Another supremely entertaining night in the Copa America: tons of goals, the US wasting chances on their way to the exit door, Roque Santa Cruz and Riquelme leading Paraguay and Argentina into the next round, Colombia showing they can actually play football, goalies injuring themselves at goal kicks, strikers injuring themselves at PKs, a red card, lots of camera shots of scantily dressed ladies in the crowd, and behind the scenes alleged scullduggery involving President SHugo Chavez. What more could you ask for?
A short round-up here for those of you in a rush and more detailed reports further below:
Argentina, Paraguay keep the goals flowing
The finishing was poor, but at least the US carved out some chances, which is promising. But at the back they were a joke, with the usual exception of Casey Keller. Moreover, Johnson seemed determined to maintain the poor standard he set against Argentina.
Paraguay Beat Wasteful USA, Into Last Eight
Argentina dazzled again, though their weakness in letting teams back into games resurfaced, while Colombia were hard to recognize from the spineless team that lost 5-0 to Paragauy. In fact they could have drawn level had an audacious effort by the left back from within his own half sneaked under the crossbar. One negative for Argentina will be the loss of Crespo, though somehow I think they'll find a replacement.
Riquelme Inspires Argentina To Victory Over Colombia
No worries, compañero
Crespo likely to miss rest of tournament
Copa America standings:
Group C P W D L F A PTS
1. Paraguay 2 2 0 0 8 1 6
2. Argentina 2 2 0 0 8 3 6
3. United States 2 0 0 2 2 7 0
4. Colombia 2 0 0 2 2 9 0
- - - -
Group A
1. Venezuela 2 1 1 0 4 2 4
2. Peru 2 1 0 1 3 2 3
3. Uruguay 2 1 0 1 1 3 3
4. Bolivia 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
Group B
1. Mexico 2 2 0 0 4 1 6
2. Chile 2 1 0 1 3 4 3
3. Brazil 2 1 0 1 2 3 3
4. Ecuador 2 0 0 2 3 5 0
