Uruguay Win Copa America Final

Diego Forlan scored twice as Uruguay clinched a record 15th Copa America title and a place at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 with a comfortable 3-0 win over Paraguay in Buenos Aires. The Paraguayans had reached the final without winning a single match in normal time, but their fortune ran out against a the Uruguayans who were vastly superior.

Luis Suarez put La Celeste ahead after 12 minutes and Forlan doubled the lead 30 minutes later. An inspired Forlan then added a late third to tie Hector Scarone as Uruguay's leading goalscorer with 31.

"This really means a lot for me because my grandfather won it, my father won it and now I have also done it," said Forlan. "Three generations have won this trophy. The name of Forlan will stay in history."

Uruguay bossed the first half with the pace and movement of Forlan and Suarez proving particularly troublesome for Paraguay's overworked defence. Oscar Tabarez's men bristled with intent from the off and could have gone ahead inside two minutes.

Suarez battled his way past two defenders and his scuffed shot was goalbound before Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar managed to smother it behind. From the resulting Forlan corner, Diego Lugano powered a header on goal which was superbly parried by Villar, with the follow-up from Lugano blocked by the arm of Nestor Ortigoza on the line.

Paraguay's defence had been the foundation for their run to the final, but it was breached by Uruguay inside a quarter of an hour. The ball fell fortuitously to Suarez in the area and the Liverpool striker turned smartly before clipping in a shot which beat Villar via Dario Veron's leg and the left-hand post.

Paraguay almost conceded again shortly after the half-hour mark when Suarez put Forlan through, but Villar made an important block with his legs. Suarez then turned the hapless Veron and lashed a shot into the side-netting before picking out strike partner Forlan, whose volley was easy for Villar to handle.

Uruguay were dominating proceedings and were finally rewarded with a second three minutes before the break when Egidio Arevalo dispossessed Ortigoza to play in Forlan, whose powerful drive easily beat Villar to score his first goal in 13 international matches.

Ortigoza almost redeemed himself nine minutes after the interval when his chipped pass found Nelson Haedo Valdez and his volley produced a wonderful save from Fernando Muslera, the goalkeeper tipping the ball onto the bar.

Paraguay wasted another chance to get back into the contest after 62 minutes when midfielder Cristian Riveros failed to connect with Ivan Piris' cross at the near post after attempting an unnecessary back-heel. Paraguay's rally eventually petered out and Uruguay could have added a third with 16 minutes to go with Edinson Cavani picking out fellow substitute Sebastian Eguren, whose deflected effort was superbly saved by Villar.

However, Tabarez's men still had the final say with a wonderful third in the final minute. Cavani swept a cross-field pass to Suarez, whose cushioned header was perfect for Forlan to run onto and slot past the advancing Villar.

Suarez Secures Final for Uruguay

Luis Suarez fired Uruguay into the Copa America final with a second-half double to secure a deserved 2-0 victory over ten-man Peru in La Plata. The Liverpool striker scored twice in five minutes shortly after half-time to maintain La Celeste's hopes of securing a record 15th South American title alive.

Suarez netted his first on 52 minutes after Peru goalkeeper Raul Fernandez spilled a speculative Diego Forlan shot. The 24-year-old then ran on to a long pass, before rounding Fernandez, to roll in the simplest of goals and seal a place in Sunday's decider, where Uruguay will meet the winner of tomorrow's semi-final between Paraguay and Venezuela.

Peru's night was further soured with skipper Juan Manuel Vargas shown a straight red card on 68 minutes after he elbowed Sebastian Coates in the face.

The teams had shared a 1-1 draw in the group stages, but Uruguay always looked the likely to progress to the final as they handled the occasion far better.

It did not take long for Oscar Tabarez's side to establish their threat, and only their poor finishing cost them a first-half opener. Suarez was the chief culprit in the first 45 minutes as he wastefully blazed over after Diego Lugano nodded down a Forlan free-kick, while Alvaro Pereira shinned a glorious chance at Fernandez from close-range.

Peru almost stole a goal against the run of play after 25 minutes, when Vargas fizzed in a low cross that just evaded the outstretched legs of two attackers. Uruguay responded by putting the ball in the net just before the break, but it was chalked off after Pereira strayed offside to reach Lugano's flick on.

Any frustration Uruguay had about reaching the break on level terms were quickly dispelled by Suarez, as he displayed the predatory instincts that prompted Liverpool to pay £23m for his services in January. He opened the scoring when he was quickest to react after Fernandez failed to grasp Forlan's 35-yard drive, squeezing his shot in from a tight angle.

