MATCH 22 RESULT : MEXICO 0 BRAZIL 4

Goals:
Alex - 27/1
Adriano - 20/2
Adriano - 30/2
Ricardo Oliveira - 42/2

MATCH 22 REPORT : BRAZIL SHOO AWAY MEXICAN "GHOST" AND FACE URUGUAY

Brazil beat Mexico 4-nil, Sunday night in Piura, and qualified to the semifinals of Copa America. Their opponents will be Uruguay, in a fixture scheduled for Wednesday night, in Lima. Carlos Alberto Parreira´s team put a hoodoo to rest, since theu hadn´t defeated Mexico in four previous matches, apart from having lost to Mexicans and Hondurans ¿ both CONCACAF members - in the 2001 Copa America.

 

Playing without the support of the majority of the fans - the Mexican supporters showed up in greater numbers at the Miguel Grau Stadium - Brazil had the better of the early exchanges, as they squeezed Mexico in their half of the field. On 4 minutes, after a corner-kick, Juan headed the ball onto the crossbar. Mexico tried to make the game a more even affair with a fine individual effort by Pardo, on 9 minutes, but the strike went wide, to the left of keeper Julio Cesar.

But the Brazilians had the better goal-scoring chances. Adriano struck goalwards with power, stinging Sanchez´ hands. In the follow-up, the Brazilian striker pounced on the keeper´s rebound and was brought down for a penalty. Alex did the honors from the spot to break the deadlock. Brazil set the agenda thereafter. Mexico tried to threaten with long-range efforts by Altamirano.

The second told much the same story. On 5 minutes, Brazil added a second with a Juan header, disallowed by referee Oscar Ruiz. Argentinean-born coach for Mexico, Ricardo Lavolpe tried to make his side more offensive with the entrance of striker Borgetti in midfielder Torrado´s place. Mexico almost equalized with a Bautista header, well stopped by Julio Cesar. When Mexico attempted to turn the screw, Adriano made the most of a counter-attack and found the low corner of Sanchez´ goal to make it 2-nil. The Brazilian squad dominated and extended the lead with two more goals to confirm their qualification.

Mexico: Oswaldo Sánchez - Ricardo Osorio (Héctor Altamirano), Rafael Márquez, Duilio Davino, Gabriel Briseño - Salvador Carmona, Gerardo Torrado (Jared Borgetti), Pavel Pardo, Octávio Valdez, Jesús Arellano (Daniel Osorno) - Adolfo Bautista. Coach: Ricardo Lavolpe.

Brazil: Júlio César - Maicon, Juan, Luisão, Gustavo Nery - Renato, Kléberson, Edu, Alex - Luis Fabiano (Ricardo Oliveira) and Adriano. Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira.

Venue: Estádio Miguel Grau, in Piura.

Referee: Oscar Ruiz (COL)

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MATCH 21 RESULT : PARAGUAY 1 URUGUAY 3

Goals:
Carlos Gamarra 15/1
Carlos Bueno 39/1
Dario Silva 20/2 - 43/2

MATCH 21 REPORT : URUGUAY DEFEAT PARAGUAY AND ADVANCE TO THE SEMIFINAL

The surprise-package in the first phase of Copa America, Paraguay were unable to repeat the form they displayed in the previous matches and were eliminated by Uruguay in the quarterfinals of Copa America. After opening the score, the Paraguayans allowed the Uruguayans to equalize and reverse the scoring, although they were playing with a man down since the 63rd minute. With the 3-1 win, in Tacna, Uruguay wait for the winner of the clash between Brazil and Mexico to know who they will meet in the semifinals of the competition.

