Copa America preview
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Brazil v Chile preview
Brazil face Chile on Sunday, looking to get their Copa America campaign back on track.
The holders suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening game in Group B leaving them bottom of the group.
Brazil coach Dunga is keen to ease the pressure growing on him after an indifferent start to his managerial career.
Manchester United new boy Anderson is pushing for a place in the starting line-up after impressing as a substitute against Mexico.
Brazil will be without Lyon striker Fred after he broke his foot in training and former Arsenal man Julio Baptista could start in attack.
Goalkeeper Doni is expected to keep his place between the sticks despite coming under fire for his performance against Mexico.
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva is set to captain Brazil as they look to pick up their first points of the tournament.
Chile go into the game in good heart after their thrilling 3-2 win over Ecuador.
Humberto Suazo is expected to lead the line for Chile after his two-goal show against Ecuador.
Carlos Villanueva is pushing for a place in Nelson Acosta's starting XI after scoring the winner against Ecuador.
Liverpool's Mark Gonzalez is expected to keep his place wide on the left as Chile look to book their place in the next round with another victory. -
Brasil is leading 1-0 at half time through robinho's penalty
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a robinho's hatrick ensure brasil's first win of the tournament. fulltime 3-0
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Robinho Hattrick Gives Brazil Win
Brazil-Chile 3-0
Robinho completed an outstanding hat-trick to seal Brazil a well deserved 3-0 victory over Chile in a match that they completely dominated in the second period.
First Half
Brazil earnt their first three points of he competition thanks to a brilliant hattrick from Robinho, who tormented the Chileans right throughout the match. Both teams created few goalscoring opportunities in the first period, and although Brazil had the better of the possession they rarely threatened the Chilean goal.
In the 36th minute Brazil was awarded a penalty, after a foul in the area. Robinho stepped up to the spot and beat Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who got his hands to the ball. Brazil controlled the midfield, and looked happy to slow down the pace inorder to go into the break with their slender, but deserved one nil lead.
Second Half
Carlos Dunga's men came out strongly once again, but were unable to capatilise on their goal-scoring opportunities. Chile began to push forward, looking for a much needed equaliser, but Humberto Suazo didn't have the finishing touch, even though he created a few good opportunities for himself.
Robinho continued to cause havoc for the Chilean defenders with his dazzling runs, but was brought down time and time again with rough tackling.
In the 84th minute an inspired Robinho doubled Brazil's lead after beating Bravo with a deft chip. Brazil continued to press, and Robinho completed his hattrick with a fine solo effort, to seal a value 3-0 victory for the Brazilians. Brazil will reach the next round with a victory over Ecuador next week, while Chile are in a must win situation against Mexico.
1-0 Robinho (36', pen.) - 2-0 Robinho (84') - 3-0 Robinho (87'). -
Argentina v Colombia preview
Having been thumped to the tune of 5-0 at the hands of Paraguay in their opening Copa America Group C clash, it would be fair to suggest Colombia are preparing to face Argentina as the proverbial lambs to the slaughter.
Paraguay may have been impressive but Colombia will be well aware their own exertions will not live long in the memory, some critics arguing their performance was as yellow as their shirts.
Argentina, on the contrary, were impressive in coming from behind against USA to swagger to a 4-1 victory, which saw Chelsea's exiled striker Hernan Crespo score twice.
Also on the scoresheet for the Argentines were the irrepressible duo Carlos Tevez and Pablo Aimar, not a bad pair of substitutes for coach Alfio Basile to call on.
Of the two it is Aimar that has the greater chance of earning a starting berth against Colombia, with Esteban Cambiasso the candidate to make way, should Basile elect for a more attack-minded selection.
Otherwise, Argentina will likely be unchanged, as Basile demands a similar display from his charges.
"We are not going to get carried away," warned Basile. "Each encounter is a separate entity.
"We are going to continue in the same way."
Colombia coach Jorge Luis Pinto has the difficult task of raising his troops and, in a time-honoured tradition, has used a boxing metaphor to do just that.
"The football player knows when there is a chance to change. We are going away to recover like the boxer who is struck and fell, but rose and could win."
It seems likely that Macnelly Torres will be promoted from the bench in place of Alvaro Dominguez, with Gabriel Luiz Rey also in contention after a substitute appearance against Paraguay.
Colombia may be praying for a major upset, but Argentina will be expecting a knockout. -
argentina won 4-2 against columbia
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USA v Paraguay preview
Paraguay can book their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America with a victory over United States on Monday night.
