The 37th Edition of the Copa America was held in
Uruguay in July 1995, one year after the 1994 World Cup.
The hosts had been in a state of negativity ever since the end of
the 1990 World Cup and the appointment of Luis Cubilla as Manager. He had
attacked Uruguay’s foreign-based players, who in turn had boycotted the
National Team. This had led to poor performances in the 1991 and 1993 Copa
Americas but most importantly Uruguay missed out on qualifying for the 1994
World Cup.
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Photo From: Don Balon, Issue 1029, July 3-9, 1995
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This Tournament at home was seen as an opportunity for the
Uruguayans to reclaim their crowd.
It helped that the foreign-based contingent, led by veteran Enzo
Francescoli, were available for selection. The new Manager Hector Nunez could
once again count upon the services of Ruben Sosa and Daniel Fonseca among
others (in addition to Francescoli).
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Photo From: France Football, Issue 2571, July 18, 1995
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The defending World Cup Champions Brazil were once again under the
stewardship of Mario Zagalo. He had declared an ambitious plan to make Brazil’s
attacking play more adventurous than the defensive mimded 1994 World Cup
winning side.
Some of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup wining stars would be missing such
as Romario, Bebeto, Branco and Cafu among others.
Nonetheless, Zagalo’s Copa squad would consist of some of the USA
’94 veterans such as Captain Dunga, Zinho, Leonardo, Taffarel, Jorginho and Aldair.
Zagalo included many young players that would potentially form the
backbone of Brazil in the coming years.
This new generation included Ronaldo, not yet ‘El Fenomeno’, but a
player with huge potential (and not to mention already a member of the 1994 side,
though he did not play). Others included were the Sao Paulo midfielder Juninho,
who had impressed in the previous month’s Umbro Cup in England.
The controversial Edmundo and Botafogo’s Tulio were called up to
bolster the attack. At left back, Zagalo entrusted the emerging Roberto Carlos
(incidentally he had been part of the 1993 Copa squad, but at the time he was
seen as a potential reserve for the Senior squad).
Perennial rivals Argentina were also rebuilding following the 1994
World Cup exit (and the end of the Alfio Basile era) overshadowed with Diego
Maradona’s drug ban.
The new man in charge was former 1978 World Cup winning Captain
Daniel Passarella. He had sought to instill discipline and rejuvenate the side
with the 1998 World Cup in sight.
A few of his new restrictions included insisting on players having
short hair and not eat red meat.
Passarella wanted to form a backbone with many young players such
as Zanetti, Ayala, Ortega, Gallardo and Escudero.
He included veterans such as Batistuta (after he had agreed for a
hair cut), Balbo, Simeone and Chamot.
Colombia were still recovering from the memory of a tragic World
Cup that had culminated with the assassination of Andres Escobar. Pacho
Maturana’s former Assistant Hernan Dario Gomez now managed the Team.
He relied on the backbone of Captain Carlos Valderrama, Leonel
Alvarez and Freddy Rincon. Parma’s Faustino Asprilla had been convinced to
return to the side following his walkout after the assassination of Escobar.
Another returnee was eccentric goalkeeper Rene Higuita. He had
missed out the 1994 World Cup after his imprisonment following his role as a
go-between in a kidnapping in Colombia.
Former Colombia Manager Maturana was now the Manager of
neighboring Ecuador.
The 1994 World Cup qualifiers Bolivia were under new Management as
well. Spanish Manager Xabier Azkargorta had left to manage Chile. His compatriot Antonio
Lopez led the side.
In
fact in an unprecedented event, four Spanish managers led the Nations in this
Copa. In addition to Azkargorta (Chile) and Antonio Lopez (Bolivia), Rafael Santana (Venezuela) and legendary Barcelona player and former Spain
Manager Ladislao Kubala managed Paraguay.
Just like 1993, two guests from CONCACAF were included (for better
revenue) and once again the invitees were Mexico and USA.
Steve Sampson following the resignation of Bora Milutinovic in the
previous March now managed USA on interim-basis.
This was the very first Tournament that authorized three
substitutes in an Official match. In addition for the first time a win would be
worth three points in Copa America.
The matches started in Group "A" (based at Montevideo
and Maldonado) on July 5th when the hosts Uruguay took on the
continent’s weakest side Venezuela at the Centenario. The outcome was never in
doubt as Uruguay won (4-1).
On the next day at Maldonado, Paraguay defeated Mexico (2-1) to
gain an edge in the battle for the likely second place winners in the Group.