Suarez's finishing skills were then on show again soon after, when he ran on to a long ball and coolly rounded the onrushing Fernandez, who was left exposed by his defence, before rolling the ball into the net.

Any hopes of a Peru recovery looked remote and they were made almost impossible by the indiscipline of their skipper Vargas, who inexplicably elbowed Coates in the face right in front of the referee.

Peru did almost pull a goal back when Muslera had to scramble to gather after he had mis-handled a fierce drive from Jose Paolo Guerrero, but Suarez's double proved more than enough to send Uruguay into the final in Buenos Aires.

Paraguay Book Copa Final Place

Paraguay overcame Venezuela 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out to book a date with Uruguay in the Copa America final.

Goalkeeper Justo Villar's save to deny Franklin Lucena proved the key moment in the shoot-out after a match Venezuela controlled for the most part ended goalless after extra time.

Venezuela struck the woodwork three times while Paraguay had Jonathan Santana sent off in extra-time, but still Gerardo Martino's side held on to ensure their place in Sunday's Buenos Aires showpiece.

Paraguay's progress, which was sealed by a Dario Veron penalty, means they have qualified for the final despite having not won a match without the aid of penalties in the tournament so far.

Martino's side were the clear favourites after knocking out Brazil in a shootout in the quarter-finals while Venezuela were playing in their first ever Copa America semi-final.

Cesar Farias' side therefore understandably made a nervy beginning and were indebted to the sharp reflexes of goalkeeper Renny Vega early on as he kept out Veron's unmarked header.

More casual defending allowed Nelson Haedo Valdez a sight on goal but he thrashed his effort well wide before the Paraguay striker saw a far better attempt turned aside by Vega.

Venezuela finally began to settle as the game reached the half-hour mark and had a goal chalked off on 35 minutes when Oswaldo Vizcaronndo headed past two team-mates who had drifted offside, although there was an argument they were not active in the play.

Venezuela then hit the woodwork for the first time just before the break when Alejandro Moreno headed against the frame before Salomon Rondon's follow-up was well saved by Villar.

That moment proved to be the highlight of the 90 minutes as the second period proved a dull affair as caution undermined both sides' play to prompt extra time.

After the lull of the second half Venezuela struck the woodwork twice more in the first five minutes of extra-time.

First Miku saw a curling effort hit the left-hand post before skipper Juan Fernando Arango struck the same part of the goal-frame with a free-kick that then somehow eluded two of his team-mates on the goalline.

Paraguay then had Santana sent off for a second caution just before half time in extra-time, and while they were rocking for the rest of the additional period they held on for penalties.

Villar then proved the hero as he saved Lucena's weak third penalty low to his right before Veron completed a faultless display from the spot to send the two-time champions through.

Paraguay's success was, however, marred by ugly scenes after the shoot-out when a mass brawl between players and officials of both teams broke out on the pitch.

Police and security staff took several minutes to bring calm to a situation which is likely to come under investigation from tournament organisers.

Paraguay Knock out Brazil in Copa

Veron and Neymar in action

Paraguay advanced to the Copa America semifinals on Sunday by defeating defending champions Brazil 2-0 in a penalty shootout after the score was level at 0-0 following extra time.

Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar stopped Thiago Silva's shot and Elano, Andre Santos and Fred also missed for Brazil, which was eliminated from the South American competition a day after host Argentina lost to Uruguay.

The Argentines also lost on penalties after Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera played well in regulation and then stopped Carlos Tevez's penalty in the shootout.

Similarly, a great performance by Villar ensured Brazil failed to capitalize on its scoring opportunities despite dominating from the start.

"After the way we played today, I've never seen a more unfair result in my entire career," Brazil midfielder Ramires said.

It is the first time since 1989 that Paraguay has reached the final four in the South American competition.

Paraguay earned draws in all three of its group stage matches. The team will face either Chile or Venezuela, which will play later Sunday. Uruguay and Peru, which eliminated Colombia on Saturday, will meet in the other semifinal.

"Brazil should've won after 90 minutes," Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino said. "Sometimes we get these results. We played entirely differently from how we wanted to play."

Brazil was trying to win its third straight Copa America title after having won four of the past five tournaments, and coach Mano Menezes brought a mixed squad of veterans and promising young stars to also prepare for the 2014 World Cup at home.

"It's important to keep our calm after a loss and avoid thinking that it was all negative," Menezes said. "We improved after the (tough) start in the competition and we will continue working hard so we can reach the positive results in the future."

