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Sunday, Jul 01, 2007
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A lot to prove for top sides

MARACAIBO (Venezuela): With all 12 teams having played, the biggest surprise at the Copa America soccer has been the disappointing displays by three of the top four from the last tournament: defending champion Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia.

All three were relishing Friday’s rest day before the second rotation of group matches resumes at the weekend.

Brazil, the five-time World champion, has the most to prove going into its second Group ‘B’ match on Sunday against Chile in Maturin after it was stunned 2-0 by Mexico on Wednesday.

Its confidence was dealt another blow when forward Fred, whom coach Dunga considered an important bench player, broke his foot in a practice game and was sidelined for the rest of the tournament.

Uruguay, tied with Argentina for the most Copa titles with 14, will draw the most attention on Saturday during its Group ‘A’ match against weak rival Bolivia in San Cristobal.

Uruguay, third in 2004, started badly on Tuesday in a 3-0 pasting from Peru at Merida, and has to rebound quickly.

Embarrassing defeat

Colombia won its group in 2004 and ended up fourth overall in defence of its title, but was embarrassed on Thursday in a stunning 5-0 defeat to Paraguay in Group ‘C’ with Roque Santa Cruz scoring a hat-trick. The Colombians have little time to regroup, as they face Argentina on Monday in Maracaibo.

Host Venezuela, on the brink on Tuesday of its first Copa win since 1967 before Bolivia equalised with seven minutes to go, meets Peru on Saturday. — AP

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