Gerardo Martino's side produced a superb performance to beat Colombia 5-0 in their opening match in Group C, whilst their opponents suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina.
Bob Bradley's Gold Cup winners must shake off their opening game disappointment if they are to keep their hopes of progressing alive, and face a tough prospect in trying to tame Paraguay's front-line.
Roque Santa Cruz hit a hat-trick in the win over Colombia and Bradley is only too aware of the quality of the Bayern Munich striker.
"Santa Cruz poses a big threat in every game," Bradley told AP. "He's able to hold the ball and to bring players into the match, and he also has the ability to get behind the defence as we saw against Colombia.
"Overall, Paraguay is a good team with a couple of very, very talented individuals."
United States defender Jonathan Bornstein will incur a one-match ban if he adds to his booking against Argentina, and Bradley will be keen to avoid losing a key man in an inexperienced squad that contains 16 players with ten caps or less.
If Paraguay triumph over United States, and Colombia fail to beat Argentina in the other game in Group C, then they will be guaranteed of a quarter-final place.
Boca Juniors star Claudio Morel is a doubt due to a muscle problem though, meaning Aureliano Torres of San Lorenzo may deputise.
Following his side's tremendous opening day win, coach Martino is at pains to ensure Paraguay do not let their confidence translate into complacency.
"The United States have just won the Gold Cup and are a good team with players who could surprise us," said Martino.
"Our task is to beat the United States' game and to try not to let the victory over Colombia affect us." -
It's argentina 4 - 2 ColombiaOriginally posted by used:argentina won 3-2 against columbia
Scorers:
Argentina
Crespo 20 (pen)
Riquelme 34,45
Diego Milito 90
Colombia
Perea 10
Castrillon 75 -
Riquelme stars in Argentina win
Argentina secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America with a convincing 4-2 victory over Colombia.
Hernan Crespo surpassed Diego Maradona's tally of 34 international goals but it was Juan Roman Riquelme who starred with two goals.
For the second game in succession Argentina found themselves behind early on, as Edixon Perea fired home from close range after 10 minutes.
Crespo levelled matters from the penalty spot in the 20th minute after a foul on Lionel Messi, but the striker hobbled from the pitch moments later and is doubtful for the rest of the tournament.
Riquelme gave Argentina a 2-1 lead when he headed home Javier Zanetti's cross after 34 minutes, and then scored his second of the game on the stroke of half-time with a stunning free-kick.
Argentina remained on top at the start of the second half but Colombia pulled a goal back against the run of play through Jaime Castrillon after 72 minutes.
Javier Arizala almost snatched an equaliser as he hit the post with a shot from distance, before Fabian Vargas was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Diego Milito then sealed the three points and a place in the last eight with a stoppage time strike.
Argentina face Paraguay next in a battle to top the group, and Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano believes there is room for improvement defensively.
He said: "We won an important match and played well, but we have to defend better after a corner-kick. We didn't expect their first goal.
"It is very difficult to maintain the pace as the temperature makes it very tough.
"It is hot and we are always trying to attack and have the ball." -
Paraguay reach last eight
Paraguay booked their place in the quarter finals of the Copa America with a 3-1 win over USA.
Second-half goals from Oscar Cardozo and Salvador Cabanas helped secure victory for Paraguay over a stubborn USA side.
Paraguay broke the deadlock on the half hour mark when Edgar Barreto hooked the ball over Kasey Keller.
The Americans deservedly drew level five minutes before half time when Ricardo Clark squeezed home a shot from the edge of the box.
Paraguay restored their lead close to the hour mark when Cardozo curled home a shot past Keller.
USA pushed forward for an equaliser and they were denied on three occasions by substitute goalkeeper Aldo Bobadilla
Cabanas made the game safe late on when he curled a superb free-kick over the wall and beyond Keller.
The win maintained Paraguay's 100 per cent record and sends them into the last eight.
USA still have an outside chance of progressing with the two best third-placed teams in the three groups also qualifying for the quarter finals. -
Venezuela v Uruguay preview
Copa America hosts Venezuela play Uruguay safe in the knowledge that they have already qualified to the competition's latter stages.
A partisan Venezuelan faithful have been delighted with the exertions of their compatriots thus far, with an opening game 2-2 stalemate with Bolivia, having been followed by a 2-0 win over Peru.
Although they have already secured a quarter-final spot, Venezuela coach Richard Paez has urged his charges not to rest on their laurels, as he eyes top spot in Group A.
