When Uruguay faces Brazil in Tuesday’s Copa América semifinal, there’s no doubt it will be the clear underdog. The Uruguayans struggled in the group phase, scoring only once in three matches, and it wasn’t surprising that no one gave them a chance against undefeated Venezuela in the quarterfinals.
But as has happened so often in the past, Uruguay proved everyone wrong, overwhelming the much fancied hosts 4-1 with a sensational display from Diego Forlán. The star striker scored twice in the victory, further demonstrating that he is a player that rises on the big occasion.
Uruguay, which beat Brazil to win its last Copa América in 1995, will rely on Forlán’s big-match temperament in order to overcome the Brazilians once again and book its ticket to the final of the competition against the winner of Argentina and Mexico, who clash on Wednesday.
I caught up with a confident Forlán on the eve of the encounter. We discussed Uruguay’s sudden revival in the competition, what can be expected against Brazil and if the team has what it takes to win a record 15th title.
SI.com: Uruguay was impressive against Venezuela. What did you like best about your team?
Forlán: The manner in which the team played, we were very good defensively and we also did very well in midfield and in the attack.
SI.com: Uruguay has now reached the semifinals of the Copa América four times in a row. What does that say about Uruguayan soccer?
Forlán: The most important thing is that we are doing things better, and it’s good to be in the top four teams of South America, taking into account that Brazil and Argentina are there. For us to reach this stage allows us to realize that we are doing things well.
SI.com: After both teams’ emphatic victories in the quarterfinals, what can we expect of Uruguay against Brazil in Tuesday’s semi?
Forlán: We hope that it will be a good match, and hopefully we will win. It’s likely to be a difficult match because we are up against Brazil. But there are 90 minutes to play and many things can happen in that time. That is the reason why soccer is so nice, because you can’t be sure who will win even if there is a clear favorite.
SI.com: Which players have impressed you most in the Copa América?
Forlán: I think they have been Brazil’s Robinho, Argentina’s Juan Román Riquelme and Lionel Messi, Mexico’s Nery Castillo and our own Cristian “Cebolla” Rodríguez.
SI.com: Argentina is considered the overwhelming favorite to win the title — do you agree?
Forlán: They are huge candidates, they always have been and now they are playing very well and they have an excellent squad. But that doesn’t mean they will win it — like I told you a few questions back, the nice thing about soccer is that the favorite doesn’t always win and I feel the four teams who are in the semifinals all have the same possibilities.
SI.com: Do you think Uruguay has what it takes to win its 15th Copa América?
Forlán: To do this we only have to win two matches, but two very important matches, so many things can happen. We, like the rest of the teams, have a good chance to win it.
SI.com: Uruguay promised a lot before the Copa América, but lost 3-0 against Peru in its debut. How did that loss affect the team?
Forlán: It was tough on us, because we knew that it could happen but we didn’t expect to lose by such a margin. Despite the defeat we were aware that we still had two more group matches to play and if we won them we’d have the opportunity to reach the next phase.
SI.com: You were unable to demonstrate your class in the first round, but in the quarterfinals against Venezuela you showed why you are one of the best strikers in the world. Do you think the reason was because of Álvaro Recoba‘s absence, or just because you were unlucky in the other matches?
Forlán: This is a team sport, and I’m not the best player because I scored twice; and I wasn’t the worst when I didn’t score and didn’t play well. Much of this depends on the way the team plays, and if the team plays badly it makes it difficult for one.
SI.com: The Copa América in Venezuela has surprised everyone for its good organization, outstanding stadiums, huge attendances and most of all the soccer. Is there anything else that has impressed you?
Forlán: The organization is good, as have been the stadiums and the hospitality of the Venezuelan people, not to mention the huge crowds. This is great because the tournament is seen in all parts of the world.
SI.com: After the Copa América you will leave your club team, Villarreal, for Atlético Madrid. Does that give you further motivation to win the Copa with your national team?
Forlán: I will always be motivated to win the Copa América with the national team, moving to Atlético doesn’t make any difference — I already have the motivation as soon as I put on La Celeste.
Gregory Sica
Loading ...
Leave a Reply