With Argentina and Brazil out, Uruguay were the new favorites to win the 2011 Copa America and clinch their 15th title. They were dominant throughout the semi-final and made sure they did not bottle the chance to go all the way. Uruguay reached the Copa America final with a 2-0 win over Peru to book a showdown with either giant killers Venezuela or Paraguay. Liverpool star Suarez caused the Peru defence problems early on with his typical intelligent movement. Firstly, he was denied the chance to be through on goal after receiving the ball in space and taking on the defender, however the assistant flagged for a foul. Then shortly after he found some space again after a Forlan free kick, but sliced the volley wide.
It was all Uruguay in the first 15 minutes, with Peru seemingly sitting back waiting for the opportune moment. Maxi Pereira was finding space down the right hand side causing problems, whilst the Peru ‘keeper Fernandez was causing himself problems. He failed to deal with a cross from the right, and Alvaro Pereira was there to pounce, but the Peruvian goalkeeper managed to pull off the point blank save.
Peru’s first chance came after 24 minutes when Juan Vargas was released down the left and whipped in a low cross, but neither Guerrero or Advincula could get the crucial touch to guide it home. Alvaro Pereira slid in to clear, another showing of impressive defending from the Porto wing back. Uruguay had a goal ruled out just before half time when Forlan knocked in a long free kick, which was hindered on by Lugano toward Alvaro Pereira, but the defender had drifted offside and the linesman’s flag went up immediately.
Suarez said that It was a very tough game in the first half and we lacked a little clarity though we kept trying to make chances.
The Uruguayans remained dominant after the interval and were finally reward with a goal shortly after half time. Forlan cut inside and shot from 30 yards, which was saved and spilled by Fernandez only for Suarez to pounce on the rebound. 1-0 and Uruguay were heading for the final.
Peru needed to bounce back soon, but were never given the chance. The high line of the Peru defence were punished by a fantastic pass long ball from Alvaro Pereira, which was controlled nicely by Luis Suarez. The Liverpool striker took it pass the incoming Fernandez and slotted home neatly into the open goal. 2-0 and it was looking like game over for the Peruvians.
Matters got a lot worse for Peru when their captain and most influential player Juan Vargas was sent off for an elbow on Coates. A deliberate elbow deserving of the red card, but it happened just moments after Lugano escaped with booking after a not so different offence.
Peru still managed to step it up a gear with 10 men in search of at least one goal back to make things interesting. They were seeing more of the ball, but were still vulnerable at the back. The fresh legs of Hernandez, who was brought on for Suarez, threatened with a shot after cutting inside but his effort was straight at the ‘keeper.
The 10 men of Peru were almost gifted a goal shortly after when Guerrero’s shot from range was fumbled by Muslera, but the Uruguay goalkeeper was able to recover the ball before it rolled over the line.
Despite any last ditch efforts from Peru, Uruguay closed out the 2-0 victory to reach the final of the 2011 Copa America where they will be looking to win a record 15th title. Peru go home but can certainly be proud with reaching the Semi finals of the tournament, surpassing most people’s expectations.
Uruguay Vs Peru Teams
Uruguay Vs Peru Full Match Highlights
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