Suarez leads Uruguay past Peru
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Jul 20, 2011
[COPA AMERICA] Two goals from Luis Suarez in the second half gave Uruguay a 2-0 win over Peru and moved into Sunday's
final of the Copa America.
Uruguay, which had knocked off host Argentina in the quarterfinals from the penalty spot, was the favorite against Peru, making its first appearance in the
final four since 1997.
Suarez took advantage of some poor goalkeeping by Raul Fernandez to score in the 53rd and 58th minutes.
The
first goal came when Fernandez parried a shot heading wide and Suarez pounced on the rebound.
On the second goal, Suarez broke free, rounded Fernandez, who had come out of his goal, and
slotted the ball into the empty net,
Peru finished with 10 men when its captain, Juan Vargas, was sent off after 69 minutes.
Uruguay
is looking for its first Copa America title since 1995, when it hosted. The Celeste will face either Paraguay or Venezuela in the final.
I caught the last 15 minutes of the first half and all of the second half of this game. It seems to me that the tactical won over the technical this time around. Peru had a beautiful touch and dribble, but very few ideas and clear chances to score. Uruguay, on the other hand, was all business. They stayed on task, passing and maneuvering around the field, leaving little room for error, taking advantage when they could, and converting as they should. So, once it was all said and done, I loved watching Peru's flair and finesse, but I respected more Uruguay's efficiency and delivery.