tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773399336316731391.post-25299268422528525162007-07-03T22:54:00.000-07:002007-07-03T22:57:26.308-07:00Venezuela and Uruguay played out the first goalless draw of this year's Copa America on Tuesday, a result that ensured both sides advanced to the quarter-finals from Group A.<br /><br />With the hosts already through thanks to the previous night's results in Group C -- the first time in Copa America history they have made the last eight -- and Uruguay needing a point, neither team made much effort to win.<br /><br />"We played intelligently, we knew this result was enough for us to finish top of the group," Venezuela striker Jose Torrealba told reporters.<br /><br />It was by far the worst game of what has been a hugely entertaining tournament and a huge letdown for a 41,000 sellout crowd, many of whom had queued for hours for tickets.<br /><br />Venezuela topped Group A with five points, followed by Peru and Uruguay on four apiece, Peru taking second spot on goal difference. Bolivia were last with two points.<br /><br />Uruguay are certain qualify as one of the best two third-placed teams from the three groups.<br /><br />Venezuela's top spot means they return to San Cristobal, where they enjoy passionate support, for their quarter-final on Saturday.<br /><br />Venezuela had two good efforts in the first half as a rocketing Juan Arango free kick forced Fabian Carini into action and the Uruguay goalkeeper then dived bravely at Giancarlo Maldonado's feet.<br /><br />Uruguay's only shot on goal came in the 52nd minute when Diego Forlan's 25-metre effort dipped over the bar.<br />For long periods, the teams played the ball sideways and backwards as their opponents sat back and watched.<br /><br />Venezuela quickened the pace in the last 20 minutes and Jose Torrealba shots over from 20 metres, then Cesar Gonzalez was close with a curling free kick. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gBD-ZRNM4e8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gBD-ZRNM4e8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.ictdepartment.com.au/index.php/feed/rss.html</div>caleb2003noreply@blogger.com