Brazil leaves with only one win in four matches. The team drew with Venezuela and Paraguay before beating Ecuador 4-2 in the group stage.

"It's always disappointing when things don't go our way," Menezes said. "We lost to a team which hasn't won a match yet and now has reached the semifinals. But that's football and we have to learn how to live with that to avoid compromising the work that we've done so far. And at the same time we have to understand what we need to do to improve from now on."

Marcelo Estigarribia and Christian Riveros scored for Paraguay in the shootout after Villar capped his great performance by diving to his left to stop Thiago Silva's shot.

Defender Thiago Silva was in doubt because of a right thigh muscle injury and made it into the lineup just before the match.

Brazil midfielder Elano started the shootout by missing badly over the crossbar, and Andre Santos and Fred also missed the goal.

"Brazil dominated the entire match and we had to stay back," Villar said. "The penalties are a lottery. Our players did better while they failed."

There was an altercation 11 minutes into extra time after a dispute between Brazil defender Lucio and Estigarribia near the sideline. Players from both teams were involved in the confrontation, shoving each other. Referee Sergio Pezzotta of Argentina sent off Brazil's Lucas Leiva and Paraguay's Antolin Alcaraz.

Brazil controlled possession and outplayed Paraguay from the start. The Paraguayans stayed back and relied mostly on counterattacks, but couldn't get anywhere near the Brazilian goal for most of the match.

Paraguay's first shot on target came in the 88th, when Edgar Barreto's long-range strike was deflected to allow goalkeeper Julio Cesar to make an easy save.

Paraguay forward Nelson Haedo Valdez had the only chance in extra time, just missing the far corner with a first-time shot from inside the area following a long pass by Estigarribia in the 112th.

Brazil, which outshot Paraguay 16-4, had at least five clear scoring chances in regulation, most from young striker Neymar. Villar's great performance caused Paraguay's fans to chant his name on several occasions during the match.

Villar denied Paulo Henrique Ganso in the 66th, and made another terrific stop with his feet from a close-range strike by Alexandre Pato.

Villar also stopped Brazil's best chance in the first half, blocking Lucio's shot from inside the box.

The Brazilians thought they had scored when Paraguay's Barreto cleared a header by substitute striker Fred in the 82nd, but the linesman said the ball didn't cross the line.

Neymar was replaced by Fred in the 79th minute after he apparently injured his right knee while making a cross into the area a few minutes earlier.

Paraguay played without star striker Roque Santa Cruz, who didn't recover in time from a right-leg muscle injury. He was replaced by Valdez.

Brazil played with the same 11 from the convincing victory against Ecuador in its last group match, with Maicon on the right side of the defense and Robinho in attack.

Brazil needed a last-minute equaliser in its 2-2 draw with the Paraguayans in the first stage.

Tevez Miss Gives Hosts Early Copa Exit

Diego Forlan

Uruguay shocked hosts Argentina 5-4 on penalties to win their Copa America quarter-final after they were locked at 1-1 after extra time.

Carlos Tevez, on as a late substitute, missed the crucial spot-kick at the Santa Fe Stadium, as the hosts crashed out to extend a trophy drought going back to 1993.

Diego Perez had given Uruguay a fifth-minute lead but Gonzalo Higuain levelled 12 minutes later. Both sides ended the 90 minutes with ten men. Perez was sent off on 38 minutes for a second yellow card and then Argentina lost captain Javier Mascherano in the 86th minute for a bad tackle from behind on Luis Suarez.

The extra half-hour failed to end the stalemate and Martin Caceres drove home the winning penalty as Uruguay moved into a semi-final against Peru, 2-0 conquerors of Colombia.

"This was like a final. We played an Argentine side with a fantastic attack and had to scrap - but we have put out our biggest rivals," said Uruguay defender Diego Lugano.

Uruguay, who have won a joint-record 14 Copa titles along with their hosts from across the River Plate, wasted no time in breaking the deadlock just seven minutes into the contest.

Perez slid the ball home from close range, following up after home shot-stopper Sergio Romero could only palm away a header from Caceres, who had nodded down a Diego Forlan cross.

But Argentina hit back and Lionel Messi inspired the equaliser, conjuring an exquisite cross from the right which hung in the air the fraction of a second required for Higuain to leap and meet the ball full on, dispatching it past Fernando Muslera in the 17th minute.

Messi punched the air as he yet again provided the creative spark which had been in such short supply in drawn group games with Bolivia then Colombia.

