Uruguay On The Verge Of Copa America Glory | Thebigtip

Uruguay are just 90 minutes away from becoming the most successful nation in Copa America history after they accounted for Peru 2-0 in the first semi-final played at La Plata.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez once again showed his potency in front of goal, scoring twice early in the second half to seal Uruguay’s place in the Copa America final in Buenos Aires.

Uruguay now has the opportunity to win a record 15th Copa America title which would take them one clear of fierce rivals Argentina, who were knocked out by the Celeste in the quarter-finals.

Although they struggled to a 1-1 draw against Peru in their opening group fixture, Uruguay this time looked in control against the surprise semi-finalists despite a first half stalemate.

The second half however saw Uruguay’s class shine through, as Suarez scored the opening goal, tapping in from close range after Peru goalkeeper Martinez fumbled a shot by Diego Forlan.

Shortly after, Suarez managed to beat Peru’s offside trap and calmly slotted home to give Uruguay an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Uruguay will now meet the winner of the second semi-final between Paraguay and Venezuela who play on Thursday morning.

A Copa America coronation would be a fitting way for Uruguay to signal their return to football’s elite, given their last Copa America title was way back in 1995.

With players the caliber of Suarez, Forlan, Pereira and Cavani in the squad, Uruguay are developing a team capable of winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Having starred in the Copa America in Argentina, one would not be surprised to see Uruguay improve on their World Cup semi-final showing in South Africa last year.

Oscar Tabarez’s men have become a formidable unit of late, and look well on course to achieving their 15th Copa America crown.

Indeed if they were to win the Copa America, Uruguay would qualify for the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil – an important international tournament that helps lay a great platform for possible World Cup success the following year.

As for Peru, their semi-final showing in the Copa America this year will help build enormous confidence ahead of the World Cup qualifiers which start late in 2011.

Peru finished dead last in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, but will now fancy their chances of perhaps securing one of the six World Cup spots available for South American nations.

Keep in mind that Peru made the semi-finals of the Copa America without their two most established stars in Claudio Pizarro and Jefferson Farfan

If both Farfan and Pizarro can make themselves available for World Cup qualifying, Peru will have their best opportunity in years to secure World Cup qualification.