Paraguay Lost, but There is Reason to Hope Larissa Riquelme Will Strip Anyway

I am deeply upset that Paraguay lost 3-0 to Uruguay in the finals of Copa America. After all, I have been a die hard fan of Paraguay for several weeks now. I can pinpoint the exact moment I became a die hard fan. It was when I read the following quote from Paraguay super fan Larissa Riquelme:

If Paraguay win the Copa America then I shall pose nude on the pitch.

And they came so close! But now it just seems so far. In fits of depression, I took to the internet for signs that there was somehow, someway that the tortuously close desired outcome could still come to fruition.

I did not find any current statement from Ms. Riquelme, but I did find this reason for unadulterated hope.

It appears that the lovely Larissa made a similar claim prior to the 2010 World Cup. As you are probably aware, Paraguay did not win that tournament either, but I did find this out from updatenews.ca:

The beautiful Paraguayan has good news for her eager fans who were disappointed by the loss. Riquelme says she will run naked through Asuncion, even though Paraguay did not win the World Cup. The curvy model says her nude run “will be a present to all of the players, and for all the people in Paraguay to enjoy.”

So, Larissa is into giving presents. That is good for her, and I am sure she is richly rewarded for such kindness in her soul. They say it is better to give than to receive. And with the amount of joy I feel with the possibility of receiving a gift of her posing nude on the pitch, I can only imagine what the feeling must be like for her. She can be like Santa Claus without the beard, belly, or suit. 

All seriousness aside, this was a fantastic job of marketing by Ms. Riquelme. It will no doubt spawn a string of copycats, and thus enriching the sports landscape. And for that, I thank her.

Be sure to catch Bleacher Report's Live Blog of the Final Between Uruguay and Paraguay.

Diego Forlan Fulfills Destiny in Paraguay vs. Uruguay Match in Copa America Finals

Diego Floran's Copa America success should come as no surprise to his family. In fact, it has to be expected and routine at this point. Diego is a third generation Copa champion in the Forlan family.

Forlan:

“This title means a lot to me because my grandfather won, my father won and now I won. Three generations who led this tournament, Forlan will be the last name in the history.”

The striker, who also plays for Spanish club Atletico Madrid, wasn't just a part of this team—he was one of its main weapons. And he put all that skill on display in the championship game. He scored a goal in each half to help he and his team become 2011 Copa America champions.

The goals also made him Uruguay's joint highest scorer in history after Liverpool forward Luis Suarez had broken the deadlock after only 11 minutes.

Suarez helpec Uruguay find the scoreboard early as they came out as aggressive as a swarm of bees on the kickoff. They pushed the ball into Paraguay's territory with malicious intent.

Paraguay's defense did an admirable job of manning up and they offered a couple of deflections, but ultimately it was a deflection that did them in. An errant kick bounded right to the waiting foot of Luis Suarez, and a couple of quick touches later the ball was in the net as it slid in just behind the right post.

Uruguay pushed their lead to 2-0 over Paraguay in the Copa America final after Diego Forlan netted an easy goal.

Forlan was the recipient of a some brilliant passing. The ball movement had the Paraguay keeper off balance and Forlan was able to drill a hard low shot past the keeper's left.

The goal came minutes before halftime, and sent Uruguay into the locker room on an emotional high. It also must deflate the sails of the team from Paraguay. They have mounted very little in the way of an attack thus far, and at this point a two-goal deficit seems almost insurmountable.

Floran than gave Uruguay more insurance than they needed with yet another goal in the second half. The goal gave Uruguay a 3-0 lead, and that is where the score stood until the end of the match.

Check out Bleacher Report's World Football Page for all up-to-date news and analysis.

Probably one of the most disappointing facts about Uruguay’s 3-0 win over Paraguay is the fact that Larissa Riquelme will not grace us with nudity on the pitch.

Okay honestly, it is without a doubt the most disappointing fact surrounding the Copa America 2011 tournament.

I have to believe that even Uruguay, who won the tournament keep in mind, feels pretty sad about the fact that they basically stole the world’s chance of seeing Riquelme stroll around nude on the pitch.

Well, if I were them I would feel bad.

Don’t know what I’m talking about? JOE.ie reports on the situation, and details the sultry models promise to her national team:

Be sure to  aA 3-0 victory for Uruguay in last night’s Copa America final meant that busty Paraguay superfan Larissa Riquelme was unable to strip naked in celebration.

