Uruguay Rise, Argentina Fall In Copa America | Thebigtip

Uruguay have returned to their former status as a football superpower, downing Argentina in a penalty shoot-out to send Sergio Batista’s men crashing out of the Copa America.

Uruguay will now play Peru for a place in the Copa America final, while Argentina’s international silverware drought will continue on to at least Brazil 2014.

Indeed the results over the past year for Uruguay have been tremendous to say the least. They made the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup - a tournament where Diego Forlan was voted the best player.

In 2011, Uruguay are experiencing success throughout all levels of the game. The Celeste made the U-17 World Cup final, losing to hosts Mexico, and the Uruguay U-20 squad have also qualified for the 2012 London Olympics by securing second spot in the South American championships.

Ironically, Uruguay’s victory over Argentina in that particular championship allowed the Celeste to qualify for the Olympics - a result which also cost the albicelestes a place in London.

While Uruguay currently experience a renaissance in form, Argentina still remain in a massive void. Despite making do with some of football’s finest talents, the two time World Cup winners continue to fail on the big stage.

Argentina’s last piece of international silverware was way back in 1993, when they won the Copa America. Since then, it has been dire pickings for a nation regularly ranked inside the top five in the FIFA World Rankings.

Currently, Argentina reside in 10th position in the FIFA World Rankings. To be honest, this ranking seems to be a fair reflection of Argentina’s standing as a football giant.

While Argentina possess a team full of champions, Batista’s men fail to play like a champion team. Teams such as Germany, Spain and Holland are also regular threats at World Cup’s because they manage to build a form of chemistry that allows each and every player to fulfil their role on the pitch brilliantly.

Teams such as Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay are closing the gap on Argentina and Brazil thanks to their improved ability to play like a team.

These sides have the right blend of talent and discipline at their disposal to really cause Argentina and Brazil problems, as evidenced so far in the Copa America.

Brazil were fortunate to get a draw against Paraguay, after Gerard Martino’s men led 2-1 for the majority of the contest during the group stages.

And now, Uruguay have managed to knock-out Argentina -a side that makes do with arguably football’s finest player in Lionel Messi.

Unfortunately for Argentina, not even Messi’s brilliance could outshine a Uruguay team who have now signalled their return as a football powerhouse.