In an exciting and even match, Uruguay tried to avoid leaving gaps behind for the Paraguayans, who are represented by their Under-23 team. Nevertheless, Jorge Fossati´s squad lacked attention in defence and allowed Paraguay to counter-attack with peril. On 13 minutes, Nelson Haedo created the first opportunity, striking near the far post of Viera´s goal. Two minutes on and Edgar Barreto took a free-kick and found Gamarra, who scored the opener. The Paraguayan defender rising unmarked in the 6-yard box to put his name on the scoresheet for the first time in the competition. With the lead, Carlos Jara¿s side reduced the pace and allowed Uruguay to press forward. With Diego Forlan on the left and Carlos Bueno on the right, Fossati´s men found gaps until they drew level. On 38 minutes, Dario Silva supplied the cross to Carlos Bueno, who was brought down by Gamarra inside the box for a penalty, awarded by Argentinean referee Hector Baldassi. Bueno himself stepped up and duly converted to score his third goal in the Copa America. Soon after, on 44 minutes, Diego Forlan squandered a chance in the 6-yard box striking weak, allowing Justo Villar to make the save. From the resulting corner-kick, Carlos Bueno nodded onto the crossbar, almost turning the game around.

In the second half, the match resumed with the same rhythm, as Uruguay took the initiative. However, the Paraguayans came closest to scoring. Cristaldo almost crashing home, on 52 minutes, from a free-kick. Then, on the hour, Haedo shot straight at the Uruguayan keeper from close range. On 63 minutes, Uruguay saw left-back Gustavo Varela sent-off for a violent challenge on Henao. With a man down, Fossati´s team carried on moving forward and found the clincher on the counter. After powering forward, Dario Silva was set up by Javier Delgado before blasting home. The ball taking a deflection on Edgar Barreto before finding Justo Villar´s left corner. Trailing, Paraguay pressed forward with all they had and created fine opportunities, but couldn´t beat keeper Sebastian Viera, voted the best player in the match. On 88 minutes, making the most of another counter-attack, opportunistic striker Dario Silva outpaced Julio Manzur to bag Uruguay´s third and secure his team in the semifinals of Copa America.

Paraguay: Justo Villar, Pedro Benítez, Carlos Gamarra, Julio Manzur and Derlis González (David Villalba 27/2); Edgar Barreto (Julio dos Santos 21/2); Carlos Paredes, Aureliano Torres and Ernesto Cristaldo (Diego Figueredo 15/2); Fredy Bareiro and Nelson Haedo. Coach: Carlos Jara Saguier

Uruguay: Sebastián Viera, Gustavo Varela, Paolo Montero, Alejandro Lago and Darío Rodríguez; Marcelo Sosa, Javier Delgado, Diego Forlán (Diego Perez 24/2) and Cristian Rodriguez (Vicente Sánchez 40/2); Darío Silva and Carlos Bueno (Guillermo Rodriguez 30/2). Coach: Jorge Fossati

Venue: Estádio Modelo (Tacna-PER)

Referee: Héctor Baldassi (ARG)

Assistant Referees: Francisco Rocchio (ARG) e Juan Sulca (PER)

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MATCH 22 PREDICTION (QF) : MEXICO VS BRAZIL

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MATCH 22 PREVIEW (QF) : MEXICO FACE BRAZIL IN CONFIDENT MOOD

It was our last training session in Chiclayo, the warm northern city that welcomed us for about 15 days. We were waiting for this farewell. It´s the first time that I leave a country feeling as if it were my home.¿, said Lavolpe, amid a crowd of people requesting autographs. The coach of the Aztec national team explained: ¿It¿s important to have the affection of a people who identify themselves with us.

Regarding the start of the quarterfinals, I consider Argentina the favorites. I wish Adriano and Luis Fabiano were inuured so they wouldn¿t play against us, but this is football.¿ Lavolpe said.
In the history of the Copa, Brazilians and Mexicans have met in three occasions. Brazil won three matches and Mexico only one, in their last clash in Colombia, when Borgetti beat keeper Dida.

For me, the stats count for little, although some players from that win will be playing today. Many say that whoever wins today will certainly be in the finals, but they are mistaken, because from this point on, anything can happen.¿, stated the Mexican manager, who concealed his starting lineup.

