FINAL MATCH RESULT : ARGENTINA 2 *BRAZIL 2 (penalty)

Goals:
Cristian González (pen) 20/1 (ARG)
Luisão 45/1; (BRA)
César Delgado 42/2 (ARG)
Adriano 48/2 (BRA)

Penalties:
Argentina 2 (Cristian González e Juan Pablo Sorin; Andrés D´Alessandro e Gabriel Heinze perderam) x
Brazil 4 (Adriano, Edu, Diego e Juan)

FINAL MATCH REPORT : BRAZIL WIN THE SHOOTOUT AND LIFT THE COPA AMERICA

With an Adriano strike in stoppage time, on 93 minutes, Brazil drew level with Argentina in regulation, bringing on the penalty shootout to determine the champions of Copa America 2004. During the dramatic penalties, Julio Cesar denied D´Alessandro, while Gabriel Heinze missed the target. On the other hand, the Brazilians converted four spot-kicks to clinch the title for Brazil.

As expected, the final match was tense, hard-fought and even, with both sides creating goal-scoring opportunities. In the opening 5 minutes, both teams pleaded for penalties. Brazil requested a foul on striker Adriano in the box, while Argentina wanted the referee to award a hand-ball by Gustavo Nery and a foul on Kily Gonzalez. Paraguayan referee, Carlos Amarilla, waved play-on in both situations. However, on 20 minutes, defender Luisão brought Luis Gonzalez down in the area for a penalty. Cristian Gonzalez converted the spot-kick to open the scoring. After the goal, the Argentineans piled on the pressure and almost doubled the lead, when Luis Gonzalez unleashed a powerdriver, forcing Julio Cesar to a huge save.

After this move, Argentina closed their ranks, luring the Brazilians to their half of the field. Striker Carlos Tevez, on the left flank, was the only Argentinean player moving forwadr with authority. Brazil tried to play down the middle of the pitch, with Adriano and Luis Fabiano producing very little. In the dying minutes, the Brazilian threatened from Alex set-plays. On 45 minutes, the midfielder found defender Luisão, who made amends for the earlier penalty he committed with a header to level the scores. The 1-all tie coming as a reward for the Brazilians who matched the Argentineans stride for stide in the first half.

4 minutes after the break, Argentina squandered the easiest of chances through Carlos Tevez. After a Mauro Rosales cross, the Argentinean striker misfired from the 6-yard box to hit the upright. 10 minutes on and Brazil saw midfielder Kleberson leave the pitch due to injury. Parreira swapped him for Diego, and Brazil grew in offensive terms. For Argentina, Bielsa replaced Mauro Rosales for former starting player, Cesar Delgado, with the objective of making his team more powerful on the right flank of their attack. These changes didn´t change the pace of the match. Argentina took the initiative, but were unable to fire at the Brazilian goal. On 71 minutes, Tevez tried his luck from outside the box, but Julio Cesar was equal to the effort. Argentina continued turning the screw, while Brazil closed themselves behind. The Argentinean persistance finally paid off on 87 minutes. Brazilian Renato unable to clear the lines from a cross, allowing Cesar Delgado to drive his shot home to score the second for Argentina. When all seemed defined, the top scorer of Copa America, Adriano, made the most of a loose ball to level the match with a last gasp equalizer, on 93 minutes, to take the match to a penalty shootout. During the penalties, Julio Cesar stopped Andres D´Alessandro¿s first spot-kick, while Adriano put Brazil in front. Defender Gabriel Heinze struck over the crossbar, squandering a second spot-kick for Argentina. Then, Edu and Diego duly converted for Brazil, while Cristian Gonzalez and Sorin scored for Argentina. In the last spot-kick, defender Juan struck his penalty-kick in textbook fashion to secure the Copa America 2004 title for Brazil, their seventh in history.

Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Fabricio Collocini, Roberto Ayala and Gabriel Heinze; Javier Zanetti, Javier Mascherano, Luis González (Andrés D´Alessandro 29/2), Cristian González and Juan Pablo Sorín; Carlos Tevez (Facungo Quiroga 46/2) and Mauro Rosales (César Delgado 18/2).
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa

Brazil: Júlio César, Maicon, Luisão (Cris 35/2), Juan and Gustavo Nery; Renato, Kléberson (Diego 10/2), Edu and Alex (Felipe 17/2); Adriano and Luis Fabiano.
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira

Venue: Estádio Nacional, in Lima (PER)

Referee: Carlos Amarilla (PAR)

Assistant Referees: Nelson Cano (PAR) and Juan Sulca (PER)

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FINAL MATCH PREDICTION : ARGENTINA VS BRAZIL

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FINAL MATCH PREVIEW : ARGENTINA AND BRAZIL CLASH IN THE FINAL OF THE 41s

Today, at 3 pm local time (20h00 GMT), Argentina and Brazil meet in the grand final of the Copa America 2004. The match to be held at the Nacional Stadium, in Lima, capital of Peru, will see for the first time a clash between the two powerhouses of South American football in a final of a Copa America since the tournament began to be played in a league system, in 1975.

Argentina, who boast the best offensive record in the competition, are considered firm favorites for this final, since they count on the same side who are competing in the South American 2006 World Cup Qualifiers. On the other hand, Brazil didn´t bring along their superstars, the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho Gaucho, Roberto Carlos, Dida, etc, however, they beat tough opposition en route to the grand final, such as Mexico and Uruguay, and count on their tradition to overcome their bitter rivals. For today´s clash, Argentinean coach Marcelo Bielsa will count on the return of skipper and defender Roberto Ayala, sent off in the quarterfinals against Peru. This was, the manager can field a side with three defenders, replacing striker Luciano Figueroa for Carlos Tevez. With 14 titles to their credit and a positive record against Brazil in the competition, Argentina will try to clinch a title they haven¿´ won since 1993.

Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is calm and prefers to put the responsibility of winning on the Argentineans. For today´s crunch match, Parreira will field the same team who eliminated Uruguay in a penalty shootout, last Wednesday. Champions of Copa America in 1997 and 1999, and World Cup winners in 1994 and 2002, the Brazilians hope to repeat the fine performances of recent years to lift their seventh South American Cup.

Argentina and Brazil already have a 800 thousand dollar prize in the bag. For the title, the champions will receive an extra one million dollars, whilst the runners-up will earn 400 thousand dollars. Brazil and Argentina have met 30 times in the history of Copa América. Argentina won 15 matches to Brazil´s 8, with 7 draws. In their last encounter, Brazil came away with a 2-1 win, in 1999, in Paraguay, eliminating Argentina in the quarterfinals. In official matches, the last clash took place in June, when Brazil beat Argentina 3-1, in Belo Horizonte, in the World Cup Qualifiers. Seven first choice players of that Argentinean side will be playing today, whilst only Juan and Luis Fabiano will be on the Brazilian squad today.

Technical Info

Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Fabricio Coloccini, Roberto Ayala and Gabriel Heinze; Javier Zanetti, Javier Mascherano, Luis González, Cristian González and Juan Pablo Sorín; César Delgado and Carlos Tevez.
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa

Brazil: Júlio César, Maicon, Juan, Luisão and Gustavo Nery; Renato, Kléberson, Edu and Alex; Adriano and Luis Fabiano.
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira

Venue:Estádio Nacional, Lima (PER)

Referee:Carlos Amarilla (PAR)

Assistant Referees:Nelson Cano (PAR) e Juan Sulca (PER)

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MATCH 25 RESULT (3rd) : COLOMBIA 1 URUGUAY 2

Goals:
Fabian Estoyanoff (URU) - 2´/1
Sergio Herrera (COL) - 25´/2
Vicente Sanchez (URU) - 35´/2

MATCH 25 REPORT (3rd) : URUGUAY WIN TO TAKE THIRD IN THE COPA AMERICA

The Uruguayan team beat Colombia 2-1 to take third in the Copa America Peru 2004. Vicente Sanchez scored the goal that sealed the Uruguayan victory on 80 minutes. The opener was scored by Fabian Estoyanoff. Fourth-placed Colombia pulled a goal back through Sergio Herrera, who converted a spot-kick.

The Uruguayans took to the field with a modified team in relation to the one which clashed with Brazil and the players ignored the high altitude of the city of Cusco (3,500m) to set the pace in the match. So, within 2 minutes, Fabian Estoyanoff made the most of a cross to open the account for Uruguay. Colombia didn¿t seem interested in earning third place and only Uruguay piled on the pressure. Just before the break, the game became more even with both sides creating opportunities.