On the half-hour, the recipe was centimetres away from working again - Higuain heading in a Messi free-kick only to be judged fractionally offside. Caceres then drove home for the Uruguayans but also saw his effort ruled out for offside.

That was bad enough for Uruguay, but then seven minutes before the interval they were reduced to ten men after Perez barged into Messi and was dismissed by Paraguayan referee Carlos Amarilla - whose name ironically means yellow. As well as brandishing the pair of reds, Amarilla also booked nine players - six for fired-up Argentina.

Messi, desperate to end an 18-year trophy drought for the Argentinians and prove he can be a world-beater at international as well as club level, then fired a low left-foot shot that Muslera gathered easily in the Uruguayan goal.

The Barcelona man tried again, feeding Angel Di Maria down the inside left channel, but he could only shoot into Muslera's midriff. Messi then found Higuain, but his shot on the turn drew a smart stop from Muslera.

With four minutes to go to the end of normal time, Argentina had skipper Mascherano sent off for a clumsy rather than crude challenge from behind on Liverpool man Suarez. Having to find fresh impetus, Argentina coach Sergio Batista threw on Tevez for the final half-hour's denouement

Tevez promptly drove over, before Javier Pastore did likewise, his shot clearing the bar by just centimetres. At the other end, Forlan, still without a goal for the Celeste since last summer's exploits in helping his countrymen to the FIFA World Cup™ semi-finals, floated a left-footer off target as penalties loomed.

Desperate to avoid that lottery, Messi escaped a clutch of defenders but Muslera covered his low shot. Tevez then combined with Messi - the pairing's compatability, or lack of it, being one of the tournament's most discussed topics - but the Barcelona man was crowded out and the shootout became unavoidable.

Peru Secure Famous Copa Win

Carlos Lobatón and Juan Vargas scored in extra time to help unfancied Peru beat Colombia 2-0 and reach the semi-finals of the Copa América for the first time since 1983.

Peru, who qualified from their group as the best third-placed team, will now face the winner of the quarter-final between Argentina and Uruguay, and will be hopeful of pulling off another shock. Colombia dominated much of the match and even missed a penalty in the 66th minute, Radamel Falcao firing wide of the left post after Alberto Rodríguez's foul on Dayro Moreno.

Colombia started the brighter of the two sides and created several opportunities. Abel Aguilar shot wide early on, before Falcao struck a shot over the bar just after the half-hour mark. Raúl Fernández also had to dive bravely at Falcao's feet to deny the dangerous striker.

Peru gradually came back into the match, and forced Luis Martínez into his first save after 34 minutes, the Colombian goalkeeper tipping aside Vargas's effort from 20 yards. However, at the start of the second half, Colombia had several chances to take the lead, not least when Falcao missed his penalty. Moreno went even closer, only for his fierce drive to hit the bar.

Colombia did not have it all their own way, though, and needed Martínez to push over Adan Balbín's dipping shot from 25 yards. Even so, they still could have avoided extra time when Fredy Guarín beat two Peru defenders and forced Fernández into a good save.

Having survived that scare, Peru took full advantage in extra time. After 102 minutes they were gifted the opener when Martínez came to collect a free-kick by Vargas, only to spill it at the feet of Lobatón, who blasted the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.

Ten minutes later, with Colombia pressing for an equaliser, striker Guerrero took possession in a counterattack and passed to Vargas, who rifled the ball home to seal a famous victory for Peru.

Silva May Miss Brazil Copa Quarter-final

Brazil could be without defender Thiago Silva against Paraguay in the quarterfinals of the Copa America on Sunday because of a right thigh muscle injury.

Thiago Silva missed Brazil's practice on Friday and doctors said it was unclear whether he would recover in time for the decisive match in La Plata.

Doctors said they will wait to see how the healing process progresses and reevaluate the AC Milan player on Saturday. The Brazilian football federation said the injury stems from natural fatigue after the three group matches.

If Thiago Silva is not able to play, coach Mano Menezes will have to choose between Benfica defender Luisao or Chelsea's David Luiz to play alongside veteran captain Lucio.

The 26-year-old Thiago Silva has been a regular starter since Menezes took over the national team after the World Cup last year. The coach used Thiago Silva and David Luiz in friendlies leading into the Copa America, but then brought Lucio back to add experience to the team, benching David Luiz.

Luisao hasn't played much under Menezes, but he has the experience of having played in the last two Copa Americas, both won by Brazil.

The possible change for Sunday's match could add even more pressure on the Brazilian defense, which has been criticized after below-average performances in the South American competition. Brazil allowed two goals in each of the last two matches after unusual defensive breakdowns and individual errors, including two by goalkeeper Julio Cesar against Ecuador on Wednesday.