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MATCH 21 PREDICTION (QF) : PARAGUAY VS URUGUAY

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MATCH 20 RESULT : COLOMBIA 2 COSTA RICA 0

Goals:
Abel Aguilar - 41/1
Tressor Moreno - 47/1

MATCH 20 REPORT : COLOMBIANS ON TRACK FOR BACK-TO-BACK TITLES

Colombia defeated Costa Rica 2-nil this Saturday, in Trujillo, qualifying themselves to the semis of Copa America, confirming their status as firm favorites for their second consecutive title. On Tuesday, yhe Colombians clash with Argentina, who beat Peru 1-nil in Chiclayo, hours earlier.

The match in Lima will bring face to face two teams who met in the build-up for Copa America. On June 27th, in Miami (USA), Colombia were 2-nil winners over Argentina, with strikes by Tressor Moreno and Sergio Herrera. Costa Rica, who had the support of the Peruvian crowd who flocked to the Mansiche stadium, created some fine opportunities - the best coming from a long-range effort by Badilla, on 18 minutes, well stopped by Henao. Colombia came close to scoring on 27 minutes, from a Moreno shot, also from outside the box, that exploded onto the crossbar.

Little by little, the Colombians imposed their authority. On 41 minutes, they reached the rivals´ goal with a move that paid dividens against Peru in the previous match: the cutback from the right finding Abel Aguilar, who fired home giving keeper Gonzalez no chance. Six minutes later, Moreno converted a spot-kick he himself earned to double the lead. Colombian-born Costa Rican coach, Jorge Luis Pinto, tried to turn things around, swapping three players in the first 15 minutes of the second half. But the entrance of veterans Centeno, Gomez and Saborio proved worthless in light of the rivals¿ superiority.

Colombia: Juan Carlos Henao - Haider Palacio, Andrés Orozco, Andrés González, Gustavo Victoria - Oscar Díaz, Abel Aguilar, Jairo Patiño (Jhon Viáfara), Elkin Murillo - Tressor Moreno and Sergio Herrera (Edixon Perea). Coach: Reinaldo Rueda.

Costa Rica: Ricardo González - Alexander Castro, Luis Marín, Mauricio Wright, Leonardo González - Douglas Sequeira, Steven Bryce (Walter Centeno), Cristian Badilla, Carlos Hernández (Ronald Gómez) - Alonso Solis and Andy Herrón (Alvaro Saborio). Coach: Jorge Luis Pinto.

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MATCH 19 RESULT : PERU 0 ARGENTINA 1

Goal: Carlos Tevez 15/2

MATCH 19 REPORT : TEVEZ QUALIFIES ARGENTINA TO THE SEMIFINALS

With a goal scored from a free-kick, Carlos Tevez helped Argentina to a 1-nil win over Peru, eliminating the hosts and securing their spot in the semifinals of the competition. In the match held in Chiclayo, Marcelo Bielsa´s men confirmed their favoritism and gave no chance to Peru, who counted on the support from the local crowd.

In the first half, Argentina took the early initiative and turned the screw on Peru right after kick-off. However, the first goal-scoring opportunity only came on 13 minutes, when midfielder D´Alessandro took a free-kick from the left and almost beat Ibañez. Unable to press forward, Peru took their chances with long-balls to their only striker, Andres Mendoza. The Peruvian player managed to beat the heavy marking by Ayala and Heinze only on 38 minutes with a turning shot that hardly threatened keeper Abbondanzieri. On 41 minutes, Argentina hit back with a powerdriver by Zanetti, that shaved Ibañez´s upright.

The second half followed the same script, with Marcelo Bielsa´s team going forward and leaving no gaps for Peru. On 49 minutes, D´Alessandro tried his luck from outside the box, but keeper Oscar Ibañez was equal to the effort. On 57 minutes, striker Luciano Fugueroa struck the crossbar from a header. In search of victory, Bielsa swapped D´Alessandro adding another striker, Carlos Tevez, on 57 minutes. Soon after, on the hour, Tevez took a inch-perfect free-kick to put Argentina in the lead. The Boca striker finding the top corner of Ibañez. On 64 minutes, Peru almost equalized, with Solano hitting Abbondanzieri´s woodwork. On 68 minutes, it was Palacios´ turn to almost draw level. The midfielder latching on to a Mendoza pass to fire close to the Argentinean goal. Then, Argentina began to play on the counter, making the most of Tevez¿s speed on the left flank and Figueroa on the right. A weary Peru were unable to approach Abbondanzieri´s goal and took na early exit from the Copa America, to the despair of the home crowd.

