Peru - Uruguay

Peru and Urugay meet each other in the first semi-final of this year’s Copa America tournament. The game will be played at Estado Cuidad de la Plata in La Plata and kicks off at 01:45 GMT. Both teams did not start the competition very well but they are constantly gaining speed and I expect a very tough match on Wednesday morning. However, the experience and quality of the Uruguayan players might just be too much for Peru and I will go with the World Cup semifinalists here.

Peru finished their group in 3rd place after a win against a weakened Mexico side (1:0), draw against Uruguay (1:1) and a loss to Chile (0:1). Despite facing the favourites Colombia in the quarter-finals Peru managed to hold them to a goalless draw mainly thanks to the miss of Radamel Falcao from the penalty spot. The extra-time provided more scare for Peru and they should be grateful for the posts behind goalie Fernandez. However, goals from Lobaton and Vargas saw the team progress to the semis where they will meet Urugay. Peru will again mainly rely on the stern defence which has let in only two goals in the last eight games whereas upfront they will bet on Guerrero.

Urugay have not been very convincing since the start of the tournament and they finished 2nd in their group. The game against Argentina in which they won after a penalty shoot-out will definitely give them huge confidence but they have to thank their goalkeeper Muslera who made a few fantastic saves against the stars of the hosts. Head coach Oscar Tabarez will rely on Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan upfront but they are yet to find their goalscoring boots. Urugay also look stable at the back as they have not let in more than one goal in the last six games.

Uruguay lost to Peru the last game between the two teams in the World Cup qualifications but the reverse fixture finished 6:0 for them and this will be another reason to pick Uruguay here.