Uruguay secured a comfortable 1-0 win against Paraguay in the final game of group A of Copa America 2021.
With all four teams from group A already confirmed, this match was set to determine the final standings of the teams in the group.
ยกASร QUEDร EL GRUPO A! โ
Argentina ๐ฆ๐ท, Uruguay ๐บ๐พ, Paraguay ๐ต๐พ y Chile ๐จ๐ฑ consiguieron un lugar en los cuartos de final de la CONMEBOL #CopaAmรฉrica ๐#VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/G4Sq7XSlen
— Copa Amรฉrica (@CopaAmerica) June 29, 2021
This game between Uruguay and Paraguay which was played out in Rio De Janeiro was a dull affair with La Celste dominating the game. Uruguay also managed to leapfrog Paraguay and Chile into 2nd place in group A.
A penalty from Edinson Cavani in the 21st minute of the game settled the tie.ย Luis Suarez was rested by Oscar Tabrez on the striker’s request.
Here are the 3 main takeaways from the game between Uruguay and Paraguay
URUGUAY PRESSED RELENTLESSLY
Uruguay has evolved and transformed over the years under Tabarez. It seems the current squad he has at his disposal makes them an excellent pressing side.
They pressed Paraguay relentlessly from the first whistle not allowing them a moment’s time to breathe and ponder on the ball.
#CopaAmรฉrica ๐
ยกMuy cerca! Giorgian De Arrascaeta tuvo la primera clara de @Uruguay ante la @Albirroja
๐บ๐พ Uruguay ๐ Paraguay ๐ต๐พ#VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/3dkDJF5UtU
— Copa Amรฉrica (@CopaAmerica) June 29, 2021
The whole game was played at a million miles an hour from the Uruguayan perspective. Paraguay found it really hard to escape the pressure heaped on by Uruguay.
#CopaAmรฉrica ๐
ยกOtra de Giorgian! De Arrascaeta seguรญa intentando anotar para @Uruguay
๐บ๐พ Uruguay ๐ Paraguay ๐ต๐พ#VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/NCAXfqt8F7
— Copa Amรฉrica (@CopaAmerica) June 29, 2021
They were able to carve out chance after chance as Uruguay tried blitzing Paraguay. The penalty was a result of the relentless pressure too. Paraguay struggled to clear the ball decisively as Junior Alonso clattered into Nahitan Nandez to give the penalty that costed them the macth.
https://twitter.com/CopaAmerica/status/1409703093122396164
Uruguay also finally seemed to find their pressing rhythm in this game. Now the only thing missing for them is an efficient attack apparently which has been slightly wasteful during Copa America 2021.
They will need Cavani and Suarez firing on all cylinders if they plan to make it to the final this year.
PARAGUAY BEREFT OF IDEAS
Paraguay really did not have any response to the pressure Uruguay were putting them under. They seemed completely bereft of ideas as they struggled to bother Muslera in La Celesteโs goal.
They kept trying to escape Uruguayan pressure but to no avail as they kept struggling to move up the field.
Nos duele a todos. ยกFuerza, Almirรณn! ๐ต๐พ๐#VibraElContinente #CopaAmรฉrica pic.twitter.com/7gqCdChaQe
— Copa Amรฉrica (@CopaAmerica) June 29, 2021
Especially after Miguel Almiron the Paraguayan talisman got injured. Paraguay must have felt hard done by his injury as his skill and attacking prowess would sorely be missed by the Albiroja in the quarter finals. They would have expected to give anybody a run for their money in the knockout stages of the tournament. Now that Almiron is injured that task became much harder for them.
THIS COPA HAS BEEN NANDEZโS
Nahitan Nandez is being linked to numerous โbigโ European clubs at this moment and it’s clear to see why.The 25 year old who plays for Cagliari has been playing as a wing back for Uruguay at this year’s Copa. he has been exceptional for them.
A stand out performer, as he has tormented full backs on his wing with his immeasurable energy. The man can run for days. His energy coupled with his technical know-how is reminiscent of Kante in certain moments.
#CopaAmรฉrica ๐
Amague โ Garra charrรบa ๐บ๐พ โ enganche sutil โก๏ธ Nahitan Nandez ๐คฉ
๐ง๐ด Bolivia ๐ Uruguay ๐บ๐พ#VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/QCCew709Gi
— Copa Amรฉrica (@CopaAmerica) June 24, 2021
The versatile midfielder was exceptional against Paraguay too as he won the penalty and looked to go past his marker throughout the game.
All we can say now is that whoever manages to secure the Uruguyanโs services next season he will definitely turn to be a proper bargain for anything else that 40 million.