The second half started the same way, with only the Uruguayans pressing forward, while Colombia attacked in timid fashion. In one of these attacking moves, John Viafara stormed into the box only to be fouled for a penalty. Sergio Herrera did the honors from the spot to equal the scores for Colombia. With a few players feeling weary due to the altitude of Cusco, both coaches made changes. With new blood, Uruguay went forward and scored a second with a fine lob by Vicente Sanchez. Trailing, Colombia tried to take the game to a penalty shootout, but it was too little too late and Uruguay secured third spot in the Copa America.

Colombia: Juan Carlos Henao, Gonzalo Martínez, Andrés Orozco, Andrés González and Gustavo Victoria; Abel Aguilar, John Viáfara, Jairo Patiño (Jaime Castrillon 33´/2) and Elkin Murillo (Neider Morantes 46´/2); David Ferreira (Edixon Perea 16´/2) and Sergio Herrera.
Coach: Reinaldo Rueda

Uruguay: Luis Barbat, Carlos Diogo, Joe Bizera, Alejandro Lago and Guillermo Rodríguez; Omar Pouso, Jorge Martínez (Gustavo Varela 32´/2), Martín Parodi (Diego Forlán 31´/2) and Fabián Estoyanoff (Marcelo Sosa 14´/2); Richard Morales and Vicente Sánchez.
Coach: Jorge Fossati

Venue: Inca Garcilaso de la Veja Stadium, Cusco (PER)

Referee: René Ortubé (BOL)

Assistant Referees: Cristian Julio (CHI) and Plácido Chuello (VEN)

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MATCH 25 PREVIEW (3rd) : COLOMBIA AND URUGUAY DO BATTLE FOR THE 3rd PLACE

After being eliminated in the semifinals of Copa America, Colombia and Uruguay take to the pitch tonight, in Cusco, at 7:45 pm (local time) for the third and fourth place playoff. Besides the honour of ending the competition in third place and the winners medals, there is a 100-thousand dollar prize at stake. Uruguay, defeated by Brazil in a penalty shootout, after a 1-all draw in regulation, will boast a totally revamped squad, depleted of several first-choice players. Colombia, champions in 2001, will field the same team who lost to Argentina 3-nil on Tuesday, in Lima.

Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati confirmed nine substitutions in regards to the side who clashed with Brazil, last Wednesday, in Lima. The team will also swap the 3-5-2 formation for the 4-4-2. Only defenders Carlos Diogo and Joe Bizera will be on the starting lineup again. Striker Richard Morales, confirmed as a first-choice player today, announced this will be his farewell match with the Celeste jersey.

Since 1987, when the Copa America began to be played in the current format, Uruguay have competed for third place only in 2001, when they lost to Honduras on penalties. Since 1916, the Celeste have placed third seven times: 1921, 1922, 1929, 1937, 1947, 1953 e 1957.

Colombian coach Reinaldo Rueda will not be counting on midfielder Oscar Diaz, injured in the last match. He will be replaced by Jhon Viafara, from Once Caldas. Breitner Castillo, Jose Amaya and Brahaman Sinisterra might be on the starting lineup, which hasn¿t been confirmed by Rueda yet. Another change might be the return of Sergio Hererra in place of Edwin Congo.

Colombia have fought for third place in Copa America in three occasions, and won all three. The first time, in 1987, in Argentina, against the hosts. The second, in 1993, when they beat the home-team again, in Ecuador. And in 1995, when the Colombians overcame the North Americans, in 4-1.

Colombia and Uruguay have met 10 times in the history of Copa America, with 5 wins for the Uruguayans, 2 draws and 3 victories for the Colombians. Since 1945, when the clashed for the first time, Uruguay have scored 16 goals and Colombia, 8. In their last encounter in a Copa America, in 1999, in Paraguay, Colombia were 1-nil victors, with a goal by Victor Bonilla. In 2004, Colombia and Uruguay met in the 2006 South American World Cup qualifiers, in Barranquilla, Colombia, in June, and the home team hammered the Uruguayans 5-0.