"I have a group that is already convinced that when they enter the field they do so to win," he declared confidently.
"We have a single mission, the mission is to win, not to go for a spectacular result."
Paez will not though be able call on the services of the suspended Ricardo David Paez, which could mean a call-up for either Cesar Gonzalez or Alejandro Guerra from the bench.
Uruguay's opener against Peru proved to be a match-made in hell for their coach Oscar Washington Tabarez, as they crashed to a shock 3-0 defeat, but things have improved since then. In the next game Uruguay beat Bolivia to keep alive their hopes of a quarter-final spot.
It is expected that Tabarez will not make too many changes, having clearly been enthused with what he saw in his side's last outing.
"If I say yes (that Uruguay can win the Copa America) I would sound a vain person," said Tabarez.
"But I would say it is important not to put down dreams, so I would say, with the exception of Brazil and Argentina, we have the same possibility of the rest." -
Peru v Bolivia preview
Peru and Bolivia lock horns in Copa America's Group A, with both still able to qualify for the quarter finals.
Victory would secure Peru's place in the last eight and could see them go through as group winners, depending on the later result between Venezuela and Uruguay.
Peru lost 2-0 to the hosts on Saturday but were impressive in beating Uruguay 3-0 in their opening match and will be hoping to regain that form in Merida.
Coach Julio Caesar Uribe has yet to decide on Peru's formation but is considering changes following the defeat to Venezuela.
"I am reviewing our tactics and we will need to be very precise," said Uribe.
Peru are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 system with Juan Marino replacing Pedro Garcia.
New Chelsea signing Claudio Pizarro has a thigh problem but the injury is being treated by team doctor Hugo Blacido and he is likely to be risked.
Bolivia must win to have any chance of progressing after collecting just one point from their first two games, a a 2-2 draw with Venezuela and a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay.
Three points for Bolivia would probably take them through to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams.
Key midfielder Ronald Garcia will miss the clash due to a knee injury and will not be able to play again for approximately ten days.
Juan Carlos Arce and Jaime Moreno will again lead Bolivia's attack. -
Peru 2-2 Boliva
Peru has reached the quarter finals.. -
Chile through after Mexico draw
Chile ensured a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America with a 0-0 draw against Mexico.
The Mexicans had already qualified for the knockout phase and a desperate match in Puerto La Cruz also took Chile through.
The closest either side came to scoring was when Chile striker Humberto Suazo flashed a shot over the bar midway through the first half.
Both teams were booed off the pitch at the final whistle, but Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez was critical of Chile's tactics.
"We didn't want to get caught in their trap and play the type of game they wanted," said Sanchez.
"I don't know if they really wanted to win.
"We wanted to win, but it's difficult to attack against a team like Chile who are looking after their interests."
Chile coach Nelson Acosta felt the end result justified the means as his side advanced to the last eight.
Acosta said: "We wanted to win the game, but, of course, we took precautions as we didn't want to leave ourselves open to the counter-attack.
"We qualified and that is what is important. Football depends a lot upon the moment.
"I don't think the Chilean fans would have been very happy if we'd lost 5-0 and got knocked out." -
Spot-on Brazil into last eight
A less than inspiring Brazil booked their place in the Copa America quarter-finals following a 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
The Samba nation are under-strength for South America's showpiece event, but they are still failing to hit much form.
They sealed their second victory of the tournament courtesy of a hotly disputed penalty just before the hour mark.
Ecuador's Giovanni Espinoza was penalised for grabbing at Robinho.
The Real Madrid star stepped up to convert and grab his fourth goal of the tournament to keep his top-scorer tag. He is still the only Brazilian to score so far during the tournament.
Ecuador were far from happy about the penalty award and continued to push for an equaliser but they failed to convert any of their chances as they bowed out after a third straight defeat.
The win means Brazil now face Chile in the quarter-finals, after they drew 0-0 with group winners Mexico.
Brazil, whose victory also meant elimination for Colombia and USA, have already met and beaten Chile in the competition, and will be firm favourites to progress to the last four. -
Colombia add to USA misery
USA suffered their third defeat on the trot as they lost 1-0 to Colombia in their final Group C game.
Like USA, Colombia had lost their first two matches and had no chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, but they bowed out of the tournament with a well-deserved victory.
Bob Bradley selected just one player with World Cup experience in his USA starting XI and his side's inexperience showed as Colombia controlled the first half.
Jaime Castrillon grabbed the crucial goal after 16 minutes as he rose highest at the back post to powerfully head home Camilo Zuniga's cross.
