Copa America 2011 Final: Luis Suarez Will Be Key for Uruguay in Beating Paraguay

Star forward Luis Suarez and team Uruguay enter the Copa America 2011 Final on the right note, as the fire-powered offense that put together a run in the 2010 World Cup is beginning to heat up.

The Copa America 2011 Final will be played this Sunday, as Uruguay and Paraguay battle it out in what should be as tough a final as any.

In analyzing who has the advantage in this Copa America final, it is vital to understand how each team got to this match.

Uruguay comes in on quite the run. "The Charrua" were able to beat the host and favorite in the tournament, Argentina, after winning in penalty kicks on a 1-1 draw. Several outstanding saves by Fernando Muslera late in the second half kept Uruguay in the game when Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi had chances to put it away 2-1 or 3-1.

In the second game against Peru, Uruguay exerted their dominance and took care of possession for the most part. They would win on two Luis Suarez goals; the Liverpool forward has emerged as a top-notch talent in the game of football.

Paraguay is a team that is not necessarily a dominant squad. Excluding penalty kicks, Paraguay has tied all five games in the tournament. In the elimination round, the team tied with Brazil 0-0 and won in penalty kicks. Shortly following that game, Paraguay played against Venezuela, the "Vino Tinto." In that game Paraguay also tied 0-0 and won in penalty kicks.

To Paraguay's credit, they did have a two-goal game and a three-goal game in the group stage. Also, it is important to note that they were able to hold Brazil and Venezuela to two consecutive shut-outs. Yet there are a few reasons why their defense is not something Uruguay will ultimately fret about.

For one, Uruguay boasts plenty of star-power at the forward position in Luis Suarez and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan. Forlan has picked up his play a bit since struggling in the group stages, yet could still prove to be more effective in the final. Suarez, on the other hand, has put on a display, making defenses pay time and time again throughout this Copa America tournament.

Also, it is important to note that this Paraguay defense has let up several times in this Copa America. In the final group stage game against Venezuela, Paraguay let up two goals in the last five minutes of the game when up 3-1; the game ended in a 3-3 draw. In the semifinal against the "Vino Tinto," Venezuela was constantly pushing to score in extra time, while Paraguay's defense looked tired and sluggish yet again.

Uruguay has to push the Paraguayan defense from the first minute on. It sounds like it goes without saying, yet Uruguayan coach Tabarez has a tendency to play conservatively and defensively. Sunday, Luis Suarez and company will have to put pressure on the Paraguayan defense. If Suarez and Forlan are able to bring the heat early, Paraguay will have a lot to deal with.

To Paraguay's credit they are a capable team that can score goals and play tough, yet it seems that Uruguay's talent may be too much for this Paraguay team to handle. If Paraguay can't put up goals—they are yet to put in one for the elimination round—expect Suarez and Uruguay to put up their 15th Copa America trophy.

What makes Suarez such a threat in this game is his ability to constantly put pressure on a defense, even when he doesn't have the ball. He constantly makes runs, shows for the ball down the field and draws a fair share of fouls. Give Suarez too much of his way on Sunday, and Paraguay could be in for a tough time.

This 2011 Copa America Final will be a tough game that might be decided by no more than one goal, as Luis Suarez will be the deciding factor that will likely give Uruguay the upper hand in the final. Paraguay's defense has proven it has gaps; Suarez and Forlan have to put on the pressure.