Peru: Oscar Ibáñez, Guillermo Salas, Miguel Rebosio, Santiago Acasiete and Wálter Vilches (Juan La Rosa 42/2); Juan Jayo (Aldo Olcese 40/2), Carlos Zegarra (Pedro García 22/2), Nolberto Solano and Jorge Soto; Andrés Mendoza and Roberto Palacios. Coach: Paulo Autuori

Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Heinze and Juan Pablo Sorín; Fabricio Coloccini, Luis González, Cristian González and Andrés D'Alessandro (Carlos Tevez 12/2); César Delgado (Mauro Rosales 30/2) and Luciano Figueroa (Facundo Quiroga 39/2). Coach: Marcelo Bielsa

Venue: Estadio Elías Aguirre, Chiclayo-PER.

Referee: Carlos Amarilla (PAR)

Assistant Referees: Nelson Cano (PAR) and Pablo Fandino (URU)

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MATCH 20 PREDICTION (QF) : COLOMBIA VS COSTA RICA

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MATCH 20 PREVIEW (QF) : COLOMBIAN FAVORITSM AGAINST COSTA RICA

There are several reasons to consider the Colombian national team hot favorites for the match against Costa Rica, this Saturday, with a berth in the semifinals of Copa América at stake. The fixture will take place at the Mansiche Stadium, in Trujillo, (north of Peru), at 7:45 pm local time. If they draw, the semifinal spot will de determined via a penalty shootout.

Colombia boasted the best campaign in the Group phase, with 7 points in 3 matches. They secured their spot in the quarterfinal with ease already in the second round of games, whilst the Costa Ricans guaranteed their presence in extra time of the breath-taking match against Chile, when they reversed the scoring with a Andy Herron goal to make it 2-1.

On paper, Colombia are in better physical condition, since they rested their key players on Monday and didn´t have to travel after meeting Peru in the same city of Trujillo. On the other hand, Costa Rica faced a marathon of flights from Tacna, where they did battle with Chile, on Wednesday.

Even so, Colombians will not take anything for granted. Midfielders Jairo Patiño and David Ferreira, alongside strikers Tressor Moreno and Sergio Herrera, who didn´t start the match against Peru, have been confirmed by coach Reinaldo Rueda. The manager stated that, despite having brought the team to carry out tests in the Copa América, he insists on trying to win their second title. There is one change in defence: Right-back Hayder Palacio will make his debut in the Copa América replacing Gonzalo Martinez.

Costa Rica refuse to be considered underdogs. Coach Jorge Luis Pinto, who was born in Colombia, made just one change to the side that clashed with the Chileans: Left-back Junior Diaz - a halftime substitute - will start playing this time around. Leading the attack is Herron, who started off facing heavy criticism by the fans and now is the greatest Costa Rican idol after his heroic goal on Wednesday.

After overcoming the pressure imposed by the Chilean fans in Tacna, Costa Rica will count on the support of the Peruvians, at the Mansiche Stadium. When the Colombians drew with Peru, they sent the hosts to Chiclayo for the quarterfinals, preventing the Trujillo faithful from seeing their national team in action for a second time in history. Therefore, they will face the wrath of the Trujillians who will take the Mansiche by storm to cheer for the red jerseys.

Colombia: Juan Carlos Henao - Hayder Palacio, Andrés González, Andrés Orozco, Gustavo Victoria - Oscar Díaz, Abel Aguilar, Jairo Patiño, David Ferreira - Tressor Moreno and Sergio Herrera. Coach: Reinaldo Rueda.

Costa Rica: Ricardo González - Alexander Castro, Luis Marín, Mauricio Wright, Junior Díaz - Douglas Sequeiro, Cristian Badilla, Walter Centeno, Steven Bryce - Alonso Solis and Andy Herrón. Coach: Jorge Luis Pinto.

