Lugano, Uruguay Will Face Brazil in Copa America

Lugano, Uruguay Will Face Brazil in Copa America
By Nathan L. Redd

After eliminating hosts Venezuela, Uruguay and Fenerbahce star Diego Lugano will face South American powers Brazil in the Copa America semi-finals on Tuesday. Brazil used an offensive explosion to take down Chile 6-1 over the weekend and Uruguay defeated Venezuela 4-1.

Diego Forlan put Uruguay up 1-0 in the 38th minute, but Venezuela found the equalizer three minutes later from Juan Arango. Pablo Garcia and Cristian Rodriguez added goals for Uruguay, and Forlan found the back of the net once more during stoppage time.

"I am very happy with the way the team improved play, we beat no less than the host," said Uruguayan coach Oscar Tabarez. When asked about his next opponent being Brazil, Tabarez stated "I do not wear myself down thinking about my next rival. Whoever it is we will play with he same seriousness. We first have to digest this victory."

Diego Lugano is expected to join his Fenerbahce teammates in Austria upon his team's completion of the Copa America. Lugano played the full 90 minutes once again for Uruguay in Saturday's victory.