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Journalism of Courage
Vicente Sanchez rebounded from his decisive missed penalty kick in the semifinals by scoring the game-winner for Uruguay to beat Colombia 2-1 in the Copa America third-place playoff.
Sanchez8217;s blocked kick in the penalty shootout helped Brazil win their semifinal, but he made a beautifully weighted left-foot lob over Colombia goalkeeper Juan Carlos Henao for the winner nine minutes from the end yesterday.
Fabian Estoyanoff nailed a cross in the third minute for Uruguay, and Sergio Herrera leveled from a penalty in the 71st minute in Peru8217;s historic capital, 500 km inland from Lima.
Uruguay appeared to take the match less seriously than Colombia by retaining only two starters from the semifinals 8211; defenders Joe Bizera and Carlos Diogo 8211; but the Celeste dominated the first half and celebrated after the whistle as if they had won their 15th Copa.
The victory ended Uruguay8217;s six-match winless streak to Colombia since 1995, including a 5-0 hiding just last month in World Cup qualifying.
8220;Without a doubt we have played better in Peru than in World Cup qualifying and that has made our Copa America worthwhile,8221; said Uruguay defender Guillermo Rodriguez.
Osasuna forward Richard Morales announced it was his farewell match for Uruguay. Captain Paolo Montero and Sevilla striker Dario Silva have also hinted at retiring from international duty.
Colombia, the 2001 champions, started eight from the 3-0 loss to Argentina in the quarterfinals, resting strikers Tressor Moreno and Edwin Congo, and midfielder Oscar Diaz.
8220;We committed some errors that cost us the game,8221; said Colombia midfielder John Viafara. 8220;The game was wide open. We obviously would have liked to have won this one.8221;