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Photo From: Don Balon, Issue 1033, July 31-August 6, 1995
|
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Photo From: Magazine Source Unknown
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Three days later on July 9th, Uruguay effectively won
the Group after defeating Paraguay (1-0) through a beautiful Francescoli
strike.
On the same day, Mexico predictably defeated Venezuela (3-1) to
exert pressure on Paraguay.
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Photo From: Don Balon, Edicion Chile, Issue 241, January 14-20, 1997
|
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Photo From: Don Balon, Edicion Chile, Issue 246, February 18-25, 1997
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Three days later, on July 12th, Paraguay defeated
Venezuela (3-2) but had to suffer as the unfancied Venezuelans gave a fair
account of themselves.
Due to torrential rain, the attendance was less than 1000.
The Uruguay-Mexico match was to take place on the same day, but
due to bad weather had to be postponed for the following day (the first such
occurrence in Copa History).
The match ended up as a tie (1-1) that helped Paraguay for the
second place and automatic qualification. In the end, Mexico would move up as
well as one of the best third placed qualifiers.
There was some controversy in this match as Uruguay veterans
Bengoechea and Sosa showed dissent towards Manager Hector Nunez following their
substitutions. Bengoechea (captaining the side in Francescoli’s absence) even
threw down his armband.
As far as the hosts’ performances on the field were concerned,
they advanced without really impressing.
Group “B” matches (all based in Rivera) started on July 7th
with Colombia facing Peru and Brazil taking on Ecuador. The Colombia-Peru
encounter featured a brilliant free kick goal by Faustino Asprilla (perhaps his
only contribution worthy of note during the Tournament). Peru tied the match
with a beautiful long-range shot of their own through Palacios (that many
critics blamed Higuita for his positioning).
On the same day a rather unimpressive Brazil defeated Ecuador
(1-0) through a Ronaldao (not to be confused with Ronaldo) header.
Zagalo expressed confidence that their performances would improve
with each match.
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Photo
From: Don Balon, Issue 1032, July 24-30, 1995
(July
7, 1995, Copa America, Brazil 1-Ecuador 0)
|
Three days later on July 10th, Pacho Maturana faced his
former team as Ecuador faced Colombia. However, the former assistant Dario
Gomez came out the winner as Freddy Rincon’s strike settled the match.
Brazil were once again unimpressive n their win (2-0) over Peru
despite achieving qualification
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Photo
From: AS Color
(July
10, 1995, Copa America, Brazil 2-Peru 0)
|
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Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 79, August 1995
(July
10, 1995, Copa America, Colombia 1-Ecuador 0)
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On the last matchday July 13th, Ecuador faced Peru. The
two Nations had been in a state of war earlier in the year and there had been
suggestions that perhaps the sides should have been placed in different groups.
In the end there was no trouble, as Ecuador won (2-1). On the same day, Brazil
somewhat came to life in their (3-0) win over Colombia. The match featured a
howler by Higuita who punched in an own goal from a corner.
The Colombian Federation would lodge an official complaint about
Uruguayan linesman Hector Bonora, who allegedly told the Colombian players, “you cocaine
consumers, shut it” after an incident.
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Photo
From: Libero, Issue 21, 1996-IFFHS
(Colombia
squad, July 13, 1995, Copa America, Brazil 3-Colombia 0)
Note:
This could also be the lineup vs. Peru on July 7th, the starting
lineup is identical for both matches
|
Group “C” (based in Paysandu) had appeared to be a formality for
Argentina. The matches started on July 8th, with USA defeating a
disappointing Chile side (2-1). The angry Chilean Manager Xabier Azkargorta stated that,
“My players have no balls”.
On the same day, Argentina defeated Bolivia (2-1) with Batistuta
scoring in his third straight Copa America Tournament.
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Photo
From: Don Balon, Chile Edition, Issue no 201, April 23-29, 1996
(July
8, 1995, Copa America, Argentina 2-Bolivia 1)
|
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Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 79, August 1995
(July
8, 1995, Copa America, Argentina 2-Bolivia 1)
|
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Photo
From: France Football, Issue 2571, July 18, 1995
(July
8, 1995, Copa America, USA 2-Chile 1)
|
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Photo
From: Don Balon, Issue 1032, July 24-30, 1995
(July
8, 1995, Copa America, USA 2-Chile 1)
|
Three days later, Bolivia defeated USA (1-0) through an impressive
Etcheverry
strike. Argentina continued its free scoring form by defeating Chile (4-0) with
Batistuta scoring twice. A 19 year-old Argentinean fan would later die after
street battles between San Lorenzo and Platense fans
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Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 79, August 1995
(July
11, 1995, Copa America, Argentina 4-Chile 0)
|
On
the last matchday (July 14th), Chile came to life by taking a (2-0)
lead over Bolivia. Bolivia would come back and force a tie (2-2) and achieve
third place that would advance them to the next round.
