Tabarez hails Suarez masterclass

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez praised Luis Suarez as an ‘elite’ player after the striker propelled his nation into the Copa America final.

Suarez scored twice in five second-half minutes in Tuesday’s semi-final against Peru as Uruguay surged into their first continental final since 1999 with a 2-0 victory.

Uruguay dominated from the outset much to the delight of Tabarez, who praised his forward unit and particularly Liverpool striker Suarez after the match.

“He (Suarez) is an elite player in world football,” Tabarez said.

“We talked about having more presence up top. That is how we got the first goal. (Diego) Forlan and Suarez appeared. After that, Peru kept attacking, but we had it under control.”

“This rival was as difficult as we thought they would be. We had an experience with them in the first game.”

“Our worry was (Paolo) Guerrero and (Juan Manual) Vargas. They are determined, but I think we controlled the game.”

Suarez’s brace makes him the equal top scorer at the tournament with three goals, and the 24-year-old said he was excited about the prospect of leading Uruguay to a record 15th Copa America title.

“It’s really nice. Now we have to enjoy, celebrate and focus on the objective, which is the final,” Suarez said.

“I think we knew Argentina were going to attack us. But today, we had to come out, play and attack.”

“In the second half, we were convincing in the beginning, and that gave us the win.”