Uruguay emerged victorious from the 2011 Copa America after defeating Paraguay 3-0 in Sunday's final. The world class strike partnership of Forlan - Suarez did the damage with Forlan scoring 2 and player of the tournament, Suarez, getting the other.
It was a deserved victory for Uruguay who, as in their semi final against Peru, dealt well with the favourites tag and dominated for the majority of the match. The victory was Uruguay's 15th Copa title and makes them the most successful team in South America. Following on from reaching the semi-finals in the 2010 World Cup, Uruguay are establishing themselves as one of the world's top teams.
Whilst the likes of Forlan and regular midfielders, Sebastian Eguren and Diego Perez, are the wrong side of 30, the team is also boasting some impressive young talent coming through. 20year old defender Sebastian Coates was named the player of the tournament and Ajax playmaker, Nicolas Lodeiro, looks an impressive talent. Although still crucial to Uruguay, Forlan's form has significantly dipped since his superb World Cup. But in Edison Cavani, Uruguay have a more than capable replacement. Cavani scored a total of 33 goals last season for club side Napoli and, at 24, can form a strike partnership with Suarez that lasts many years.
As for Paraguay, the national team were greeted by 3,000 fans upon returning to Paraguay and decorated by the President after reaching the Quarter Finals of the World Cup. Reaching the Copa America final may well be seen as equally impressive and the signs of marked progress. They will, however, have to address the issue of management. The contract of Gerardo Martino, head coach since 2007, will expire shortly and it is unsure if he will stay on. He initially planned to step down after the 2010 World Cup but decided to stay on until after the Copa America.
Meanwhile, quarter finalists and hosts, Argentina, have wasted no time in removing their coach, Sergio Batista. Batista was installed initially as an interim coach after the 2010 World Cup, but his position was made permanent shortly after. However, after a Copa America which yielded just one win (against Costa Rica), he has been removed, with the Argentina Football Association clearly stating he had not been "sacked". The Argentine FA also stated that they are in no rush for a new head coach, but names have already been mentioned, including that of Martino. Successful club managers, Alejandro Sabella and Carlos Bianchi, are also amongst the favourites to take over.
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