At
this point this Group seemed like a formality for Argentina. For their last
match vs. USA, Passarella decided to rest as many as nine starters from his
lineup. It was a mistake that he would regret as the Americans, desperate for a
win to advance, came out fighting for a win. USA scored twice in the first
half. This forced Passarella to send on Ortega and Simeone in the second half
to salvage something but USA struck again and earned one of their greatest
victories of their Football History by defeating one of the major powers of
Football (3-0). USA Manager Steve Sampson described it as a, “historic win for American Football.”
The
loss had larger consequences, despite advancing Argentina had finished second
in the Group behind USA and would now face Brazil in the quarterfinals.
Argentina’s
loss was also overshadowed by the declarations of Manager Daniel Passarella in
the days prior, who in an interview with ‘Clarin’ had stated that he would not
select homosexual players for the National Team. This led to protests from
Argentina’s gay community and un-needed media pressure.
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Photo
From: El Grafico Nª 3954 18-7-1995
(July
14, 1995, Copa America, USA 3-Argentina 0)
|
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Photo
From: El Grafico Nª 3954 18-7-1995
(July
14, 1995, Copa America, USA 3-Argentina 0)
|
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Photo
From: El Grafico Nª 3954 18-7-1995
(July
14, 1995, Copa America, USA 3-Argentina 0)
|
The
quarterfinals would take place on July 16th and 17th. On
July 16th, Colombia faced Paraguay in a match that ended in a tie
(1-1) and had to be settled by a penalty kick shoot-out (won by Colombia). In
fact three of the four quarterfinals matches would be settled this way.
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Photo
From: Don Balon, Chile Edition, Issue no 201, April 23-29, 1996
(July
16, 1995, Copa America, Colombia 1-Paraguay 1)
|
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Photo
From: El Grafico Nª 3954 18-7-1995
(July
16, 1995, Copa America, Colombia 1-Paraguay 1)
|
On
the same day, Uruguay defeated Bolivia (2-1) at the Centenario to advance.
Daniel
Fonseca was injured in the process of scoring his acrobatic winner for Uruguay.
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Photo
From: Don Balon, Issue 1033, July 31-August 6, 1995
(July
16, 1995, Copa America, Uruguay 2-Bolivia 1)
|
On
the following day, the CONCACAF Nations, USA and Mexico played to a scoreless
tie that was settled by a penalty kick shoot-out (won by USA).
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Photo
From: AS Color
(July
17, 1995, Copa America, USA 0-Mexico 0)
|
The
most entertaining encounter was between fierce rivals Argentina and Brazil at
Rivera.
Argentina,
eager to make up for their loss to USA, started brightly took an early lead
through Balbo. Edmundo tied the score shortly thereafter before Batistuta once
again restored Argentina’s lead. Argentine midfielder Astrada’s dismissal in
the end of the first half would have a profound effect on the match. Passarella
would make defensive substitutions in the second half by taking off Ortega and
Batistuta and sending on Perez and Ayala. Passarella’s intent was to maintain
the score. He almost succeeded but with less than ten minutes remaining, Brazil
would score a controversial equalizer. Brazilian striker Tulio would control a
cross clearly with his arm before settling it down and scoring. It was obvious
to everyone except the referees and the goal stood. The match would remain tied
and once again settled by a penalty kick shoot-out and a Brazilian victory.
As
expected, there was much outcry afterwards; Diego Maradona would refer to
Zagalo as a senile in need of an ophthalmologist. For his part, Zagalo stated
that in the end it made no difference since everything was “arranged” to ensure
an Uruguay victory in the end.
Zagalo had also complained that the draw favored Uruguay.
Uruguay Federation President Carlos Maresco responded, “Zagalo should know that
the host team have to have the best chance to reach the final, otherwise
economic results would be disastrous”.
For their part, the Argentineans accused the Brazilian
Federation President Ricardo Texeira in pressuring referees to help Brazil.
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Photo
From: Don Balon, Edicion Chile, Issue 242, January 21-27, 1997
(July
17, 1995, Copa America, Brazil 2-Argentina 2)
|
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Photo
From: El Grafico Nª 3954 18-7-1995
(July
17, 1995, Copa America, Brazil 2-Argentina 2)
|
The
first semifinal took place on July 19th with the hosts facing
Colombia at the Centenario. Uruguay would run out winners (2-0) to advance to
the Final.