"The defense hasn't been playing badly, we just allowed some goals because of mistakes, that happens in football, it's normal," Lucio said.

The coach likely won't have to make any other changes to the team after it improved significantly against Ecuador following the draws against Venezuela and Paraguay in the group stage. Menezes hasn't announced the official lineup, but could leave it unchanged for the first time in the tournament.

He hinted that Maicon will remain in the lineup after his impressive performance against Ecuador, when he replaced Daniel Alves on the right side of the defense. Daniel Alves made an error that cost one of Brazil's goals against Paraguay last week.

"It's up to Mano to decide who will be playing," Maicon said. "But if he decides to choose me, I hope I can play up to expectations and help again, just like I did against Ecuador."

Brazil was already without midfielder Sandro because of injury. The Tottenham player was dropped from the team earlier this week because of a left knee ailment.

Brazil is playing the Copa America with a squad mixed with veterans and young promising stars, including Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar, as Menezes works toward building a team for the 2014 World Cup at home.

Forlan Leads Uruguay to Quarterfinals

Uruguay secured a Copa America quarter-final against Argentina thanks to a narrow victory over Mexico in La Plata. Alvaro Pereira netted the game's only goal in the 14th minute to ensure Oscar Tabarez's side finished second in Group C behind Chile, who earlier defeated Peru 1-0, while the CONCACAF representatives were condemned to a group-stage exit from the competition for the first time.

Diego Forlan and Nicolas Lodeiro both hit the woodwork as Uruguay sought the elusive second goal, before an offside flag denied Rafael Marquez Lugo a late equaliser for Mexico.

Uruguay started on the front foot, with their opponents seemingly content to look for the counter-attack. Pereira pounced for his second goal of the tournament when goalkeeper Luis Michel spilled the ball following a Forlan free-kick, which caused panic in the Mexico defence.

Forlan almost added to El Tri's woes a minute later with a fierce attempt from distance, but this time Michel was able to beat away the shot. Giovani dos Santos was Mexico's dangerman and forced a good save from Fernando Muslera in the 25th minute, firing low and hard across the Uruguay goalkeeper after a tricky run on the left-hand side.

The action soon returned to the other end and La Celeste almost doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark, Forlan hitting the post after Hiram Mier had failed to deal with Maxi Pereira's cross. Luis Suarez  tried his luck from distance six minutes later, Michel tipping it around the post for a corner.

Dos Santos was taken off at half-time and Mexico struggled as an attacking force without him.Uruguay continued to create chance after chance in the second period but, without Edinson Cavani due to a knee injury, were unable to grab the second goal.

Cristian Rodriguez got his head to a couple of corners, testing Michel with the second attempt, but the Mexico keeper made the save. Suarez set up Forlan in the 64th minute only for the Atletico Madrid forward to scoop over bar from close range.

Liverpool frontman Suarez burst through himself and poked wide two minutes later, while Forlan saw a fierce drive save, Diego Perez blasted narrowly wide and Lodeiro, 13 minutes from time, became the second Uruguay player to strike the woodwork.

Marquez Lugo looked to have set up a grandstand finish when he prodded home a free-kick from substitute Edgar Pacheco in the 80th minute, but he was adjudged offside.

Lucio Worries as Messi Comes Good

Brazil have drawn both their Group B matches so far, leaving them equal second in the standings with Paraguay, two points behind surprise leaders Venezuela.

“No one is happy with these results,” Lucio said at Brazil’s training base outside the capital, Buenos Aires.

Brazil drew 0-0 with Venezuela in their opening match at La Plata, before a 2-2 draw on Saturday with Paraguay in Cordoba.

“We know the quality of players we have in this squad, we must show much more, more seriousness and more commitment to the Brazilian national team shirt,” said the 33-year-old central defender, a World Cup winner in 2002 and one of the few survivors from Brazil’s 2010 team in coach Mano Menezes’ young squad.

“I think the badge on the shirt is more important than the name on the back. Each one of us has to look for an improvement and understand that you have to give a bit more of yourself, because we’re not getting the results.”

Brazil’s performances have been fitful, only occasionally showing what Menezes wants in his efforts to return to their traditional attacking game, usually when playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso is involved.

Teenage forward Neymar, Ganso’s clubmate for newly crowned South American champions Santos, has shown little of the sparkle that won him a place in the team, although Menezes defended him after a lukewarm performance against Paraguay.

