Paraguay (National Football)

By the end, it bordered on a joke. Angel Di Maria struck twice, Marcos Rojo once, Javier Pastore once, Sergio Aguero once and Gonzalo Higuain once.

But Argentina's 6-1 victory over Paraguay was plotted and executed by a player who didn't score and didn't care much about that, either.

There is no shame in being taken to pieces by Lionel Messi. The finest player on the planet, probably the best there ever was.

That is how Paraguay were dismantled on a freezing cold night in Chile's second city, with the Copa America hosts watching on nervously ahead of Saturday's showdown in Santiago.

Yes, the final will be Argentina against Chile, the two best teams at this tournament facing off in La Roja's national stadium, but before that titanic clash, there must be time to salute those who tried hard, worked smartly yet were still beaten in the end.

Peru went down in the first semi-final thanks to a slightly unfortunate red card and a wonder goal by Eduardo Vargas. They will play Ramon Diaz's Paraguay in the third-place play-off, here in Concepcion, after Messi put paid to La Albirroja.

By the time the Barcelona star was stacking Pablo Aguilar and Bruno Valdez on top of each other with a nutmeg, ahead of the fourth Argentina goal, converted by Angel Di Maria, the jig was up.

For a while it seemed like Paraguay might manage to stun the South America giants, as they did in the first match between these two sides at this tournament. Goals from Aguero and Messi had put Argentina two up, but Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios struck back to earn Paraguay a point as both teams kicked off their Copa America campaigns.

Four games on, with Paraguay left smoldering in a heap after this brutal savaging by Argentina, the sides are in very different places.

But when Barrios rammed home a strike from the edge of the box to give Paraguay hope before half-time, reducing the deficit in the semi-final to just 2-1, you believed they could do it.

After all, they came from behind against not only Argentina before, but Uruguay and Brazil too.

Derlis Gonzalez scored from the spot to level against the Selecao in the quarter-finals and netted the winning penalty in the subsequent shootout to get Paraguay to this stage of the competition.

But he was substituted after sustaining a first-half injury, which was a huge blow to Paraguay. His running on the right had scared Rojo in the early exchanges of this game.

If the finishing of Raul Bobadilla had been better, Paraguay might have equalised before half-time, while Roque Santa Cruz also spurned a wonderful first-half chance.

Overall, this has been a strong tournament by Paraguay, runners-up in 2011.

They were unbeaten in the group and deserved to see off Brazil in the last quarter-final. Perhaps, with an extra day's rest, they might have been able to deflect the Argentine onslaught a little longer.

Then again, few can deflect Messi when he is at his magisterial best. And he was here, creating three assists, but playing his part in the other goals too.

However well Diaz has drilled his players, and it is very well, there is no compensating when Messi is able to perform like this.

Derlis Gonzalez converted the decisive penalty to send Paraguay past Brazil on Saturday night and into the Copa America semi-finals.

The moment should have forever been remembered in ecstasy for the Paraguay international. But unfortunately, it turned into a tragic one for Gonzalez and his family.

According to Paraguayan newspaper Ultima Hora (h/t Sky Sports), Gonzalez learned from his wife shortly after the match's conclusion that his 44-year-old uncle, Irrazabal Manuel, died of a heart attack while celebrating Gonzalez's conquering moment on the pitch. 

Afterward, Gonzalez tweeted (as translated by Sky Sports), "Why today uncle? Why? You left me after a heart attack because I gave you so much joy and so much happiness. I can't believe it."

Tio xq hoy tio xqme dejaste x un infarto tio x darte una alegria y que te vayas con tanta felicidad no puedo creer pic.twitter.com/9HDECJXFEQ

— Derlis Gonzalez (@DerlisG10) June 28, 2015

The Basel forward also scored from the penalty spot during normal time, hitting an equalising goal after a Thiago Silva handball in the box.

[Sky Sports]

Derlis Gonzalez was the man to send Paraguay's Copa America quarter-final against Brazil to penalties, and 30 minutes later, he was the man to fire them into the semis.

The FC Basel forward stepped up in the 72nd minute after Thiago Silva stretched out his hand and needlessly touched the ball in his own area to give Paraguay a lifeline back into the game.

The Paraguayan dispatched the penalty low and hard beyond the outstretched arm of Jefferson and into the bottom left corner.

It leveled the score to 1-1, and there they remained until referee Andres Cunha blew for full time and a penalty shoot-out.

Brazil missed four penalties against Paraguay in another shoot-out in the 2011 quarter-finals, with their unfancied opponents eventually making their way to final.

Brazil were more accurate this time, but only just. Everton Ribeiro rolled one wide of the right-hand post before Douglas Costa spooned his over the crossbar.

Roque Santa Cruz followed suit for Paraguay, but Gonzalez kept his cool to send Jefferson the wrong way and La Albirroja through to face Argentina on Wednesday.

This will be a rematch for the two sides that began their 2015 Copa America campaign with a 2-2 draw at La Serena's Estadio La Portada. Paraguay manager Ramon Diaz's side executed a heroic comeback from two goals down in that game after Nelson Valdez scored a spectacular goal from long distance. Lucas Barrios scored a last-gasp goal to earn the second point.