Venue: Mansiche Stadium, em Trujillo (PER)

Referee: Gustavo Méndez (URU)

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MATCH 19 PREDICTION (QF) : PERU VS ARGENTINA

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MATCH 19 PREVIEW (QF) : PERU AND ARGENTINA OPEN THE QUARTERFINALS

The quarterfinals of Copa América kick off today with a spot in the semifinals at stake. This Saturday, Peru and Argetina clash at the Elias Aguirre Stadium, in Chichlayo, 770km north of Lima, at 5 pm local time.

 

Hosts Peru, runners-up in the Group A behind Colombia, made their debut in the competition with a 2-all draw against Bolivia, after trailing by two. Then, they beat Venezuela 3-1 and earned another 2-all tie in the last round, against Colombia, after trailing by two again.

For today´s match against Argentina, Brazilian-born Peruvian coach Paulo Autuori will field an under-strength side, especially in attack. Against the Venezuelans, Peru lost their key striker, Claudio Pizarro, injured in the head and is out of Copa América. In the game with Colombia, another striker, Jefferson Farfan, received a second yellow card and is banned for the match against Argentina. Forward Flavio Maestri, who scored against Colombia, is injured and won´t be playing today. So, coach Paulo Autuori will field just one striker, Andreas Mendoza.

Argentina, runners-up in their group as well, are confident after the 4-2 win against Uruguay, in the last round of Group B. Marcelo Bielsa´s side kicked off with a 6-1 mauling of Ecuador, only to slip up in the following match when they lost 1-nil to Mexico.

For today´s match against Peru, Bielsa confirmed the presence of midfielder Fabricio Coloccini in Javier Mascherano´s place, since the latter was suspended. Left-back Juan Pablo Sorin recovered from injury and is back on the starting lineup, replacing Clemente Rodriguez. Luis Gonzalez, who sprained his ankle against the Uruguayans, has recovered in time and will start playing. In attack, Figueroa, who claimed a brace against Uruguay, will continue on the team, while Javier Saviola is still injured.

Peru and Argentina have player each other 15 times in Copa América history. Argentina have huge advantage, with 10 wins, 2 draws and only 3 defeats. The "Alvicelestes" scored 35 goals against Peru´s 19. The last match between the rivals in Copa América took place in 1997, in the city of Sucre, Bolivia. In this quarterfinal fixture, Peru beat Argentina 2-1. From that game, Peruvians Rebosio and Palacios will be on the pitch today.

Peru: Oscar Ibáñez, Guillermo Salas, Miguel Rebosio, Santiago Acasiete and Wálter Vilches; Juan Jayo, Carlos Zegarra, Nolberto Solano and Jorge Soto; Andrés Mendoza and Roberto Palacios. Coach: Paulo Autuori

Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Heinze and Juan Pablo Sorín; Fabricio Coloccini, Luis González, Cristian González and Andrés D'Alessandro; César Delgado and Luciano Figueroa. Coach: Marcelo Bielsa

Venue: Elías Aguirre Stadium, Chiclayo-PER

 

Referee: Carlos Amarilla (PAR)

 

Assistant Referees: Nelson Cano (PAR) and Pablo Fandino (URU)  

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COPA 2004 NEWS : PARAGUAY AND URUGUAY TRY TO END HISTORIC HOODOS

The Paraguayan national team beat the Uruguayan Celeste for the last time in Copa America matches 57 years ago, when the "albirrojos" inflicted a 5-nil win over the Uruguayans. On the other hand, coach Jorge Fossati´s Uruguay haven´t overcome Paraguay in World Cup Qualfiers, since 1957, and in other 7 official matches. The previous victory came on July 9th 1995, nine years ago. Therefore, the quarterfinal match between Uruguay and Paraguay, to be held this Sunday, the 18th, in the city of Tacna, has all the ingredients of a true thriller.

 

In the Copa America, both teams have met 23 times, with Uruguay taking 12 wins, Paraguay 6 with 5 draws. Uruguay scored 47 goals to Paraguay´s 31. The largest victory took place in November 1926, when Uruguay hammered Paraguay 6-1. The Paraguayans, who topped the table in Group C, came away with a 2-1 win in the first official match played by Uruguay, on October 9th, 1921.