“He is one of the great hopes we have. He’s already a reality for Santos and he showed good form in some friendlies with the national team,” Menezes said.

Meanwhile Argentina coach Sergio Batista said the rout by 3-0 over Costa Rica, on Monday night, served to "restore confidence" to his team.

"We needed a game like this to restore the confidence of the players", said Batista after the match in Cordoba. "We could not do what we did in the other two matches. 

Today, Messi was brilliant and I was pleased by the application of the team, this is the game we want. "

"We needed to have security as a team and keep the ball. Lionel knows how to overcome these situations and he showed today, made a tremendous start, barbaric."

In the quarter-final, Argentina will play on Saturday in Santa Fe, against the second of the Group C, which can be Chile or Peru, both already sorted, or Uruguay.

Batista did not confirm whether will use the same team that faced Costa Rica on Saturday: "You have to have alternatives, but today everything went well, now let's see the next opponent, how the players are, we'll look."

Falcao Gets Colombia Quartered

Falcao scored twice in the opening half-hour as Colombia booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America with the simplest of 2-0 wins over Bolivia in Santa Fe.

It was the first time in his international career the FC Porto striker had scored more than once in a match, and the rest of the game, which was over as a contest, was as much about his quest to complete his hat-trick as anything else.

He failed, but Colombia, who kept their seventh clean sheet in their last ten matches, secured top spot in Group A, sending Bolivia out and leaving hosts Argentina needing a win over Costa Rica to secure second place.

Colombia coach Hernan Dario Gomez said his side had stuck to their gameplan and been rewarded. "We put them under early pressure, went out for the early goal, and we got it," Gomez noted with satisfaction.

Hugo Rodallega was also pleased: "We are extremely satisfied with how the group phase has gone. We came to Argentina with a goal [to qualify from the group] and we have done just that."

Falcao opened the scoring in the 15th minute as he latched onto a straight pass from Dayro Moreno, his diagonal run taking him into the box, where he slotted the ball past Carlos Erwin Arias.

Bolivia paid for their lack of adventure just before the half-hour as they handed their opponents a second. A midfield mix-up allowed Pablo Armero to surge into the left side of the penalty area, where he was scythed down by Santos Amador.

It was a clear-cut penalty and Falcao made the most of it, his stuttering run-up causing Arias to move early as he sent the ball down the middle.

Gustavo Ramos should have added a third before the break but he contrived to miss from close range after good work from Camilo Zuniga and Fredy Guarin.

Fails to hit hat-trick

The second half continued in a similar vain with Colombia dominating, playing neat football without creating many good chances.

Falcao went for his hat-trick after 64 minutes when substitute Rodallega laid the ball off, but the ball flashed wide. Then a minute later Moreno chose to shoot, missing the target, when Falcao was lurking.

After 72 minutes Colombia came mightily close to adding a third when an intricate move involving Gustavo and Armero ended with Rodallega shooting for goal. Falcao, desperate for his hat-trick, stuck out a foot and deflected the ball wide.

Falcao had another chance for a third six minutes from time when Juan Cuadrado's cross found him at the far post, but he could not jump high enough and headed over.

Mexican Players Cleared of Clenbuterol

Five Mexican players who tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol were cleared by their country's soccer federation Friday.

The five -- defenders Francisco Rodriguez and Edgar Duenas, goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and midfielders Christian Bermudez and Antonio Naelson -- blamed the results on contaminated meat.

They tested positive in May during training camp in Mexico before the Gold Cup. The players did not appear in the U.S. tournament. 

The Mexican federation said it would notify FIFA of its decision.

The federation attributed the positive tests to "contaminated food" and said there would be no punishment. The statement said the players "took all necessary measures to avoid ingesting or consuming banned substances."

Mexico President Felipe Calderon has acknowledged that contamination is a problem in the country.

Tour de France champion Alberto Contador also blamed contaminated meat for his positive test for clenbuterol last July.

Nine Man Bolivia Lose to Costa Rica

Costa Rica Celebrate [Getty]

Costa Rica got off the mark in this year's Copa America with a win that leaves hosts Argentina rooted to the bottom of Group A with a game to play. The youthful Ticos scored twice after half-time as Bolivia lost their focus and had two men sent off.

Goals from Josue Martinez and the outstanding Joel Campbell were the difference, although the main talking point was the impact the win had on Argentina. With two draws from their two games a, win is a must from their final meeting with Costa Rica, who know a draw will be enough to take them through.

Martinez went close to opening the scoring midway through the first half when his back-post header was deflected over, before Diego Madrigal could not get his feet straight after breaking behind the Bolivia defence.