That finish left Lionel Messi raging, with the Barcelona star unwilling to collect a richly-deserved man of the match award after the game, per The Mirror.

Gonzalez was a threat in that game, with some crosses from the right wreaking havoc in the Argentina penalty area during the second half. He was also a dangerous presence against Jamaica, in a game which they won 1-0 to all but secure qualification from Group B.

Gonzalez was an important influence in the game against Brazil in this quarter-final clash, even aside from his successful penalty contributions. Called 'Speedy Gonzalez' in some quarters, he hasn't had the chance at times in this tournament to display all of his skills, including his excellent finishing.

Argentina will be a tougher test than Dunga's dull Brazil squad—with the exception of Neymar. But Tata Martino's Albiceleste haven't built up a lot of steam since and were unable to puncture Colombia's defence in the quarter-final, also relying on penalties to get through.

Despite having Messi, the best player in the world, Argentina have only been able to score four goals in four games in the Copa America.

Although Chile v. Argentina is the final match many have dreamed of since the groups were drawn, Paraguay will feel they have a fair shot at reaching the final—like they did in 2011—without winning a game.

Uruguay Knocks off Paraguay 3-0 to Win 2011 Copa America

Uruguay defeated Paraguay comfortably to win the 2011 Copa America Final by a comfortable margin in a game that seemed to be determined from the start.

Luis Suarez struck for Uruguay just 10 minutes in and Diego Forlan added another strike just minutes before halftime that knocked the wind out of Paraguay. Forlan added another late goal for good measure and Uruguay claimed the title of best team in South America.

Here are three things we learned from the Copa America Final:

1. Diego Forlan is the best international player in South America

Lionel Messi may be the best player in South America, but Diego Forlan steps up on the international stage and proves year in and year out that he has what it takes to perform on the big stage.

Forlan had a terrific World Cup in 2010 and came back strong in 2011. He will have another chance to impress before the 2014 World Cup at the 2013 Confederations Cup.

He is a terrific game manager and does an incredible job of setting up his teammates. He is a joy to watch and proved once again he is one of the best players in the world.

2. Paraguay had no business being in the final

Paraguay is a solid football team, but they are not one of the best teams in South America. Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina are the top three teams in South America and then Paraguay falls in the tier below them.

Even though Brazil had a disappointing tournament and showed weakness, they are a much more well-rounded and tactically sound team than Paraguay.

Paraguay did not win a single match all tournament and found themselves way out of their league in the final.

3. Uruguay is just as good as Brazil and Argentina

Brazil and Argentina have struggled as of late and Uruguay appears to be improving with every match they play. Unfortunately for Uruguay, there are still three years to go until the next World Cup, so Brazil and Argentina have plenty of time to work out the kinks.

Brazil and Argentina have a bit more overall talent but Uruguay plays terrific team soccer and their star players know how to rise to the occasion.

Paraguay vs. Uruguay isn't exactly the final we expected to see. Paraguay's quarterfinal opponent, Brazil and Uruguay's quarterfinal opponent, Argentina, could have made a much better case for being deserving of a spot in the final.

That's why they play all of the games. In a tournament jam-packed with parody, it's only fitting that the final would feature two middle-of-the-road teams.

Uruguay is trying to build on their tradition, while Paraguay is trying to create one. Winning this match would help to pull Uruguay back to relevancy, but this match means far more to Paraguay.

Paraguay has only won two major tournaments in history. Both victories were in the Copa America and both came prior to 1980.

Paraguay has a a great fan base. Given the diehard nature of their followers, a victory in the Copa America means a lot more people than Larissa Riquelme are going to be putting their exuberance on display.

Uruguay is going to be a huge obstacle for Paraguay. The Paraguayans stumble into this game after narrowly winning a string matches in the knockout stages.

In fact, Paraguay has only scored in regulation of one game. They have failed to win a single match without going into penalty kicks, which becomes problematic going forward.

Even so, their penalty kick wins speak to their resiliency. Paraguay isn't going away. They are literally going to fight their way to victory when they have to. Paraguay has a chip on their shoulder and anyone who stands in their way is subject to demise.

Brazil entered the quarterfinals probably expecting to steamroll Paraguay. While they tied them in group play, Brazil was clicking on all cylinders in their previous match, where they took down Ecuador, 4-2. Paraguay had been held scoreless against Ecuador. 

Paraguay stunned Brazil, sending them packing in a shocking penalty kicks defeat. It is the signature win of their Copa America run thus far. Paraguay isn't letting anyone get in the way at their chance to bring home the Copa America this year. Not even a tournament favorite.

They didn't coast through the semifinals by any means. They faced Venezuela, who the team took to a 3-3 draw in the group stage.

Predictably, the match went to penalty kicks, where Paraguay converted all five PKs and punched their ticket to the final.

Immediately following the match, an ugly scene broke out in which Paraguay staff and players were involved in a brawl with Venezuela staff and players. The fight demonstrates Paraguay's inability to simply back down, even when it's counterproductive.

