Brazil Asserts Their Dominance in a 4-2 Victory over Ecuador

Neymar and Pato each bagged a brace in Brazil's Copa America victory over Ecuador. The victory sees Brazil progress to the next round of the Copa America, after a shakey start which saw them draw their opening two matches. Brazil will face Paraguay in the quarter finals, where they will look to record a victory after a 2-2 draw in the group stage.
The squads lined up as follows:
Brazil: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos; Lucas Leiva, Ramires, Ganso, Robinho, Neymar; Alexandre Pato

Ecuador: Elizaga. Reasco, Araujo, Erazo, Ayovi; Minda, Noboa, Arroyo, Mendez; Benitez, Caicedo

Notable inclusions Maicon and Robinho were brought in to provide some experience in a Brazilian squad which has lacked a presence going forward in their previous two clashes. Alves was dropped to the bench for Maicon.

Neymar came out with a point to prove in the first halve, the youngster being criticised for his lack of showing in the past two group matches. This point became most apparent when Neymar launched a shot within the first five minutes, being tipped just over the bar by Elizaga.

Ecuador were matching it with Brazil for most of of the first half, knocking the ball around nicely, clearly dominating the midfield in the early exchanges. It wasn't until the 30th minute until we saw the first goal, Ac Milan superstar Pato latched onto a ball by Andre Santos to calmly slot home 1-0 Brazil.
Brazil continued to press from here, until their rhythm was disrupted by a mistake from usually reliable Julio Cesar. A shot by Caicedo was fumbled, in turn leaking a goal, levelling up things on the day 1-1, as the match entered half time. It couldn't come soon enough for the Seleção, who were under the pump in the closing exchanges of the match.

Alternatively the five time World Champions came out firing yet again, scoring again through Neymar in the 48th minute of the match. A beautifully weighted pass from Ganso, was directed straight into his path. Brazil were up 2-1, and looking to cruise through the final exchanges of the match.
It proved to be Brazil who let their lead slip yet again, in similar fashion Caicedo launched a shot at Cesar who was unable to defend his near post, resulting in Ecuador levelling the match 2-2 in just the 58th minute. The travelling fans were as loud as ever, being treated to a goal scoring feast in a match where there was nothing to split the two teams.

Neymar was desperate to add to his tally and just two minutes later, tried his luck with a powerful shot, which was fumbled by Elizaga only to be tapped in by Pato, who restored Brazil's lead, securing a brace in the process. Ecuador had all the work to do with just half an hour remaining, down 3-2.
Maicon and Robinho justified their selection in the starting eleven, proving to be the catalysts for the second goal. A powerful, flowing move down the right resulted in a perfectly weighted ball straight to the feet of Neymar who put Brazil 4-2 up on the day.

In the closing minutes, Brazil were denied a goal after Robinho's effort was disallowed. Ecudaor threw everything at Brazil but were unable to get a goal back. Two keeping errors resulted in Brazil having to score four times. A great showing by Pato and Neymar, as well as Maicon and Robinho.

FINAL SCORE—BRAZIL 4 (Neymar 2, Pato 2) : ECUADOR 2 (Caicedo 2)

Mexico stunned as Peru are on the Verge of Copa America Quarterfinals

By Marcel Abboud

South American darkhorses Peru are on the verge of qualifying for the quarter finals of the 2011 Copa America after defeating Mexico 1 - 0 at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.

In a very open and attacking match, both sides had numerous chances to stamp their authority in the game. Mexico are yet to collect a point in the group stages before this match and only a win would suffice for El Tri.


Coming out all cylinders firing, the Mexicans had an abundance of chances to kill of Peru but were made to go wanting in the second half as the Peruvians launched an assault on Mexican goalkeeper and captain Luis Michel's goal. The Mexicans can thank the woodwork as their added defense as many of the Peruvian attacks ended up hitting the post and the crossbar.