Technical Info

Colombia x Uruguay

Colombia: Juan Carlos Henao, Hayder Palacios, Andrés Orozco, Andrés González and Brahaman Sinisterra; Abel Aguilar, John Viáfara, Jairo Patiño and Elkin Murillo; Tressor Moreno and Sergio Herrera.
Coach: Reinaldo Rueda

Uruguay: Luis Barbat, Carlos Diogo, Joe Bizera, Alejandro Lago and Guillermo Rodríguez; Omar Pouso, Jorge Martínez, Martín Parodi and Fabián Estoyanoff; Richard Morales and Vicente Sánchez.
Coach: Jorge Fossati

Venue: Estádio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Cusco (PER)

Referee: René Ortubé (BOL)

Assistant referees: Cristian Julio (CHI) and Plácido Chuello (VEN)

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MATCH 24 RESULT (SF) : *BRAZIL 1 URUGUAY 1 (penalty)

Goals:
Marcelo Sosa 22/1;
Adriano 1/2

Penalty Shootout:
Uruguay 3 (Darío Silva, Sebastián Viera and Omar Pouso; Vicente Sánchez missed) x Brazil 5 (Luisão, Luís Fabiano, Adriano, Renato and Alex)

MATCH 24 REPORT (SF) : VICTORY IN THE PENALTY SHOOTOUT SECURE BRAZIL IN

In a nail-biting match with two different halves, Brazil eliminated Uruguay after a penalty shootout to secure their spot in the final of Copa América. Trailing by one goal at halftime, the Brazilian squad drew level right after the break, through top scorer Adriano. During the shootout, keeper Julio Cesar denied Vicente Sanchez to help Brazil win 5-3 and stamp their passport to the final against Argentina on Sunday in the process.

Despite starting the game with a defensive system, Uruguay took the early initiative and created the first goal-scoring opportunities. With 5 minutes on the clock, Jorge Fossati´s team had struck twice at goal, earning four corner-kicks. In the opening minute, Dario Silva found himself face to face with Julio Cesar, who made a huge save. On 5 minutes, Brazil hit back on the counter. Kleberson finding Adriano, who unleashed a powerdriver. Uruguayan keeper parried his shot and Kleberson tried to capitalize on the rebound. Tense on the pitch, the Brazilian players couldn´t repeat the offensive football displayed in the quarterfinals, when they hammered Mexico. On 12 minutes, Uruguay almost broke the deadlock. After a Luisão blunder, who headed the ball poorly, Dario Silva pounced on the loose ball in the 6-year box with an empty net in front of him, but the striker managed to miss the easiest of chances, striking the ball onto the crossbar. Ten minutes later, the Celeste finally found the net. Javier Delgado with the set-play and Marcelo Sosa heading home, helped by keeper Julio Cesar´s howler. In the lead, the Uruguayans were all backs to the wall and started playing on the counter. Brazil took advantage to find their form. But they only managed to threaten Viera´s goal in the last minute, when Edu tried to lob the Uruguayan keeper.

After the break, Brazil returned a totally different outfit. With more determination, they piled pressure on Uruguay and leveled the scores early on. In the first minute, Luis Fabiano´s cross was tapped in by striker Adriano, who scored his sixth in this Copa América. A minute later, the same Adriano almost reversed the score with a shot near the far post. Inspirational Adriano tried his luck again, on 49 minutes, and came close. Brazil began to set the pace in the second half. On 55 minutes, Alex struck from the edge of the box, but was denied by Viera. Realizing that his team had lost momentum, coach Jorge Fossati replaced Carlos Bueno for Forlan. The match became more even, but less technical. Both sides stopped taking chances in attack and only attempted shot from long-range, like Marcelo Sosa, on 65 minutes; Adriano, on 77 minutes, and Javier Delgado, on 79 minutes. Brazil nearly clinched victory in the dying minute, when Julio Batista forced Viera to a difficult save. The match ended 1-all, bringing on the penalty shootout.

Brazil and Uruguay converted 3 spot-kicks each. On Uruguay´s fourth attempt, keeper Julio Cesar denied Vicente Sanchez, giving Brazil the edge. In Brazil´s last penalty-kick, Alex duly converted, guaranteeing Brazil´s place in the final of Copa América.

