Uruguay cruise to Copa America win

Uruguay won their first Copa America crown since 1995 on Sunday after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Paraguay in Buenos Aires.

Uruguay, the 2010 World Cup semi-finalists, hit Gerardo Martino’s Paraguay with two goals in the first half at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, courtesy of strikers Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan.

Atletico Madrid man Forlan completed his brace moments before the final whistle as Uruguay sealed a record 15th success in the South American continental competition.

Oscar Tabarez’s side made their intentions known right from the start, as Suarez went close with a shot from inside the six-yard box.

Controversy ensued moments later when Diego Lugano powered a header from inside the penalty area and Nestor Ortigoza appeared to stop the ball with his hand, drawing strong penalty appeals from Uruguay.

They were denied a certain spot kick by referee Salvio Spinola Fagundes Filho?, but in the 11th minute, Uruguay had their opener.

Liverpool’s Suarez made his way down the right flank and unleashed a stinging shot, which deflected off Dario Veron and over the line.

Uruguay had a chance to make it 2-0 near the half-hour mark when Suarez released Forlan with an excellent through-ball, only to be denied by Justo Villar.

Minutes before half-time Uruguay did double their lead.

Egidio Arevalo stole the ball in midfield, and found an unmarked Forlan, who made no mistake this time as he powered a scintillating finish in the right corner of the net.

It could have been 3-0 in the 55th minute, when Suarez threaded a pass for Forlan near the penalty spot, but Veron made a vital interception and deflected the ball out of danger.

Paraguay enjoyed their best chance shortly before the hour mark, when Nelson Valdez powered a shot against the bar from outside the box.

The Hercules forward had another opportunity moments later when Cristian Riveros found him with a good ball from the right wing, but the Valdez failed to convert from close range.

Uruguay kept pushing for a third, with substitute Edison Cavani forcing a spectacular save from Villar with 11 remaining.

It was left for Forlan to put the finishing touches on a deserved victory, completing his brace with a cool finish in injury time, following a pass from Suarez.