 

The news at the Uruguayan camp for the quarterfinal match is the return of defender and captain Paolo Montero. He was recovering from an injury and is already practicing with a football. Another change brings back the starting players in the match against Mexico who were rested by Fossati against Argentina, the likes of Carlos Bueno, Gustavo Varela, Omar Pouso, Cristián Rodríguez and Dário Silva. Defender Joe Bizerra, sent off in the last game of the first phase, will serve a one-match ban and won´t be playing.

 

Paraguay won´t be counting on starting defender Emilio Matinez, sent off against Brazil and will probably be replaced by Delis Gonzalez. Coach Carlos Jara Saguier has doubts regarding the team who will face Uruguay, since some players are under medical observation, such as Freddy Bareiro, Julio Manzur and Pedro Benitez.

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COPA 2004 NEWS : COLOMBIA ENJOY SIGHTSEEING IN TRUJILLO

The Colombian national team took advantage of a few rest days before the next fixture in Copa América, to be held on Saturday, against Costa Rica, for the quarterfinals of the competition.

The players visited the ruins of the Incan temple Chan Chan, considered one of the largest clay construction in the world. Chan Chan is located a few kilometers from Trujillo, where the Colombians will play the match.

 

The ruins enchanted the players, who stayed there for an hour during late afternoon. In the morning, they held a training session at the camp in Colégio Perpétuo Socorro. On Thursday, with the trip of the Peruvian trip to Chiclayo, the Colombian will stay in the lodging used by the hosts.

 

Costa Rica arrived in Trujillo on Thursday, after a short marathon. They left Tacna hours after the win against Chile and took a 3-hour flight to Lima, before heading to Trujillo. On Friday, Costa Rica will visit the Mansiche Stadium, venue for the battle on Saturday. 
 
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COPA 2004 NEWS : ARGENTINA WITH THEIR MINDS SET ON QUARTERFINALS

For Argentinean midfielder Andrés D´Alessandro, one of the pillars on the Alvicelestes, the Peruvians will be the toughest opponents because, as hosts, they will come out to draw first blood on Saturday, at the Elias Aguirre, in Chiclayo.

 

He stated that if Argentina want to reach their objective of winning the Copa América, they will have to beat all rivals, including Peru.

 

"Both sides will give their all on Saturday, because it´s do or die, especially for Peru, the hosts.

They will be supported by the home crowd. But I believe in us.", he said. Argentinean coach Marcelo Bielsa guaranteed that the quarterfinal match against Peru will be "very entertaining", after they managed to beat Uruguay 4-2 and earn the runners-up spot in Group B of Copa América. Speaking of the performance of his men, Bielsa expressed that the attack is more effective and that individually and as a unit, the team have improved.  

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COPA 2004 NEWS : PERU BACK IN TRUJILO FOR TRAINING

The training sessions of the Peruvian team were held in the sports arena of the Perpetuo Socorro School, located on the outskirts of the city of Trujillo. Once again, the turnout of fans was unexpected. More than 50 thousand faithful stood behind the main gate trying to get in together with the local press. Some 50 minutes later, the chief of press, Hernan Zamudio allowed the entrance of the supporters after the announcement made by coach Autuori.

 

During the practice, it was possible to notice the absence of defender Miguel Rebosio, injured in the first 13 minutes of the match against Colombia. Peruvian team doctor Dr. Ramon Aparicio did away with the doubts of all at the camp:"Miguel (Rebosio´s) injury is a simple injury, there is no problem with his menisci, thank God, because at the moment of the lesion, we thought it was worse, and out of precaution he will be rested for 24 hours."

 

It was also announced that he and other injured players will take part in the quarterfinals. Rebosio will have recovered by Saturday, as will Palacios, Maestri and Jayo. In regards to Juan Jayo, the director of the Peruvian team, Gustavo Cevallos, stated that the midfielder did not receive a second yellow card. He was cautioned just once, against Colombia, and after hearing and reading news informing that he had been suspended, he was reassured by the coaching staff. Tomorrow, the Peruvian national team will work more intensely than today.  

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