Brazil: Júlio César, Maicon, Luisão, Juan e Gustavo Nery; Renato, Kléberson (Diego 30/2), Edu (Julio Baptista 30/2) and Alex; Luis Fabiano and Adriano.
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira

Uruguay: Sebastián Vieira, Joe Bizera, Paolo Montero and Darío Rodríguez; Carlos Diogo, Marcelo Sosa, Javier Delgado, Cristián Rodríguez (Vicente Sánchez 24/2) and Diego Pérez (Omar Pouso 35/2); Carlos Bueno (Diego Forlán 16/2) and Darío Silva.
Coach: Jorge Fossati

Referee: Marco Rodríguez (MEX)

Assistant Referees: Nelson Cano (PAR) and Fredy Villty (BOL)

Venue: Nacional Stadium, Lima (PER)

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MATCH 24 PREDICTION (SF) : BRAZIL VS URUGUAY

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MATCH 24 PREVIEW (SF) : BRAZIL VS URUGUAY : A SPOT IN THE FINAL AT STAKE

A derby of huge tradition and bitter rivalry closes the curtain on the semifinals of Copa América 2004. Brazil and Uruguay, who met in the first edition of the South American Tournament, in 1916, clash again today, in Lima, at 7:45 pm, local time, at the Nacional Stadium, with a spot in the finals of Copa América at stake, where the winner will face Argentina.

Uruguay, a 14-time winner of Copa América, beat Paraguay in the quarterfinals and are determined to maintain the tradition of the mythical Celeste alive. Against the Brazilians, the Uruguayans always recall the historic win in the final match of the 1950 World Cup, held at the Maracaña Stadium, and more recently, the last Copa América title clinched in Montevideo, in 1995. For today¿s crunch match, coach Jorge Fossati wants a more cautious team, who won¿t be as offensive-minded as the side that faced Paraguay. So, the manager will field three defenders (Montero, Lago and Dario Rodriguez). This way, midfielder Diego Forlan will start on the bench and can be a second-half option, in case Uruguay must press forward.

At the Brazilian camp, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will keep the same formation that defeated Mexico, in Piura. Right-back Maicon replaced former first-choice player Mancini. In attack, Luis Fabiano and Adriano, who scored 7 goals altogether, are Brazil¿s key players for tonight¿s fixtures. Historically, Brazil also have some fond memories, since the last title won by the Brazilians came in the 1999 Copa América, in Paraguay, against rivals Uruguay.

In the history of Copa América, Brazil and Uruguay have met 24 times. The first in 1916, with Uruguay earning a 1-nil victory. There¿s little to choose between both national teams, who have won 9 times each with 6 draws. The Celeste scored 34 goals, while Brazil netted 37. The last encounter took place in the 1999 Copa América, with a 3-nil thrashing by Brazil.

Technical Info

Brazil: Júlio César, Maicon, Luisão, Juan and Gustavo Nery; Renato, Kléberson, Edu and Alex; Luis Fabiano and Adriano.
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira

Uruguay: Sebastián Vieira, Alejandro Lago, Paolo Montero and Darío Rodríguez; Carlos Diogo, Marcelo Sosa, Javier Delgado, Cristián Rodríguez and Diego Pérez; Carlos Bueno and Darío Silva.
Coach:Jorge Fossati

Referee: Marco Rodríguez (MEX)

Assistant Referee: Nelson Cano (PAR) and Fredy Villty (BOL)

Venue: Nacional Stadium, Lima (PER)

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MATCH 23 RESULT (SF) : ARGENTINA 3 COLOMBIA 0

Goals:
Carlos Tevez 32/1;
Luis González 5/2,
Juan Pablo Sorin 35/2

MATCH 23 REPORT (SF) : ARGENTINA DO AWAY WITH COLOMBIA TO REACH THE FINAL

With goals by Tevez, Luis Gonzalez and Sorin, Argentina beat Colombia 3-nil, in Lima, to secure their spot in the finals of Copa América 2004. Marcelo Bielsa´s team put on a convincing performance and gave no chance to the current South American champions. Argentina awaits the winner of the Brazil-Uruguay clash to know whom they will do battle with for the title that has eluded them since 1993.

With striker Carlos Tevez replacing injured midfielder Andres D´Alessandro,
Argentina started the match with more determination than Colombia, as they went forward restlessly. Reinaldo Rueda´s side, unbeaten thus far, closed their ranks. In the first half, Colombia played well below par and didn´t strike once at Abbondanzieri´s goal. On the other hand, Argentina passed the ball around nd created fine opportunities. On 11 minutes, after a build-up play by Figueroa, Tevez and Delgado, the Argentineans nearly opened the account with a Delgado strike. On 15 minutes, left-back Sorin attempted from outside the box, only to see his shot fly over Henao´s goal. Soon after, on 24 minutes, Kily Gonzalez pounced on a rebound and struck goal-wards, but defender Andres Gonzalez denied him on the goal-line. After squeezing the Colombians as best they could, Bielsa´s men were finally rewarded on 32 minutes. Carlos Tevez taking a free-kick to score his second goal in the Copa América, his second from a dead-ball. Despite conceding a goal, Colombia stayed in their half of the pitch, concerned only about stopping the Argentineans.