Costa Rica continued to impress after the break and they deservedly went ahead in the 59th minute when Martinez netted his second international goal.

Heiner Mora`s shot was saved by Carlos Arias but the ball fell perfectly for Martinez who slotted into an open goal.

Campbell then hit the bar with a free-kick before Bolivia lost their first man in the 70th minute.Martinez got in behind their defence and, although he failed to convert, he managed to square for Mora whose shot was goal-bound until Ronald Rivero blocked it with his arm and was dismissed.

Costa Rica got a penalty as a result, but half-time substitute Alen Guevara was denied by Arias from the spot and on the rebound

Mora then had a goal ruled out for offside after Campbell bundled the ball to him, while Bolivia`s task was made all the harder when Walter Flores was sent off for a late challenge on Guevara.

With only nine men to beat Costa Rica went for the kill and, after David Guzman had hit the post with a free-kick, Campbell finished the job when he broke through on Arias` goal.

Argentina Struggle at Copa America

Mascherano in action

When the draw was made for the group phase of the 2011 Copa America, most people were agreed: fortune had smiled on Sergio Batista’s side, who, it was believed, would have little problem advancing from a section comprising Bolivia, Colombia and Costa Rica.

Yet, having now played both Bolivia and Colombia, the reality is somewhat different, with the tournament hosts collecting only two points from those matches and needing to take something from their final game with Los Ticos to go through. And perhaps even more worryingly for their coach, his charges have looked anything but convincing against supposedly inferior opposition.

“The simple fact is that things are not working out the way we expected them to,” admitted Batista in the wake of the 0-0 draw with Los Cafeteros in Santa Fe. “The team looked slow and error-prone, and because of that we lost our shape and our patience. We didn’t do things the way we would have liked.”

Batista’s concerns are well-founded. In the course of their two games Argentina have scored only one goal – Sergio Aguero’s fine volley against Bolivia – and have spent more time chasing after the ball than controlling possession of it. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Sergio Romero has had to be at his very best to prevent his side suffering an even worse fate. So impressive was Romero against the Colombians, in fact, that the users of the official tournament website voted him their player of the match.

So is Batista planning to ring the changes for the decisive game against the Central Americans? “We’ll look at that in the next few days,” he replied. “We might play with two in the centre of midfield and go with an extra forward. We’re lacking an out-and-out striker to play between the centre-halves, though we can also team Javier Pastore up with [Lionel] Messi. We’ll see. If we win we’ll have five points and we’ll be through. That’s what we have to focus on when we go out there. It’s going to be a cup final for us.”

Eighteen years have gone by since Argentina last won the Copa America, and the odds of them ending that run here are now stacked against them. Only once in the history of the world’s oldest national team competition has any side recovered from drawing their first two matches to go on and win the trophy. The team in question were Brazil, who drew with Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay at the start of the 1922 competition, which they hosted, before eventually running out winners.

Not surprisingly, Batista’s players came in for criticism from the fans when they trooped off the pitch in Santa Fe. Speaking afterwards, Carlos Tevez said he understood their anger: “The fans are right to get mad. What can we say to them? We just need to stop talking and starting producing more on the pitch. I’m a striker and I’ve hardly had a shot on goal.”

A starter in both games so far and one of the team’s leading figures, El Apache also pointed to the fact that Argentina’s galaxy of stars had yet to hit their stride: “We’ve got good players all over the pitch, but if the team doesn’t show up then you’re nowhere. Some people expect us to score four goals in five minutes and that’s impossible. We’ll get it right, though, and we’ll do it soon.”

For his part, veteran Esteban Cambiasso sought to soothe Albiceleste nerves ahead of the make-or-break meeting with Los Ticos: “We can’t think about the pressure from the fans, who’ve supported us a lot up to now. What really counts is that things are still in our hands. We have to win, and that’s what matters.”

Brazil held to Draw by Venezueal

Pato of Brazil holds challenge 

Brazil made a tame entrance into the Copa America today, missing a host of chances in a goalless draw with unfancied Venezuela at the Estadio Unico in La Plata.

The five-times world champions had chances - Milan's Pato notably hitting the woodwork early on. But the expected cohesion between the team never materialised and it was soon apparent there would be no repeat of A Seleção's 7-0 thumping of La Vinotinto in their 1999 group opener.

Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho accounted for four of the goals that day and before today's match-up the Brazilians had won all five previous meetings between the two nations in the competition, scoring 25 goals while conceding just one.

