening two matches and were already guaranteed places in the last eight, so the clash was a straight shoot-out for top spot.

Alfio Basile decided to make a number of changes to his starting XI and brought in Carlos Tevez, Rodrigo Palacio and Fernando Gago.

Argentina's new-look side were slow to settle and Salvador Cabanas almost opened the scoring for Paraguay after half an hour when he forced Roberto Abbondanzieri into a smart save.

However, Argentina began to dominate at the start of the second half and Tevez hit the post with a shot from the edge of the area.

The wood work again denied Argentina moments later as Palacio struck the crossbar, but the tournament favourites were not to be denied for long.

Javier Mascherano was the surprise scorer as he picked up a loose ball just outside the box in the 79th minute and beat Paraguay keeper Aldo Bobadilla with a precise shot.

Argentina will now face Peru in the quarter-finals on Sunday, while Paraguay play Mexico the same day.

turbo_drift SG

Venezuela v Uruguay preview

Venezuela face Uruguay in the first quarter final of the Copa America on Saturday.

It is the second meeting in four days between the two countries after both sides played out an uninspiring goalless draw in the group stages.

The hosts are hoping to create a bit of history by reaching the quarter finals for the first time.

Uruguay have struggled through to the last eight after only scoring once in their three games to date.

Venezuela are boosted by the return of key duo Jorge Rojas and Ricardo Paez after they missed the first meeting with Uruguay.

Paez is available again after suspension, while Rojas has recovered from a leg injury which has forced him to miss the last two games.

Alvaro Recoba is pushing for a recall to the Uruguay starting line-up after impressing as a substitute against Venezuela in the final group game.

Diego Forlan and Vicente Sanchez are both expected to keep their places in attack.

turbo_drift SG

Brazil v Chile preview

Holders Brazil take on Chile for the second time within a week as they look for a semi-final spot at the Copa America.

Chile were demolished 3-0 by Brazil last time out with Robinho helping himself to a hat-trick.

The Chileans progressed from their group by being one of the best placed third-placed teams, but they will need a huge turn-about in fortunes to progress.

Brazil coach Dunga, though, is still under big pressure as his side failed to impress in the opening group phase.

However, Dunga has hit back at his critics - insisting winning is his main objective.

"Just because we don't field three forwards, it doesn't mean we don't attack," he said.

"Football depends on efficiency. This is the reality."

Midfielder Diego added: "We came to win, not to play beautifully."

Dunga will be making changes with Daniel Alves suspended, which is a problem as he was ready to come in for the injured Maicon.

Now Alex Silva, brother of Luisao, could be called up into the starting line-up - although midfielder Elano is another possible option to fill in.

Chile coach Nelson Acosta is hoping his side can turn things around.

"It's not an easy game to plan but we'll try to bring our qualities to the forefront and put the brakes on them," he said.

Acosta also has a number of selection issues.

Rodrigo Melendez is expected to miss out with an ankle problem, whilst defender Miguel Riffo has a hamstring complaint.

However, captain Jorge Valdivia and Reinaldo Navia are both expected to be fit.

turbo_drift SG

Brazil sink Chile to reach semis

Brazil thrashed Chile 6-1 in their Copa America quarter-final to set up a last-four showdown with 14-time champions Uruguay.

The game was over following a 13-minute spell in the first half in which the Brazilians scored three goals.

Brazil, who had already beaten Chile 3-0 in a Group B clash, opened the scoring in the 16th minute when a corner brushed off Julio Baptista and was then headed home by Juan.

Baptista buried a shot after a breakaway to make it 2-0 before Robinho found the net.

Mark Gonzalez rifled a 30-yard drive against the crossbar for Chile but Brazil struck again six minutes after the break when Gilberto's cross from the left was tapped in at the far post by Robinho for his sixth goal of the tournament.

Robinho is now within striking distance of equalling Pele's record of eight goals at the 1959 tournament.

Josue scored his first goal for Brazil in the 69th minute before Chile grabbed a consolation seven minutes later, with the best goal of the game.

Humberto Suazo flicked the ball through Gilberto's legs and scored with a delicate chip over Doni.

However, Vagner Love completed the rout five minutes from time after a one-two with Elano.

turbo_drift SG

Diego Forlan scored twice as Uruguay clinched a semi-final berth by beating hosts Venezuela 4-1 in the last eight of the Copa America.

Uruguay reached the last eight despite only scoring one goal in the group stages but they took the lead in the 39th minute when Forlan broke clear and drove a low shot past Renny Vega after a long ball from Maximiliano Pereira had left Venezuela's Alejandro Cichero out of position.

Venezuela, who had progressed beyond the group stage for the first time, equalised when Juan Arango's free-kick went through a gap in the Uruguay wall and took a deflection to leave goalkeeper Fabian Carini with no chance.

Pablo Garcia restored Uruguay's advantage with a left-foot shot from 25 yards in the 65th minute after Jorge Fucile had backheeled the ball into his path and Cristian Rodriguez made it 3-1 when he latched on to a pass from Forlan and fired home with three minutes remaining.

Former Manchester United striker Forlan clinched his double when he scored from a rebound in injury time.

Venezuela midfielder Ricardo Paez:
"We represented the country with dignity but I am disappointed because we could have done more."

