While I was checking out models on the beach, the second matches of the Copa América in Groups A and B were being played. Uruguay-Bolivia and Venezuela-Peru were both cures for insomnia, but Uruguay snatched a 1-0 victory over the Bolivian side, and Venezuela won its first Copa América match in almost 40 years. Both matches had controversial moments; Bolivia cried foul over a number of hard Uruguayan challenges that didn't draw yellow cards, Venezuela and Peru had a man sent off (Peru at the beginning, Venezuela at the end) and Peru had a penalty appeal turned down. Both matches, incidentally, were refereed by CONCACAF officials.
On Sunday, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the final eight by defeating Ecuador 2-1. Once again, Nery Castillo made the difference -- he will almost certainly be a key part of the Mexican national team over the next 6-8 years. Ecuador is now the first team eliminated from the tournament. Robinho's hat-trick helped Brazil rout Chile 3-0 and rebound from their opening loss in a big way. Now they sit in second place in Group B.
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