Much like a similar but far less likely promise at last year’s World Cup, Riquelme had promised her countrymen that she would get her kit off at the final whistle if Paraguay managed to best the duo of Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan.

"If Paraguay win the Copa America then, I shall pose nude on the pitch,'' Riquelme had said prior to Paraguay’s meeting with Ecuador earlier in the competition.

Unfortunately for Uruguay, and men everywhere to be rather frank, Paraguay came out of the 2011 Copa America finals with a resounding 3-0 victory.

Uruguay was obviously the better team, but I have a sneaking suspicion that many were rooting for Paraguay to pull off the upset.

Well, there is always next year.

Congratulations goes out to Uruguay for another Copa America win.

Condolences to the rest of us though…

Check out Bleacher Reports’ World Football Page for all the latest news, transfer rumors and everything you need to know from the pitch.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Many would call the 2011 Copa America tournament rather disappointing. In fact, many have called it disappointing.

The favorites were knocked out of the tournament relatively early, at least according to their standards and expectations, and we were left with finals match that paired up a relative underdog with a perennial Copa America winner.

Overall the biggest complaint about Copa America 2011 was that the matches were rather boring and poorly played.

Thankfully, for Uruguay at least, the finals match was one that displayed skill and grace.

Unfortunately for Paraguay, all the skill and grace came from Uruguay’s side of the pitch.

Uruguay was ultimately just the far superior team in the Copa finals, and there is really no better way to describe it.

Luis Suarez punched in Uruguay’s first goal which was admittedly sloppy, when a gift of a ball deflected off a Paraguay player,

Uruguay’s second goal was equally as sloppy, but more so at the hands of Paraguay’s Nestor Origoza, who was stripped of the ball by Alvaro Gonzalez near the edge of the penalty box. Gonzalez made a beautiful pass over to star player Diego Forlan, and Uruguay quickly found themselves up two-nil just before halftime.

The play in the second half was much like the first, even though Paraguay was obviously feeling pressure, thus they started to push the ball a little bit more than usual.

The deciding factor and eventual nail in Paraguay’s coffin was losing star striker Lucas Barrios, to a re-aggravated hamstring injury that took him out of the game, and left Paraguay with no substitutions and only ten men on the field.

Uruguay capitalized on the tournament with a beautiful three man scoring play to cap off a 3-0 win and win them the Copa America 2011 tournament with a bang.

Uruguay is now arguably one of the best, if not the best country in Copa America tournament play, and I am sure they are looking forward to trying for a repeat.

Be sure to check out Bleacher Reports’ World Football Page for all the latest news, transfer rumors and everything you need to know from the pitch.

Diego Forlan Notches Two Big Goals in the Paraguay vs. Uruguay Match

Diego Forlan had one memorable day. The striker, who also plays for Spanish club Atletico Madrid, scored a goal in each half to help he and his team become 2011 Copa America champions.

The goals also made him Uruguay's joint highest scorer in history after Liverpool forward Luis Suarez had broken the deadlock after only 11 minutes.

Suarez helpec Uruguay find the scoreboard early as they came out as aggressive as a swarm of bees on the kickoff. They pushed the ball into Paraguay's territory with malicious intent.

Paraguay's defense did an admirable job of manning up and they offered a couple of deflections, but ultimately it was a deflection that did them in. An errant kick bounded right to the waiting foot of Luis Suarez, and a couple of quick touches later the ball was in the net as it slid in just behind the right post.

Uruguay pushed their lead to 2-0 over Paraguay in the Copa America final after Diego Forlan netted an easy goal.

Forlan was the recipient of a some brilliant passing. The ball movement had the Paraguay keeper off balance and Forlan was able to drill a hard low shot past the keeper's left.

The goal came minutes before halftime, and sent Uruguay into the locker room on an emotional high. It also must deflate the sails of the team from Paraguay. They have mounted very little in the way of an attack thus far, and at this point a two-goal deficit seems almost insurmountable.

Forlan than gave Uruguay more insurance than they needed with yet another goal in the second half. The goal gave Uruguay a 3-0 lead, and that is where the score stood until the end of the match.

The fact that Suarez and Forlan scored all of Uruguay's goal is no surprise.