A defensive mix-up almost led to a second for Colombia three minutes later, but Drew Moor managed to clear the ball off the goal-line.
USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan then conceded a penalty after 37 minutes for a trip on Hugo Rodallega, but made amends as he dived to his right to save the striker's spot-kick.
The second half was more competitive as USA started to carve out a few chances, but Colombia still came closest to scoring and Guzan had to make a number of good saves to keep his side in with a chance.
Kyle Beckerman appeared to equalise for USA four minutes from time but his effort was ruled out for offside, before Colombia goalkeeper Robinson Zapata was given a second yellow card for time wasting.
Rodallega spent the last few minutes in goal but Colombia survived to clinch third-place in Group C. -
Argentina secure top spot
Argentina moved into the quarter-finals of the Copa America as Group C winners following a 1-0 victory over Paraguay.
Both sides had won their opening two matches and were already guaranteed places in the last eight, so the clash was a straight shoot-out for top spot.
Alfio Basile decided to make a number of changes to his starting XI and brought in Carlos Tevez, Rodrigo Palacio and Fernando Gago.
Argentina's new-look side were slow to settle and Salvador Cabanas almost opened the scoring for Paraguay after half an hour when he forced Roberto Abbondanzieri into a smart save.
However, Argentina began to dominate at the start of the second half and Tevez hit the post with a shot from the edge of the area.
The wood work again denied Argentina moments later as Palacio struck the crossbar, but the tournament favourites were not to be denied for long.
Javier Mascherano was the surprise scorer as he picked up a loose ball just outside the box in the 79th minute and beat Paraguay keeper Aldo Bobadilla with a precise shot.
Argentina will now face Peru in the quarter-finals on Sunday, while Paraguay play Mexico the same day. -
Venezuela v Uruguay preview
Venezuela face Uruguay in the first quarter final of the Copa America on Saturday.
It is the second meeting in four days between the two countries after both sides played out an uninspiring goalless draw in the group stages.
The hosts are hoping to create a bit of history by reaching the quarter finals for the first time.
Uruguay have struggled through to the last eight after only scoring once in their three games to date.
Venezuela are boosted by the return of key duo Jorge Rojas and Ricardo Paez after they missed the first meeting with Uruguay.
Paez is available again after suspension, while Rojas has recovered from a leg injury which has forced him to miss the last two games.
Alvaro Recoba is pushing for a recall to the Uruguay starting line-up after impressing as a substitute against Venezuela in the final group game.
Diego Forlan and Vicente Sanchez are both expected to keep their places in attack. -
Brazil v Chile preview
Holders Brazil take on Chile for the second time within a week as they look for a semi-final spot at the Copa America.
Chile were demolished 3-0 by Brazil last time out with Robinho helping himself to a hat-trick.
The Chileans progressed from their group by being one of the best placed third-placed teams, but they will need a huge turn-about in fortunes to progress.
Brazil coach Dunga, though, is still under big pressure as his side failed to impress in the opening group phase.
However, Dunga has hit back at his critics - insisting winning is his main objective.
"Just because we don't field three forwards, it doesn't mean we don't attack," he said.
"Football depends on efficiency. This is the reality."
Midfielder Diego added: "We came to win, not to play beautifully."
Dunga will be making changes with Daniel Alves suspended, which is a problem as he was ready to come in for the injured Maicon.
Now Alex Silva, brother of Luisao, could be called up into the starting line-up - although midfielder Elano is another possible option to fill in.
Chile coach Nelson Acosta is hoping his side can turn things around.
"It's not an easy game to plan but we'll try to bring our qualities to the forefront and put the brakes on them," he said.
Acosta also has a number of selection issues.
Rodrigo Melendez is expected to miss out with an ankle problem, whilst defender Miguel Riffo has a hamstring complaint.
However, captain Jorge Valdivia and Reinaldo Navia are both expected to be fit. -
Brazil sink Chile to reach semis
Brazil thrashed Chile 6-1 in their Copa America quarter-final to set up a last-four showdown with 14-time champions Uruguay.
The game was over following a 13-minute spell in the first half in which the Brazilians scored three goals.
Brazil, who had already beaten Chile 3-0 in a Group B clash, opened the scoring in the 16th minute when a corner brushed off Julio Baptista and was then headed home by Juan.
Baptista buried a shot after a breakaway to make it 2-0 before Robinho found the net.
Mark Gonzalez rifled a 30-yard drive against the crossbar for Chile but Brazil struck again six minutes after the break when Gilberto's cross from the left was tapped in at the far post by Robinho for his sixth goal of the tournament.
