Brazil Offers Ultimate Test for Uruguay

Uruguay has earned a reputation as a giant-killer on its way to the finals of the Copa America. Now it plays for the title against the biggest giant of them all--Brazil.

In emotion--if not technique--today’s match is about as good as it gets.

On one side, perennial favorite Brazil is the heavy favorite to repeat as Copa America champion and claim its sixth South American title.

The four-time World Cup champions brought their big guns from Europe, and Ronaldo, Rivaldo and others have been detonating the competition. Brazil is undefeated and has the tournament’s most potent offense, with 14 goals in five games.

Brazil’s victims included powerful Argentina, Mexico twice, Chile and Venezuela.

If logic favors Brazil, the heart pulls for Uruguay.

Devoid of international stars, the brash young team that came to the Copa America to pick up some seasoning has become a sensation as it pulled off upset over upset.

Not even Uruguayans expected anything like that from their team, especially after they lost to Argentina and Colombia and sneaked into the second round with a victory over lightly regarded Ecuador.

In the third-place game Saturday, Miguel Zepeda’s goal in the 87th minute gave Mexico a 2-1 victory over Chile.