With Edinson Cavani being forced to sit out due to an ailing knee Luis Suarez Diego Forlan have been charged with picking up the slack. Consider the slack tightened. Uruguay looks as good as ever.

Check out Bleacher Report's World Football Page for all up-to-date news and analysis.

Diego Forlan Leads Uruguay to Victory against Uruguay

Diego Forlan scored two goals in Uruguay's 3-0 victory over Paraguay in the Copa America Final and proved once again that he is one of the best midfielders in the world.

Forlan had a terrific World Cup in 2010 and carried that success over to 2011. He is one of the best playmakers in the world and is always looking to set up his teammates first.

He always finds himself in perfect position to score and generally puts the ball in the back of the net when he gets the chance.

Messi is generally regarded as the best soccer player in South America, which is true, but Forlan may be the best international player. Forlan is a terrific team player and always finds himself putting the team first.

He isn't worried about flashy goals or impressing the world, all he cares about is winning. Forlan is a perfect teammate and any team would be blessed to have a player like Forlan on the pitch.

He consistently proves his worth year in and year out. He has another chance to showcase himself on the international stage at the 2013 Confederations Cup and at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. If you have your doubts about Forlan, erase them now. He is one of the best players in the world and one of the classiest footballers the world has seen.

Be sure to catch Bleacher Report's Live Blog of the Final Between Uruguay and Paraguay.

Larissa Riquelme is Not Bound by Her Word to Pose Nude, but She Might Anyway

There is great news for all the eager, but now crestfallen fans of beauty and Larissa Riquelme. The beautiful fan of Paraguay soccer maybe, just maybe, feel the need to fulfill her promise to the world even though her team fell just short of her desired goal.

You see Uruguay selfishly defeated Paraguay 3-0 even though Paraguay super fan Larissa Riquelme had vowed this prior to the start of the tournament:

If Paraguay win the Copa America then I shall pose nude on the pitch.

The result instantly threw me into a fit of manic depression. I took to the internet to find some condolences. I did not find any current statement from Ms. Riquelme, but I did find this reason for unadulterated hope.

It appears that the lovely Larissa made a similar claim prior to the 2010 World Cup. As you are probably aware, Paraguay did not win that tournament either, but I did find this out from updatenews.ca:

The beautiful Paraguayan has good news for her eager fans who were disappointed by the loss. Riquelme says she will run naked through Asuncion, even though Paraguay did not win the World Cup. The curvy model says her nude run “will be a present to all of the players, and for all the people in Paraguay to enjoy.”

So, Larissa is into giving presents. That is good for her, and I am sure she is richly rewarded for such kindness in her soul. They say it is better to give than to receive. And with the amount of joy I feel with the possibility of receiving a gift of her posing nude on the pitch, I can only imagine what the feeling must be like for her.  

All seriousness aside, this was a fantastic job of marketing by Ms. Riquelme. It will no doubt spawn a string of copycats, and thus enriching the sports landscape. And for that, I thank you.

Be sure to catch Bleacher Report's Live Blog of the Final Between Uruguay and Paraguay.

Paraguay Drops Ball in Copa America 2011 Final, Losing to Uruguay 3-0

Paraguay had high hopes heading into the 2011 Copa America final against Uruguay. They had made the final against all odds, but the euphoria of their Copa America run would be short lived, as they were destroyed in the final from start to finish.

Uruguay beat Paraguay 3-0. They broke the record for most Copa America wins of all time, moving to 15 tournament victories in the country's rich history.

The win comes at the expense of Paraguay, who wanted to establish some tradition of their own by coming away with their first Copa America win since 1979.

The drought continues, making their fans wait even longer to see a major tournament victory. Despite their struggles, Paraguay has maintained a great following. Their most popular fan is Larissa Riquelme, who promised to pose nude on the pitch if Paraguay could pull out a win.

Riquelme is undoubtedly weeping over the loss and we are all weeping with her. Riquelme single handedly swayed the unbiased population to root for Paraguay.

Thanks a lot Paraguay, you let the whole world down.

Even so, it's an incredible victory for Uruguay. A Copa America win gives them great motivation going forward and could be just the confidence boost they need to make a run at the 2013 World Cup.

