The 2011 Copa América was the 43rd game of the South American continental football championship and took place for the ninth time in Argentina from July 1st to 24th. As since the 1993 tournament , two non-South American visiting teams took part in addition to the ten members of CONMEBOL . This was next to the "permanent guest" Mexico, which already participated for the eighth time, Costa Rica with its fourth participation since 1997 .
Nothing changed in terms of the competition mode. The game was played in a combination of a group phase and a subsequent knockout round . The group stage was played in three groups of four teams each. The two best teams in each group and the two best third-placed teams reached the quarter-finals. In the event of a tie, the goal difference decided. In the final round, if there was a tie after 90 minutes, there was overtime and then possibly a penalty shoot-out .
Outsiders Venezuela reached the semi-finals for the first time and only lost to Paraguay on penalties. The final game for third place against Peru was clearly lost with 1: 4, but with fourth place the greatest success at a South American Championship and for Venezuelan football as a whole was recorded. Uruguay won its 15th title at the Copa America and is now the sole record holder ahead of Argentina (14 victories). The team also qualified for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.
1 host / 2 defending champions / 3 visiting team, replacing Japan / 4 visiting team / 5 winners
Japan was originally intended to be the second visiting team , but after the earthquake and the following tsunami in March 2011, they initially considered a cancellation. Spain , USA , Honduras and Costa Rica were seen as possible successors. However, the world and European champions Spain canceled their participation on April 13, 2011. On April 14, Japan initially agreed to take part in the Copa. On May 16, then came a renewed rejection, because on the one hand, precipitated by the earthquake and tsunami Games of July J. League should be made up and on the other hand, many European clubs did not want to leave for the tournament of their players, because due to the EURO 2012 , the 2011/12 season starts earlier in Europe. On May 17th, Costa Rica was invited to take part in the Copa. On May 18, Costa Rica accepted the invitation. Both Costa Rica and Mexico took part in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011 in June . Costa Rica competed with the Olympic / U-23 team. The Mexican squad included only three players from the squad that won the CONCACAF Gold Cup on June 25th .
PeruPaolo Guerrero was the tournament's top scorer with five goals. He also managed a hat-trick against Venezuela in the game for third place , with which he secured third place for his team.
Paraguay 1990Justo Villar was named the tournament's best goalkeeper. In six games, the Paraguayan kept his box clean three times, even in the knockout round twice over 120 minutes, so he played a major role in Paraguay reaching the final.
UruguaySebastián Coates was named the tournament's best junior player. The 20-year-old player played a key role in his team's victory at the Copa America with his defensive performance.
Fair play award
UruguayUruguay received the award for fair play in the tournament.
Uruguay (15th title)
Argentina
Paolo Guerrero (5 goals)
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Justo Villar
yellow cards
Yellow-red cards
Red cards
Costa Rica 3
Bolivia
Ecuador
Brazil 2
Colombia
Chile
Mexico 4
Venezuela
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Justo Villar was named the tournament's best goalkeeper. In six games, the Paraguayan kept his box clean three times, even in the knockout round twice over 120 minutes, so he played a major role in Paraguay reaching the final.
