Copa America Final Heralds Dawn Of New Era | Thebigtip

Having left the likes of Argentina and Brazil in their wake, Uruguay and Paraguay now find themselves in the Copa America final – a just result for arguably the two most improved South American nations in football.

If recent results are an indication, Uruguay and Paraguay can temporally lay claim to being the two best South American footballing nations at this very moment.

In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Uruguay and Paraguay outshone their Argentine and Brazilian counterparts, making the semi-finals and quarter-finals respectively.

Uruguay was able to negotiate a tough group which contained France and Mexico, to progress to the knockout stages where they beat Korea Republic and Ghana to make the last four.

Paraguay themselves were able to top a group which contained reigning World Cup champions Italy. From there, they eliminated Japan in a penalty shoot-out to ensure a quarter-final meeting with eventual winner Spain.

In the quarter-final against Spain, Paraguay performed very well and could have easily found themselves a goal-up in the second half if it weren’t for Iker Casillas saving Cardozo’s penalty kick.

One could even argue that Paraguay outperformed the Spaniards given the fact that they had clearer chances throughout the majority of the contest, despite Spain’s control of possession.

Despite going out in the semi-final and quarter-final stages of the World Cup respectively, both Uruguay and Paraguay have picked up from where they left off last year. Their ability to unsettle the likes of Argentina and Brazil in the Copa America this year is testament to the confidence both national teams have at the moment.

Uruguay looked very assured against Argentina in the quarter-final, despite going down to ten men in the first half. Star forwards Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez were a constant havoc for an Argentina defence which looked increasingly unsettled the more these two players had possession.

Paraguay on the other hand was fortunate to beat Brazil in their quarter-final. Paraguayan goalkeeper Villar was the hero on that occasion, producing some great saves to deny both Lucio and Pato from scoring.

No doubt Villar could prove to be the difference yet again for Paraguay, who will come against a Uruguay side who will start as favourites in the Copa America final.

This final however could very well go all the way. Both teams are evenly matched across the park and both are very sound defensively.

Uruguay however possesses the X-factor in Suarez, with the Liverpool striker in fine form, scoring 3 goals in the tournament so far, including both in the semi-final victory against Peru.

If Suarez has a good eye for goal in the final, that may be enough for Uruguay to win their 15th Copa America title – a deserved accolade, given the results the Celeste has achieved over the past 12 months.

However, if the final was to go to a penalty shoot-out, you can’t help but feel that Paraguay will have one hand on the trophy, given the outstanding performances from goalkeeper Villar in their victories over Brazil and Venezuela.