Paraguay vs. Uruguay: 3 Things We Learned from Copa America Final

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.