The Beloved Heavenly trouble.

Peru, Uruguay faces that night (2:45), in the first semifinal of the Copa America. A complicated game for a team that, in its history, has always preferred to chew the fat.


This is the story of a small country populated by just 3.5 million people, sandwiched between two bulky neighboring Brazil and Argentina. A country that is struggling to find its place. So, to exist on the international scene, Uruguay has always relied on its national team: the Celeste. Last year, for example, was much less heard of the accession to power of Pepe Mujica, a former guerrilla fighter became president, as the fourth place in Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup. It's like that and it's always been like that.
Perhaps because in 1924, Celeste has announced Uruguay to the whole of Europe when, to everyone's surprise, she won with the way the Olympic Games in Paris. She was the only non-European nation to have made the long journey. And to think that when he arrived, a press welcomed them with disdain: "These young South Americans seem so awkward. What a loss to know that after experiencing a trip if they will have to leave home just after the first match." But, twenty goals scored (two against) and five victories later, it is the Uruguay have returned home from Paris with a gold medal around the neck to the cheers of the public. 

Le Maracana, 2011:

Perhaps also because Uruguay was the first nation to lift the World Cup in 1930 and since then its history has been marked by resounding victories. Remember, in 1950, the legendary Maracanazo. Uruguay beat eleven or when, without trembling, 200,000 Brazilians in the Maracana stadium packed. This is perhaps the most glorious episode of Uruguayan football. For that day, Rio de Janeiro had long been the party and celebrated the victory before the match. Did not count on a bunch of overexcited Uruguayans, ready to die on the field and, against all odds, had come to slay the ogre Brazilian on his land (2-1). And, sixty-one years later to the day, the Celeste again played to perfection the role of executioner by eliminating, as with Argentina at home, at its Copa America.
The Maracanazo and this victory in the quarter-finals of the Copa America against Argentina Lionel Messi have some similarities. The exploit is not as great as in 1950, I grant you, but it illustrates the identity of Uruguayan football. It results in the field, not an impressive burst of energy. His players, in 1950 as in 2011, have always had a sense of sacrifice. It's called the "garra plow", "the aggressiveness plowshares." This concept, almost mystical, back to the dawn of time, as the "plow" was a Native American people, known for his warrior spirit, who courageously resisted the Spanish invasion. Over time, therefore, the "garra plow" has become a symbol of the warrior spirit, strength, sense of sacrifice and pride of Celeste. This mindset is often represented perfectly by his captain. It must be a "caudillo," a charismatic leader, a boss who can never be pushed around. In 1950, the captain called Obdulio Varela, a midfielder (more defensive) mythical. In 2011, Diego Lugano, monstrous against Argentina, which honors that legacy. 

Chiggio à de Forlan:

The gift of self has always been a hallmark of Uruguayan football. But this defensive block would never be as effective without the provision of world class strikers. The Uruguayans have always been well provided for that level. Chiggia of Alcides and Juan Alberto Schiaffino in 1950 to Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez in 2011, through the Francescoli, Fonseca and others Alvaro Recoba. Match of the duo-Suarez Forlan was simply outstanding against Argentina. Together, they set fire to the defense albiceleste, managed to set foot on the ball and speed when necessary.

Diego Forlan is a living legend in Uruguay. This is the most capped player in history (80 selections) and it is unfortunate on two goals to become the historic goleador Celeste. For now, the counter is blocked twenty-nine goals, two less than Hector Sarcone, legendary striker 20 years. Against Peru last night, he would like to open his account in the Copa America. It will show the way to victory to his teammates in this game trap. Uruguay does not like and never liked to play the role of favorite. Celeste is the best in adversity and when it is an outsider. Yet since his victory against Argentina, and the elimination of Brazil, it logically figure favorite. Celeste plays the big, because in case of victory, she won its fifteenth Copa America (fourteen against Argentina). It proves once again that it is a major football nation in Latin America.