All the title contenders for the Copa America 2011 face a threat of elimination in the group stages. Uruguay will have to win against Mexico after two initial draws while Brazil is also in similar situation after not being able to register a win against Venezuela and Paraguay. Argentina, prior to their last night triumph against Costa Rica too faced threat of elimination as Batista’s boys had drawn their first two games.
With the World Cup Semi-Finalist Uruguay taking on the second string Mexico side tonight at La Plata, it is a must win game for Oscar Tabarez side as even a draw will not guarantee them a Quarter Final place. La Celeste,
Coming into the game after failing to defeat Peru in their opening game, the star studded Uruguay side once again failed to overcome the discipline and stylist Chile in their second game. With both Chile and Peru virtually through to the Quarter Finals with four points each, Uruguay still do have a chance but will have to overcome the young fearless Mexican side.
Backed with amazing play from Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez at this time of the year in 2010, La Celeste surprised many by making it to the last four of the FIFA World Cup. But within a year of their best football, the team is struggling to remain afloat in the continental championship.
Though Luis Suarez and Alvaro Pereira have already scored for Uruguay, 2010 best player of the World Cup Diego Forlan is yet to get into the grove and score for his side. “Our attitude is the same as other matches,” Suarez said. “We know we have to win and advancing depends on us. It’s clear this is the decisive game.”
Not perturbed by the fact that he hasn’t score so far in this tournament, Diego Forlan said, “There are times when you hit the post, or just miss, other times they go in.” He however hopes to score soon and win matches for Uruguay.
In a ‘Do or Die’ match La Celeste will be playing without their two key starters – winger Martin Caceres and Edinson Cavani. The former is suspended while the later has suffered a knee injury in the match against Chile.
Mexico however, though yet to earn a point are not worried about facing Uruguay and still hope to make it to the Quarters with a victory. “They (Uruguay) are not at the same level they showed in the World Cup,” Mexico forward Rafael Marquez Lugo said.
So it now remains to be seen whether Diego Forlan can do what messi did for his team last night by hitting his peak form at the right moment. All eyes will be on the 2010 World Cup Golden Ball Winner.