Uruguay will take on Peru in this Copa América’s first semifinal. A Peru team led by the great Uruguayan coach Sergio Markarián and his team of Uruguayan assitants. Markarián took on coaching Peru twelve months ago and has rekindled the Peruvian football spirit after a terrible spell in recent years. By reaching the semifinal, Markarián has already overachieved with this team, who’s primary goal is to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Peru’s last golden age was the team of the 1970s, with players like legendary Teófilo Cubillas, who took them to three World Cup’s (1970, 1978 & 1982, their last) and won the 1975 Copa América (their last).
In the group stages Peru drew 1-1 with Uruguay but the Uruguayans will be the favourites in the semifinal. Indeed, since hosts Argentina and champions Brazil are out of the tournament, Uruguay are now favourites to win this edition of Copa América. At the helm is the experienced coach Óscar Tabárez, who started his second stint as the national team coach in 2006. He led the team to a 4th place finish in the 2007 Copa América. This was followed up by qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where the team also finished in 4th place.
In the group stages Peru drew 1-1 with Uruguay but the Uruguayans will be the favourites in the semifinal. Indeed, since hosts Argentina and champions Brazil are out of the tournament, Uruguay are now favourites to win this edition of Copa América. At the helm is the experienced coach Óscar Tabárez, who started his second stint as the national team coach in 2006. He led the team to a 4th place finish in the 2007 Copa América. This was followed up by qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where the team also finished in 4th place.
Tabárez has brought stability to a Uruguay team who hadn’t been in the World Cup top four since 1954. Their last Copa América title was back in 1995. In earlier years Uruguay was of course a power house in international football. They’re tied 1st equal with Argentina with 14 Copa titles each. After knocking out the Argentines in the quarterfinal they’re eyeing a possible 15th.
Whether it is Markarián or Tabárez who will successfully go through to the final, they are tipped to meet Paraguay there, coached by Argentine Gerardo Martino since 2007. He led them to the quarterfinals in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is set to resign after this Copa América campaign. Like with Uruguay, this team has had stability combined with a strong squad of experienced players. In many ways a clash between Uruguay and Paraguay will be a dream final. Paraguay last won in 1979.
While Uruguay first will have to overcome Peru, Paraguay still have to take care of Venezuela in the semifinal. Venezuela have been the greatest surprise of this Copa América. Coach César Farías has been in charge since late 2007 and nearly took the team to their first ever World Cup last year. Now they have reached their first ever Copa América semifinal. They played 0-0 with Brazil, beat Ecuador 1-0, drew an incredible 3-3 with Paraguay and then beat Chile 2-1 in the quarterfinal. Paraguay might be the favourites but they can’t take anything for granted in the semifinal.
While Uruguay first will have to overcome Peru, Paraguay still have to take care of Venezuela in the semifinal. Venezuela have been the greatest surprise of this Copa América. Coach César Farías has been in charge since late 2007 and nearly took the team to their first ever World Cup last year. Now they have reached their first ever Copa América semifinal. They played 0-0 with Brazil, beat Ecuador 1-0, drew an incredible 3-3 with Paraguay and then beat Chile 2-1 in the quarterfinal. Paraguay might be the favourites but they can’t take anything for granted in the semifinal.
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