But for all of Mexico's attacking prowess, Peru struck the killer blow in the 83th minute as Humburger SV striker José Paolo Guerrero put the ball into Michel's goal after a wonderful piece of creative display for the Peruvians.
Mexico sit rooted to the bottom of Group C with no points while Peru now sit second in the group equal with Chile on four points, while Urugauy still have a chance to progress but only if they defeat Mexico. Watch extended highlights here:

Copa America - Argentina 1 - 1 Bolivia - Review

Argentina has succumb to a 1-1 draw with Bolivia in the opening round of their Copa America campaign. The Argentinians have a lot of work to do before their next encounter with Columbia, especially going forward. It would look as thought the combination of strikers upfront hasn't been properly tweaked.

Argentina came into the match heavy favourites, even after their 6-1 loss to Bolivia in World Cup qualifying. Argentina went into the match with a formidable attack force comprising of Messi, Higuain, Milito, Aguero, Lavezzi, Tevez and Di Maria. To the neutral spectator, the squad would seem almost perfect. All seemed to be going to plan for the Biancoceleste, holding a majority of the possession in the early part of the match.

The first half remained scoreless, with Bolivia looking the more shaky of the two teams on the pitch. To their credit they hung in their repelling most of the lacklustre Argentinian attack.

With the second half about to start, Argentinian manager Gustavo Quinteros decided to introduce Angel Di Maria for Cambiasso in the hope that his side could salvage a goal. The Madrid winger made an impact on the game, but it was Bolivia who would score the opener, when Rojas cleverly slotted the ball home from a corner.


Shocked by the goal Argentina began to press with more urgency. Lavezzi drilled two shots wide and that marked the end of his game as he was substituted for Athletico striker Sergio Aguero. The man of the match had a sudden impact on the game. With 15 minutes remaining Di Maria played a ball in from the left, Inter fullback Zanetti controlled the ball, chesting it onto Aguero's foot. From there the striker hammered home a spectacular volley, which salvaged a 1-1 draw for the Argentinians.


The final 10 minutes were dominated by Argentina but they failed to put another in the back of the net. A disappointing performance from a side favourites to win the trophy, Messi failed to fire again, which raises the question can he play without his Barca team mates?


Man of the Match - Sergio Aguero


Final Score - Argentina 1 (Aguero 75) - Bolivia 1 (Rojas 48)

Will Messi fire at the Copa America?

Lionel Messi has, for a long time now, established himself as one of the best players in the world.At Barcelona he decimates opposition, weaving through them, gaining assists and scoring goals. Yet it would seem, when Messi puts on the Argentinian jersey, this ability to get goals just fades away.

Many have criticised Messi's ability to play without his spectacular Barcelona team. Surrounded my Xavi, Iniesta, Villa and a whole other host of big names, Messi looks faultless - untouchable. Rewind back to the 2010 World Cup, Messi had just come off another amazing season with Barca, winning the Ballon d'or. However during the World Cup he failed to score, and, although impressive in the group stage, Argentina failed to make their mark on the competition.

It is true to say that perhaps Maradonna could've put together a better squad, nevertheless, one could not question the forward line of Argentina - Higuain, Milito, Aguero and Messi just to name a few.

Argentina kick off their Copa America campaign on the 1st of July against Bolivia. Messi will play a marquee role in the squad and is confident he can establish himself over his opposition. Brazil as always will pose the greatest threat, especially with the new blood coming through the ranks!

Why Marcelo should not send emails....

Real Madrid back Marcelo has certainly proven his worth this year at Madrid, playing in what was probably his most successful season. Many will be wondering why the superstar back was left out of the Brazilian squad to compete in the Copa America tournament. Well here's why:

Marcelo accidentally sent an email to Brazilian manager Mano Menezes claiming he had lied about an injury to avoid a friendly against Scotland. The Brazilian manager caused much controversy when he left the Madrid back off the list, but after justifying why this was the case, the media attention has shifted back to Marcelo.

Menezes went on to say that he would not prevent Marcelo from being a part of the squad in the future. However the left back will have to more than prove himself to be re-considered. Marcelo will not play in the Copa America.

And that's why Marcelo should never again send an email.