Argies dumped out

Uruguay have just knocked out Copa hosts Argentina on pens in today's second quarter final. Earlier, Peru beat Colombia 2 RPG's to no after a goalless 90 mins. On paper, these results look like shocks but anybody who has been following the competition closely probably won't be that surprised.

Uruguay scored after only 5 minutes when Perez bundled the ball across the line. Then, parity was restored by Higuain on 18 minutes. As usual, 'la Pulga' Messi was involved in just about everything Argentina created but their performance was much the same as their opening two games against Bolivia and Colombia. The Uruguayans suffered a blow 5 minutes before half-time when goalscorer Perez got his marching orders after a second bookable.

Argentina's personnel advantage was obvious in terms of possession in the second 45, but they never really stamped their authority on the game. Any chances they did create were resolutely blocked by Muslera (man of the match, for me) in the Uruguayan goal. Suarez and Forlan were busy in periods - Suarez is always so much more animated when he plays for his country. Tevez was eventually brought on after 84 mins to replace young Agüero (he was disappointing tonight) but he looked out of sorts - the story of his tournament. Player numbers were then levelled on 87 mins when captain Mascherano was sent off for his second yellow.

The additional 30 mins was a fairly entertaining see-saw affair but you kinda got the feeling it was going to pens. The first two for each side were dispatched without any trouble. Then, 'Apache' Tevez stepped up only to see his tameish effort saved by Muslera - that'll cheer up a few Man U fans tomorrow. The rest of the spot kicks found their mark... carnival scenes for 'la celeste', day out at the local morgue for the Argies.

Uruguay will play Peru in Tuesday's semi.