Uruguay eye historic 15th title
Coach believes team’s experience paying off as Peru dumped out in Copa semis.
LA PLATA:
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez credited his team’s experience and stability for his side’s run to the Copa America final after the Charruas saw off Peru 2-0 in Tuesday’s first semi-final.
Although the Uruguayans started in unspectacular fashion with draws against the Peruvians and Chile, they began to fire with a win over Mexico before a penalty shootout success over Argentina, who along with Uruguay were eyeing a record 15th title.
Tabarez’s men can secure the record win now if they see off either Venezuela or Paraguay on Sunday. The coach was delighted to have ended Peru’s 28-year unbeaten run against Uruguay in Copa America.
“We had to draw on all our experience,” he said. “The group has known each other a long time. We are happy to be in the final but Sunday is a long way. We’ll need to maintain our discipline.”
Of his possible opponents, Tabarez saluted Venezuela for bringing a breath of fresh air to the tournament.
“What they have done is historic and well deserved. Paraguay, meanwhile, have their historic style which is always difficult to play against.”
Diego Forlan, star of the last World Cup, stressed there was still a lot to do to win the cup, despite being favourites after Brazil and Argentina flopped.
“People will make us favourites but we have a difficult task ahead,” insisted Forlan.
Liverpool star Luis Suarez, who scored both the goals and went level as the top-scorer in the tournament with Argentina’s Sergio Aguero, admitted that the contest against Peru had been tough.
“It was a tough game and we lacked clarity though we kept trying to make chances,” said Suarez. “This was a game was about attacking and fortunately that’s what we did.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2011.
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez credited his team’s experience and stability for his side’s run to the Copa America final after the Charruas saw off Peru 2-0 in Tuesday’s first semi-final.
Although the Uruguayans started in unspectacular fashion with draws against the Peruvians and Chile, they began to fire with a win over Mexico before a penalty shootout success over Argentina, who along with Uruguay were eyeing a record 15th title.
Tabarez’s men can secure the record win now if they see off either Venezuela or Paraguay on Sunday. The coach was delighted to have ended Peru’s 28-year unbeaten run against Uruguay in Copa America.
“We had to draw on all our experience,” he said. “The group has known each other a long time. We are happy to be in the final but Sunday is a long way. We’ll need to maintain our discipline.”
Of his possible opponents, Tabarez saluted Venezuela for bringing a breath of fresh air to the tournament.
“What they have done is historic and well deserved. Paraguay, meanwhile, have their historic style which is always difficult to play against.”
Diego Forlan, star of the last World Cup, stressed there was still a lot to do to win the cup, despite being favourites after Brazil and Argentina flopped.
“People will make us favourites but we have a difficult task ahead,” insisted Forlan.
Liverpool star Luis Suarez, who scored both the goals and went level as the top-scorer in the tournament with Argentina’s Sergio Aguero, admitted that the contest against Peru had been tough.
“It was a tough game and we lacked clarity though we kept trying to make chances,” said Suarez. “This was a game was about attacking and fortunately that’s what we did.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2011.