Robinho is now within striking distance of equalling Pele's record of eight goals at the 1959 tournament.
Josue scored his first goal for Brazil in the 69th minute before Chile grabbed a consolation seven minutes later, with the best goal of the game.
Humberto Suazo flicked the ball through Gilberto's legs and scored with a delicate chip over Doni.
However, Vagner Love completed the rout five minutes from time after a one-two with Elano. -
Diego Forlan scored twice as Uruguay clinched a semi-final berth by beating hosts Venezuela 4-1 in the last eight of the Copa America.
Uruguay reached the last eight despite only scoring one goal in the group stages but they took the lead in the 39th minute when Forlan broke clear and drove a low shot past Renny Vega after a long ball from Maximiliano Pereira had left Venezuela's Alejandro Cichero out of position.
Venezuela, who had progressed beyond the group stage for the first time, equalised when Juan Arango's free-kick went through a gap in the Uruguay wall and took a deflection to leave goalkeeper Fabian Carini with no chance.
Pablo Garcia restored Uruguay's advantage with a left-foot shot from 25 yards in the 65th minute after Jorge Fucile had backheeled the ball into his path and Cristian Rodriguez made it 3-1 when he latched on to a pass from Forlan and fired home with three minutes remaining.
Former Manchester United striker Forlan clinched his double when he scored from a rebound in injury time.
Venezuela midfielder Ricardo Paez:
"We represented the country with dignity but I am disappointed because we could have done more."
Uruguay forward Cristian Rodriguez:
"We did not play well in the first round and some thought we would end up a disaster, going home early, but here we are with a strong chance of reaching the final." -
Mexico 6-0 Paraguay
Argentina 4-0 Peru -
Spot on Brazil book final berth
Brazil booked their place in the Copa America final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Uruguay.
The two sides played out a 2-2 draw, and with extra time not being used, they went straight to penalties.
Diego Lugano missed the crucial kick for Uruguay - who had earlier spurned the chance to win the shoot-out when Pablo Garcia missed.
Brazil had gone ahead in the game after just 12 minutes when Maicon pounced on a rebound to fire past Fabian Carini.
The match was then interrupted by a power shortage, but after 13 minutes the players were back on and Brazil almost doubled their lead through Julio Baptista - but his free-kick flew just wide.
Uruguay then turned up the pressure and grabbed a deserved equaliser on 36 minutes when Diego Forlan found the back of the net after an error from Doni in the Brazilian goal.
However, Brazil restored their advantage before the break when Baptista fired home after getting on the end of Gilbert Silva's free-kick.
The game was then sent to penalties thanks to Sebastian Abreu, who headed home from close-range with 20 minutes left.
Into the shoot-out and the first miss came from Diego Forlan - but that miss was soon levelled out when Afonso's effort was saved.
At 4-4, Fernando missed for Brazil but, with the chance to win it for Uruguay, Pablo Garcia did the same.
Gilberto then converted, but Lugano could not match the feat as Brazil booked their place in the final where they will meet either Mexico or Argentina. -
Argentina v Mexico preview
Argentina and Mexico are both in fine form as they gear up for the Copa America semi-final clash.
Argentina have so far lived up to their favourites tag, cruising through to the penultimate stage of the competition thanks to a 4-0 victory over Peru in the quarter-finals courtesy of two goals from Juan Roman Riquelme and one apiece for Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano.
The goals all came in the second half following the introduction of substitute Carlos Tevez, who will hope to earn a place in the starting line-up after an impressive showing.
Argentina boss Alfio Basile is confident going into the game and, while he respects his opponents, believes his side are ready for the occasion.
"Mexico have a very fine side, and it's sure it will be a tough game," he told the official Fifa website.
"We have some extraordinary players though. I am so proud of them, not because they are winning games but because of the way they are playing."
However, Mexico, too, have looked in fine shape, and their 6-0 victory over 10-man Paraguay showed Hugo Sanchez's men cannot be written off.
"Argentina are a great team, with a lot of quality players and plenty of options, but they are not unbeatable," said Barcelona defender and Mexico captain Rafael Marquez.
"Mexico can win and reach the final. We want the trophy badly."
Mexico have extra motivation to win the clash after their unfortunate 2-1 defeat to Argentina at last year's World Cup.
A place in the final against Brazil awaits after Dunga's men beat Uruguay on penalties after a 2-2 draw. -
mexico hit the wordwork.
the commentary is terrible.