Uruguay forward Cristian Rodriguez:
"We did not play well in the first round and some thought we would end up a disaster, going home early, but here we are with a strong chance of reaching the final."

used SG

Mexico 6-0 Paraguay

Argentina 4-0 Peru

turbo_drift SG

Spot on Brazil book final berth

Brazil booked their place in the Copa America final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Uruguay.

The two sides played out a 2-2 draw, and with extra time not being used, they went straight to penalties.

Diego Lugano missed the crucial kick for Uruguay - who had earlier spurned the chance to win the shoot-out when Pablo Garcia missed.

Brazil had gone ahead in the game after just 12 minutes when Maicon pounced on a rebound to fire past Fabian Carini.

The match was then interrupted by a power shortage, but after 13 minutes the players were back on and Brazil almost doubled their lead through Julio Baptista - but his free-kick flew just wide.

Uruguay then turned up the pressure and grabbed a deserved equaliser on 36 minutes when Diego Forlan found the back of the net after an error from Doni in the Brazilian goal.

However, Brazil restored their advantage before the break when Baptista fired home after getting on the end of Gilbert Silva's free-kick.

The game was then sent to penalties thanks to Sebastian Abreu, who headed home from close-range with 20 minutes left.

Into the shoot-out and the first miss came from Diego Forlan - but that miss was soon levelled out when Afonso's effort was saved.

At 4-4, Fernando missed for Brazil but, with the chance to win it for Uruguay, Pablo Garcia did the same.

Gilberto then converted, but Lugano could not match the feat as Brazil booked their place in the final where they will meet either Mexico or Argentina.

turbo_drift SG

Argentina v Mexico preview

Argentina and Mexico are both in fine form as they gear up for the Copa America semi-final clash.

Argentina have so far lived up to their favourites tag, cruising through to the penultimate stage of the competition thanks to a 4-0 victory over Peru in the quarter-finals courtesy of two goals from Juan Roman Riquelme and one apiece for Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano.

The goals all came in the second half following the introduction of substitute Carlos Tevez, who will hope to earn a place in the starting line-up after an impressive showing.

Argentina boss Alfio Basile is confident going into the game and, while he respects his opponents, believes his side are ready for the occasion.

"Mexico have a very fine side, and it's sure it will be a tough game," he told the official Fifa website.

"We have some extraordinary players though. I am so proud of them, not because they are winning games but because of the way they are playing."

However, Mexico, too, have looked in fine shape, and their 6-0 victory over 10-man Paraguay showed Hugo Sanchez's men cannot be written off.

"Argentina are a great team, with a lot of quality players and plenty of options, but they are not unbeatable," said Barcelona defender and Mexico captain Rafael Marquez.

"Mexico can win and reach the final. We want the trophy badly."

Mexico have extra motivation to win the clash after their unfortunate 2-1 defeat to Argentina at last year's World Cup.

A place in the final against Brazil awaits after Dunga's men beat Uruguay on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

dragg SG

mexico hit the wordwork.

the commentary is terrible.

Sad

turbo_drift SG

Half-time:

Mexico 0

Argentina 1
Gabriel Henize 45'

turbo_drift SG

final score:

Mexico 0

Argentina 3
Gabriel Henize 45'
Lionel Messi 61'
Juan Riquelme 65' (pen)

dragg SG

the unlucky mexicans hit the woodwork twice.

Sad

turbo_drift SG

Argentina set up Brazil final

Argentina cruised into the final of the Copa America with a 3-0 victory over Mexico.

Mexico had been impressive in making their way through to the last four but could not compete with the individual brilliance of Argentina as goals from Gabriel Heinze, Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme set up a repeat of the 2004 final against Brazil.

Argentina controlled possession from the start but Mexico could have taken an early lead when Juan Carlos Cacho took advantage of a defensive mix-up, only to fire over the crossbar.

Carlos Tevez was at the centre of Argentina's most dangerous moves but could not find the target after escaping the attentions of two defenders.

Andres Guardado then hit the post for Mexico as chances came and went at both ends, before Heinze broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.

Riquelme floated a free-kick towards the back post from 35 yards out and the Manchester United defender volleyed home expertly.

Mexico almost levelled early in the second half when Nery Castillo saw his shot come back off the bar, and Hugo Sanchez's side were made to pay when Messi scored a sublime second in the 61st minute.

The Barcelona forward received a pass from Tevez on the right-hand side of the area and produced a moment of magic to chip the ball delightfully over Mexico keeper Oswaldo Sanchez.

Any hope Mexico had of getting back into the game disappeared in the 65th minute when Rafael Marquez gave away a penalty for obstructing Tevez.

Riquelme confidently put away the spot-kick to give Argentina the chance for a record 15th title against rivals Brazil on Sunday.

Mexico will contest the third-place play-off against Uruguay on Saturday.

dragg SG

argentina have won this competition 7 times more than brazil.

but they have not won it since 1993.

i wonder why.

Sad Sad Sad

turbo_drift SG

Strike force not good enough?

Sad Sad Sad

turbo_drift SG

Uruguay 1 - 3 Mexico

scorers:S Abreu (Uruguay)
C Blanco (pen)(Mexico), O Bravo(Mexico), A Guardado (Mexico)

« Previous Page