But the baseball-loving Venezuelans have come on since then in leaps and bounds, and the only South American country never to make it to the FIFA World Cup finals™ even managed a goalless draw in Brazil during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Seleção coach Mano Menezes admitted the outcome was disappointing. "In the the first half we had chances but in the second it was different. We were generally a bit lacking - and Venezuela worked like Trojans," he admitted afterwards. Brazil now go on to face Paraguay on Saturday in Cordoba and Menezes said that "that will be another game."

Counterpart Cesar Farias was delighted with a battling showing. "It's historic in terms of the Copa America. Brazil played well but we deserve praise for holding them," said Farias. "When we had the chance to play a bit we did and when we had to defend like gladiators we did that too."

Selecao coach Mano Menezes sent out an attack-minded line-up, led by Santos' precocious talents Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso, who arrived at the event fresh from winning the Copa Libertadores. With Robinho and Pato also to call in up front, Brazil made an early statement of intent.

But they did not follow through. Ganso won his only cap in Menezes' first match in charge - a 2-0 friendly win last August over the United States but is being talked of as a future mainstay in the side. However, he and his team-mates repeatedly ran into cul de sacs against a resolute Venezuelan defence determined not to be cast as pushovers.

Pato made an early foray forward but failed to bring the ball under control, then had a header easily claimed by Venezuela keeper Renny Vega before the latter held a shot from the AC Milan forward at the second attempt. Pato then hit the bar as Brazil continued to be frustrated.

Venezuela were not to be outdone and the impressive Tomas Rincon was held up in his tracks when he was set for a clean run on goal as Bolivian referee Raul Orozco elected to stop play for a foul by Thiago Silva ten minutes before the break. Brazil then were unlucky as Neymar fed Robinho but Oswaldo Vizcarrondo made a last ditch block on the line. Ganso found Neymar again minutes but he missed the target.

The Brazilians have their eye firmly on the 2014 FIFA World Cup which they will host - yet they are also after their ninth Copa and fifth in the past six editions. They first won the regional championship in 1919, adding further triumphs in 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004 and 2007. Argentina and Uruguay hold the record with 14 each.

The favourites continued to press after the break - but had a scare on 59 minutes when Salmon Rondon went down after tangling with Silva in the box. But Orozco booked Rondon for simulation.

Menezes rolled the dice on the hour, withdrawing Robinho and sending on Fluminense's Fred. Yet it was Venezuela who came close next as Juan Arango dragged an effort wide Elano and Lucas Silva came on for the tiring Pato and Ramires with 15 minutes remaining but the resolute Venezuelan defence, in which Roberto Rosales and Vizcarrondo were outstanding, held firm.

Colombia Win Over Costa Rica

Adrian Ramos

Colombia laboured to a narrow 1-0 win over the ten men of Costa Rica in their opening Copa America match. The youthful Costa Ricans played a man down for over an hour after the 28th-minute dismissal of Randall Brenes, but a goal from Adrian Ramos seconds before half-time was all that separated the sides.

Colombia at least showed flashes of the talent that has them well fancied in this competition, at times stringing together some wonderful moves, only to fail to deliver a shot that could truly test Leonel Moreira in the Costa Rica goal.

They struggled in the early stages, with the best chance coming from a surging run down the left from Ramos only for the Hertha Berlin man to send a tame shot goalwards. The game changed when Brenes crudely slid through the back of Luis Perea to earn a straight red - Costa Rica's first at a Copa America.

The next chance fell to Costa Rica, with Francisco Calvo close to heading in Joel Campbell's corner, but opportunities for the team in red were a rarity thereafter. Instead, Colombia attacked at will as Hugo Rodallega was brought on for Abel Aguilar to make the most of the extra space.

A long chip into the Costa Rica box caused a mix-up which Falcao almost capitalised on, before Ramos' header at the far post was gathered by the goalkeeper. The breakthrough came in the 45th minute when a long ball from Fredy Guarin found a superb run from Ramos who rounded the goalkeeper to finish.

The second half was a more subdued affair as Costa Rica sought to contain the game and snatch something on the break. Dayro Moreno flashed a low shot across goal for Colombia before Falcao was unlucky to see a header come back off the crossbar.

Just before the hour mark, David Guzman curled a low free-kick into the side-netting for Costa Rica, while at the other end, Guarin's disappointing free-kick was dragged wide. Costa Rica began to show dangerous signs thanks to the running of Diego Madrigal, and Colombia took the hint as they shut up shop in the closing stages. 

The win moved Colombia to the top of the Group A standings after Argentina's opening draw with Bolivia.