Uruguay was viewed as a middle-of-the-road team going into this tournament. Nobody expected them to win the whole thing, especially since Argentina was gunning for their 15th Copa America win as well.

Uruguay defeated host country and tournament favorite Argentina in the quarterfinals, essentially allowing them to turn on cruise control throughout the rest of the tournament.

It's a great day for Uruguay, but a very disappointing one for Paraguay, their fans and the rest of the world.

Be sure to catch Bleacher Report's Live Blog of the Final Between Uruguay and Paraguay.

--Kyle Vassalo

Paraguay vs. Uruguay Leads to Convincing Win by Uruguay

Uruguay knocked off Paraguay by a score of 3-0 to win the 2011 Copa America and earn the right to be called the best team in South America.

They knocked off the host nation Argentina in the quarterfinals in penalty kicks and defeated Peru and Paraguay convincingly in he semifinals and the finals.

Paraguay never seemed to be a threat to win this match and were outplayed early and often by a dominant Uruguay side.

Luis Suarez got the party started just 10 minutes into the match and Diego Forlan finished Paraguay off with two goals later in the match, one just before halftime and one with just minutes to play.

Paraguay came close to scoring in the second half but saw a shot hit off the crossbar on their only quality scoring chance of the match.

Fernando Muslera was not too busy in goal today, something he likely appreciated after coming up big against Argentina and Peru.

Justo Villar was quite active and was left flat-footed on the first two goals scored by Uruguay. Suarez's goal was deflected by a defender en route to the back of the net and Forlan buried a terrific strike from the edge of the box.

The final goal put Forlan in on a one-on-one with Villar and he had no chance at stopping the shot that trickled into the corner of the goal.

It was a terrific match and a terrific tournament for Uruguay who saved their best football for the final day when they met Paraguay. Paraguay lost their first match of the tournament after playing to a draw in their previous five matches.

It was a disappointing end for Paraguay who exceeded expectations and made the final of the Copa America. They fought through adversity and criticism to get where they were, but Uruguay proved they had no right being in the final.

Be sure to catch Bleacher Report's Live Blog of the Final Between Uruguay and Paraguay.

Uruguay Shatters the World's Dream of Seeing Larissa Riquelme Nude with Win vs. Paraguay

It is no wonder that Uruguay has won the 2011 Copa America Cup. The focus of their players on this task obviously reaches extraordinarily beyond the measures of any mortal men. The steel like resolve of every player on the roster of this amazing team from Uruguay can never be questioned. Their iron like will and impeachable moral fortitude is quite obviously beyond reproach.

There is no other way to account for their impeccable performance in the finals of 2011 Copa America where they shut out Paraguay 3-0.

But I will have to consider this a grudging respect as they are also now my least favorite team in sports. You see Uruguay selfishly defeated Paraguay 3-0 even though Paraguay super fan Larissa Requelme had vowed this prior to the start of the tournament:

If Paraguay win the Copa America then I shall pose nude on the pitch.

Had I been an opponent of Paraguay's I would have tried my very hardest to make it look like I was not throwing the match as blatantly as I was. Every other team in the field seemed to follow the script. Paraguay wasn't expected to make it the finals, but here they were. Delivered by the hands of fate on destiny's doorstep. But apparently the Uruguay team is immune to her powers and they slammed the door in destiny's fate.

And that blow will be felt around a crestfallen world. So enjoy your tournament victory Uruguay. Take special care to relish every minute as you bask in the light of accomplishment. It will be celebrated by you and you alone. And while the glory of a tournament victory may last forever, so do nude photos, and every can enjoy those.

Check out Bleacher Report's World Football Page for all up-to-date news and analysis.

Paraguay vs. Uruguay Live Update for Second Half

Time appears to be running short for Paraguay as they trail Uruguay by a score of 2-0 with under 30 minutes to play.

Paraguay appeared to get some life when they had a shot hit the crossbar but it was a failed attempt that led to nothing on the scoreboard.

It was the only chance Paraguay has had all game and they were unable to convert. Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan got Uruguay on the board in the first half with two terrific strikes.

Forlan placed the ball in the corner on a shot from just inside the box while Suarez got a lucky bounce as the ball trickled by the keeper and into the back of the net.

Uruguay has dominated possession in both halves and Paraguay is going to need to strike fast if they are going to come to life and make a comeback.