In the second half, Argentina returned in cheerful mood and on 50 minutes, they doubled the lead. In a swift passing move, Luciano Figueroa provided Luis Gonzalez with the opportunity to slot home. Trailing by 2, Colombia finally decided to mount a comeback. Coach Rueda put Viafara and Perea on the field. In the meantime, Marcelo Bielsa decided to close his team, swapping striker Figueroa for defender Quiroga. Despite the substitutions, Argentina continued setting the pace. Carlos Tevez, on the right, and Roasles, who came off the bench in the second half, threatened the Colombian defence insistently. On 80 minutes, after a Rosales´ set-piece, an unmarked Sorin scored a third for Argentina with a diving header, securing victory and qualification to the finals of the Copa América.

Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Fabricio Collocini, Gabriel Heinze and Juan Pablo Sorín; Javier Mascherano, Luis González, Cristian González (Diego Placente 38/2) and Carlos Tevez; César Delgado (Mauro Rosales 15/2) and Luciano Figueroa (Facundo Quiroga 19/2).
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa

Colombia: Juan Carlos Henao, Gonzalo Martinez, Andrés Orozco, Andrés González and Gustavo Victoria; Oscar Díaz, Abel Aguilar (Jhon Viáfara 13/2), Jairo Patiño and Elkin Murillo (Edixon Perea 15/2); Tressor Moreno (David Ferreira 28/2) and Edwin Congo.
Coach: Reinaldo Rueda

Venue: Nacional Stadium, in Lima (PER)

Referee: Gilberto Hidalgo (PER)

Assistant Referees: Juan Sulca (PER) and Francisco Tamayo (ECU)

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MATCH 23 PREDICTION (SF) : ARGENTINA VS COLOMBIA

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MATCH 23 PREVIEW (SF) : ARGENTINA AND COLOMBIA DO BATTLE FOR SPOT

Today, Argentina and Colombia open the semifinals of Copa América with a berth in the finals of the competition at stake. The match is scheduled for 7:45 pm local time, at the Nacional de Lima stadium, and the teams will do battle to see who will be the first finalist of the 41st Edition of the South American tournament. Argentina, who haven¿t won a Copa América since 1993, want to confirm their fine run of form by reaching their first final since then. Colombia, unbeaten champions in 2001, fight for unprecedented back-to-back titles.

For today¿s fixture, Argentina will not count on defender and skipper Roberto Ayala, sent off in the quarterfinals against Peru. Nevertheless, coach Marcelo Bielsa will see the return of midfielder Javier Mascherano, who served his ban in the previous game. Therefore, Fabricio Collocini, Mascherano¿s replacement, returns to defence in Ayala¿s place. Midfielder Andrés D¿Alessandro, with muscular problems, might start the match on the bench, giving his place to striker Carlos Tevez, scorer of the clincher that qualified Argentina against Peru.

In the Colombian camp, the only team unbeaten in this Copa América, coach Reinaldo Rueda counts on the return of Gonzalo Martinez, who served his ban against Costa Rica, in the quarterfinals. The midfielder takes Hayder Palacios¿ place. Colombia and Argentina met recently, in Miami, USA, for a friendly one week prior to the Copa América. Colombia were 2-nil winners, with goals by Tressor Moreno and Sergio Herrera. In the history of Copa América, both teams clashed 9 times, with 5 victories for Argentina, 2 draws and 2 wins for Colombia. The Argentineans scored 31 goals and the Colombians 12. In their last encounter in a Copa América, Colombian came away with a 3-nil mauling, in Luque, Paraguay. In that game, Argentinean striker Martin Palermo squandered three penalty-kicks.

Technical Info

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

Colombia: Juan Carlos Henao, Gonzalo Martínez, Andrés Orozco, Andrés González and Gustavo Victoria; Abel Aguilar, Oscar Diaz, Jairo Patiño and Tressor Moreno; Sergio Herrera and Elkin Murillo.
Coach: Reinaldo Rueda

Referee: Gilberto Hidalgo (PER)

Assistant Referees: Juan Sulca (PER) and Fernando Tamayo (ECU)

Venue: Nacional Stadium, Lima (PER)

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