Monday 11 July 2011

Copa América 2011 - Matchday 2 Round Up

Group A

Argentina 0-0 Colombia
Bolivia 0-2 Costa Rica

A nations nerves will be on tenterhooks going into Matchday 3 in the Copa América after Colombia were most unfortunate not to take all three points from their encounter with the host in Santa Fé. The Albiceleste were forced to repel wave after wave of Colombian attacks while they could hardly must a decent chance at the other end to break the deadlock. In the other game, a young Costa Rica side were full value for their 2-0 victory over a poor Bolivia side in Jujuy. Josue Martínez put Costa Rica ahead on the hour when he slid the ball past Carlos Arias in the Bolivia goal. Arias then came to the rescue of Bolivia when he saved a penalty after Ronald Riveiro was sent off for deliberate hand ball. Bolivia were reduced to 9 five minutes later when Walter Flores was sent off for a poor challenge. Costa Rica wrapped things up eleven minutes from time when man of the match Joel Campbell added a second as they hit Bolivia on the break. To be honest, Costa Rica were unlucky to only win two nil, after twice hitting the woodwork from free kicks in the second half.

Group B

Brazil 2-2 Paraguay
Venezuela 1-0 Ecuador

More trouble for Mano Menezes as his star studded Brazil side needed a late equaliser from veteran striker Fred to rescue a point against Paraguay in Córdoba on Saturday afternoon. It was all going well for Brazil when Jádson put them ahead six minutes before the break but they were stunned when Roque Santa Cruz levelled for Paraguay ten minutes after the break. It got worse half way through the second half as Santa Cruz turned provider to set up Nelso Haedo-Valdéz to put Paraguay ahead and in dream land until Fred came to spoil the party at the end of the game. Venezuela are now in the box seat to take top spot in the group after they defeated Ecuador in Salta. The goal when it came sixteen minutes after the break was well worth waiting for. Cesar González smashing the ball home from 25 yards with power that left Marcelo Elizaga in the Ecuador goal motionless.


Group C

Uruguay 1-1 Chile
Peru 1-0 Mexico

Peru are in a good position to make the last eight when then overcame invitees Mexico in Mendoza on Saturday. One goal was enough to split the teams and it came seven minutes from time when Paolo Guerrero was left unmarked at the back post and he slotted home the pass from Michael Guevara to leave the joint top of the group with Chile, their final opponents in Matchday 3. Uruguay's shocking recent record in the group stages of this competition continued when they were held by Chile in Mendoza on Friday. Álvaro Pereira put Uruguay ahead nine minutes after the break after good work by Luis Suárez in the build up. They were pegged back nine minutes later when Alexis Sánchez beat Fernando Mulsera but Uruguay had the young goalkeeper to thank when he produced the save of the night from Luis Jíminez to keep them in the competition.

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