They carry their fearless mentality into the final with them. Uruguay's performance thus far indicates that they may have the edge, but Paraguay is sure to be a relentless force.

A victory over Uruguay would be the highlight of every member of this team's career. Not only would they be able to give the Paraguay fans a win, they would be able to help build the legacy of Paraguay soccer. This isn't just about winning the final in the Copa America. It's much more than that.

Paraguay is looking to carry this momentum into the 2014 World Cup. They put forth their personal best World Cup performance in 2010, when they reached the quarterfinal. It is clear that Paraguay is turning a corner. Winning the Copa America would put them on the map.

A victory here would let the world know that Paraguay is a legitimate international force and give Paraguay the confidence to build on their newly found tradition.

Paraguay and Venezuela Duke it Out in Ugly Post-match Brawl

It appears as though the players on the pitch were trying to replicate the riots that ensued outside on the streets of Argentina. It's not getting very much attention, but a scary scene developed when Venezuelan staff appeared to taunt Paraguay, which in turn sparked a full on brawl between the two sides.

The fight that ensued after the semifinals match is being kept relatively quiet, given how big it was. It involved players and staff from both teams and yet most game recaps, even those from major new outlets, fail to mention that a confrontation happened at all.

The disturbing event was enough to scare the pants off of audience members from both sides, including Larissa Riquelme (pun intended), but the event would go virtually unnoticed if it weren't for a few viral videos circling the internet.

Stadium security and police were eventually able to break up the fight, but it took quite some time to dispel.

Riots and fighting in soccer are nothing new, but rarely does a fight of this magnitude break out between players and staff. Soccer hooligans and unruly fans usually require the attention of security, but after this match, the attention needed to be directed to the sore losers on Venezuela's side and an arrogant and proud Paraguayan team.

Emotions were high, which explains the bar fight-esque brawl that happened between the two sides. A little banter turned into a huge ordeal. Both sides were competing for their shot at a Copa America final. Given their close 3-3 match between the two sides in the group stage, we knew some drama could unfold in this match, but nobody could have predicted this.

Now, Paraguay will not only be recovering from an exhausting match that went into extra time and PKs, they will be recovering from any minor injuries sustained in the brawl between the two sides.

Venezuela was sent packing, but it's somewhat surprising that Paraguay would engage Venezuela, seeing as they were advancing to the final. Venezuela had nothing to lose, but Paraguay should have never given them the opportunity to get back at them, regardless of what was said.

Hopefully the match didn't hurt the Paraguayans too badly. Any adverse effect on the team could be detrimental to Riquelme accomplishing her goals, and nobody wants to see that happen.

Uruguay and Paraguay Reach 2011 Copa America Final Against All Odds

Going into the Copa America, it seemed as though Argentina and Brazil were going to be duking it out in the final. Argentina was the host country and featured the best player in the world in Lionel Messi.

From the opening match, where Argentina was pushed to a draw by Bolivia, it was clear that we were in for a few surprises along the way to the Copa America Final. Even so, nobody could have that Uruguay and Paraguay would be squaring off in the final.

Uruguay came into this tournament with 11-to-1 odds. While getting to the final with 11-to-1 odds isn't unheard of, they were going to have to take on Mexico and Chile in the group play.

Right off the bat, they were rocked in their opening match against 150-to-1 long shot Peru, who walked away with a 1-1 draw. If they couldn't handle Peru, how could they expect to compete against Chile?

After the embarrassing draw, they were fed another draw by Chile. That meant if they were unable to take down Mexico, they were going to watch Peru and Chile advance to the quarterfinals without them.

As it turns out, they all managed to advance.

Uruguay's prize? How about a date with Argentina.

Argentina got off to a rocky start, but they are the type of team who can catch fire in a hurry. Messi had been relatively quiet to this point, so it seemed he was due for a monster game against a worthy opponent.

Uruguay took the match to PKs, where they took down the runaway pre-tournament favorite and advanced to the semifinals.

They got a huge break in their semifinal matchup, where they would be taking on the same Peruvians who forced them to a draw in their opening match. While Peru proved their worth, they were clearly the worst team in the semifinals. Uruguay had no problem taking them down 2-0 and advancing to the final.

Paraguay didn't win a single match until the knockout stages. They were held to scoreless draws against Brazil and Ecuador and failed to take down Venezuela in their final match of group play, which resulted in a 3-3 draw.

They were limping into the quarterfinals. Like Uruguay, their quarterfinal matchup was a doozie. They were facing Brazil, who was pegged as the odds on favorite to take on Argentina in the final. Like Uruguay, Paraguay forced their respective quarterfinal juggernaut opponent to PKs, where they emerged victorious against all odds.

As unlikely as it may seem, Paraguay hasn't only scored a goal in one match of this entire tournament, excluding penalty kicks. Even in their semifinal match against Venezuela, they took a scoreless draw past extra time and into PKs.

Uruguay and Paraguay have seen a similar road to the final. In a tournament that saw heavy hitters fall early and underdogs reign supreme, it's only fitting that the final features Uruguay and Paraguay.