Uruguay breaks the bank!

Competitors are getting far too uncomfortable for Brazil in the Copa Latina, a title they have seen fly away for the second time in a row. Uruguay followed Chile’s last year steps, and snatched the cup from Brazilian soil after a leveled match which needed the penalty shootout for the final decision. The tenth crown for hosts will have to wait, at least, until next year, in the XIIIth edition.

Seeing the Celeste concentration and focus, Brazil wanted to get in control of the game as soon as possible, backed by the more than 2.500 people packing the Hot Park stadium, in the Rio Quente Resorts. They managed it, thanks to an unfortunate deflection by Fabian, who ended up sending André ball inside his own net. After that first hit, Brazil handled the match during the first period, but, although they enjoyed a couple of great chances, the score by the end of the first period remained 1-0.

Uruguay strengthened their defensive disposition during the second time, cut the Brazilian creation and managed to turn the score around, thanks to Nico’s doublet. Benjamin came again to the rescue for the verdeamarela, and with a long range shot managed the equalizer for the hosts. The canarinha captain was in charge of the third goal, as well, leaving the score 3-2 up, and giving way to probably the best Brazilian minutes in the whole game. Betinho crashed a ball against the post, and Diego’s saves prevented any new verdeamarela attempt in. In turn, Fabian could get even with his unlucky role in the first goal of the game and equalized the score again: 3-3.

Extra time was not enough for any of the contenders to put both hands on the trophy and the match necessarily headed for the penalty shootout. Obviously, Uruguay knew than the 9 meter spot equals any forces, and took the best advantage of it. Fabian, again, took the responsibility for the Celeste side, and did not miss the chance. But Benjamin, instead, could not celebrate his 300 caps with a new decisive goal, and Diego’s hands finally sent the Copa Latina to Uruguay.

In the other game of the day, Mexico secured the third place after beating Argentina (7-6 )in a true goal-party. Plata, with 3 goals, and Barbosa, with two, were the key factors for the current CONCACAF champions in this last game, in which Maturin and Rodriguez completed the run. The goals by Franceschini (2), Joel (2), Vivas and Leguizamon were not enough for the albiceleste.