One goal can often change the tide in a soccer match, but with Paraguay failing to get chances they are going to need something fast and they may need to catch a break if they want to score.

Be sure to catch Bleacher Report's Live Blog of the Final Between Uruguay and Paraguay.

Paraguay vs. Uruguay Live Update for Halftime

Paraguay gave up chance after chance in the first half and it only took 10 minutes for them to get the early breakthrough.

Since then, Uruguay has tallied another mark and their two stars are carrying them. Luis Suarez struck first for Uruguay and Diego Forlan added the second goal just minutes before halftime.

The chances of Paraguay coming back against Uruguay should be considered very slim at best right now. They are not playing well and Uruguay is playing what could be their best game of the tournament. Uruguay has consistently played well throughout the tournament, while Paraguay has been underwhelming.

This match has gone how many have expected it to go, which is in favor or Uruguay.

Paraguay is a solid team but they are not playing very well right now and could really a quick goal in the second half to boost their confidence and get a little bit of momentum.

As of now, Uruguay has all the momentum and should have no problem holding off Paraguay in the second half of this match.

Be sure to catch Bleacher Report's Live Blog of the Final Between Uruguay and Paraguay.

Paraguay vs. Uruguay Witnesses Goal from Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez struck lightning in a bottle just 10 minutes into the match when Luis Suarez controlled a lob and struck the ball into the back of the net off of a Paraguay defender.

You could sense a goal coming even though it was just 10 minutes into the match. Paraguay was being smothered by the Uruguay attack and had already been forced to clear the ball off of the line once.

Paraguay has not given up a goal in their last two matches. They were on a 250 minute shutout streak before they finally conceded the goal.

The biggest problem for Paraguay the past two games has been putting the ball in the back of the net. While they had not conceded the past two games, they also have been unable to put a tally on the board.

Paraguay is going to need at least one goal now just to have a chance at winning this match, and will likely need at least two unless they tighten up their defense and get some more possession of the ball.

Uruguay seems comfortable, poised, and ready to win the 2011 Copa America.

Be sure to catch Bleacher Report's Live Blog of the Final Between Uruguay and Paraguay.

Paraguay vs. Uruguay Battle for Copa America Trophy

The first chance of the 2011 Copa America Final went to Uruguay on a ball played into the box. The ball was deflected in on target and Paraguay had to play the ball off the line to prevent a goal.

It should be no surprise that Uruguay got the first opportunity but it came just a minute into the match.

The biggest question mark is if the ball was handled by the Paraguay defender. Based on the replay it appears that the defender may have used his hand to pin the ball against his body which would have resulted in a penalty kick for Uruguay.

It was not called and Uruguay has continued to pressure Paraguay. Uruguay has dominated possession thus far, something that Paraguay did not want to allow.

Paraguay has struggled to get any sort of possession whether it be in their defensive end or on the attacking end and seem to be satisfied just sending the ball long and hoping one of their forwards can run onto the ball.

Paraguay is going to need to gain more possession if they expect to come away with a win. They can't afford to spend all game chasing after playing 240 minutes in their last two matches.

Be sure to catch Bleacher Report's Live Blog of the Final Between Uruguay and Paraguay.

Paraguay vs. Uruguay Battle For Copa America Trophy

Paraguay and Uruguay have both earned the right to face off for the 2011 Copa America title after weeks of acion.

Uruguay cruised into the quarterfinals and knocked off Argentina in a shootout before taking down Peru in the semifinals.

Paraguay, on the other hand, has drawn a lot of criticism for not winning a match thus far. They played to a draw in their first three matches and in both of the matches in the knockout stages. They defeated Brazil and Venezuela thanks to penalty kicks and a little bit of help from the bar in extra time against Venezuela.

For those fans that don't feel compelled to root for either team may just root for Larissa Riquelme. The supermodel has agreed to pose nude on the pitch if Paraguay wins the Copa America.

That is a pretty good incentive for Paraguay to step their game up and an even better incentive for neutral fans to root for Paraguay.

What fan in the world wouldn't want to see Riquelme's nude celebration on the pitch? It would certainly be a glorious celebration and one that there is no doubt she will fulfill if given the opportunity to do so.

The world has your back Paraguay, good luck.

Be sure to catch Bleacher Report's Live Blog of the Final Between Uruguay and Paraguay.