On the
following day at Maldonado, an early strike by Aldair was enough to end the
American adventure. Brazil advanced to face their other Historical continental
rival for the Final.
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Photo
From: AS Color
(July
19, 1995, Copa America, Uruguay 2-Colombia 0)
|
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Photo
From: AS Color
(July
20, 1995, Copa America, Brazil 1-USA 0)
|
On
July 22nd, Colombia faced USA for the third place match. Colombia
gained a measure of revenge for their loss at the previous year’s World Cup by
winning (4-1) against a tired and unmotivated American side. Rene Higuita
nearly scored a goal from a free kick. His attempt struck the post with
Asprilla knocking in the rebound.
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Photo
From: Don Balon, Chile Edition, Issue no 213, July 16-22, 1996
(July
22, 1995, Copa America, Colombia 4-USA 1)
|
On July 23rd, the Final took place at the Centenario
between hosts Uruguay and defending World Cup Champions Brazil.
Brazil were better in the first half and controlled the game. They
would strike in the 30th minute with Tulio chesting in Edmundo’s
pass after Zinho’s opening.
This would Tulio’s only contribution, as he would be well marked
by Eber Moas throughout the match.
Uruguay Manager Hector Nunez had gambled on with starting the
not-fit Fonseca (still carrying an injury from the Bolivia match).
Nunez would take off the ineffective Fonseca at halftime,
replacing him with Sergio Martinez.
He would also replace Dorta with Bengoechea, the hero of the 1987
Copa America Final.
When Ruben Sosa saw Martinez warming up to replace Fonseca,
he threw his shirt down in anger and left the bench (Francescoli had to
intervene to bring him back for the eventual celebrations).
The substitutions proved effective as Uruguay piled on the
pressure. Bengoechea would tie the match with a free kick in the 51st
minute. For the rest of the match neither side would exert an advantage and the
match would end as a tie and once again a penalty kick shoot-out was needed.
The Uruguayan hosts would be victorious in the shoot-out to
expectedly win the Copa on home soil.
In doing so, Uruguay won their 14th Copa America and
tied Argentina in the number of trophies.
The 34 year-old Francescoli was able to cap off an impressive
career with a glorious win on home soil with a trophy.
He would be voted as the player of the Tournament.
For the hosts, Tabare Silva also earned plaudits at left back, as
did Marcelo Otero upfront. The Tournament signaled the end of the International
career of Ruben Sosa in the autumn of his career. A player of his ability
deserved a better ending than a peripheral role in Uruguay’s win.
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Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 79, August 1995
(July
23, 1995, Copa America, Uruguay 1-Brazil 1)
|
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Photo
From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 79, August 1995
(July
23, 1995, Copa America, Uruguay 1-Brazil 1)
|
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Photo
From: World Soccer, September 1995
(July
23, 1995, Copa America, Uruguay 1-Brazil 1)
|
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Photo
From: Historia de La Copa America, 2a Edicion
(July
23, 1995, Copa America, Uruguay 1-Brazil 1)
|
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Photo
From: World Soccer, September 1995
(July
23, 1995, Copa America, Uruguay 1-Brazil 1)
|
It remained to be seen whether Uruguay’s victory had been achieved
due to home field advantage or actual ability. In any case, it was a
much-needed boost for Uruguay after the disappointments of the previous years.
Like every Tournament there were criticisms leveled at the
Organization. The poor state of the Centenario pitch was mentioned. Many
critics believed the conditions on the field made players susceptible to
injuries.
Many believed it clearly affected Brazil’s play in the Final who
were used to the good grass at Rivera.
The ticket prices were also another complaint. The cheapest
tickets were 30 US Dollars. Many believed this to be a factor for the low
attendances in the first round.
FIFA also prohibited live transmission of matches within Uruguay
for commercial purposes. In protest Television Stations blotted out static
advertising in Stadiums.
As for Brazil, Zagalo stressed on the future objectives like the
1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Brazil’s playing style was also criticized, as their (4-3-1-2)
favored slow build-ups and not many scoring opportunities.
At left back Roberto Carlos was one of the discoveries of the
Tournament and would make the position his own into the next decade. He was
also on his way to Internazionale Milano (to be joined by Argentina’s
Zanetti). Juninho had also impressed
(continuing his progress from the 1995 Umbro Cup). In a matter of months, he
would also be on the move (to Middlesbrough).
Brazilian Captain Dunga played well and Tulio and Savio also stood
out, though Tulio would disappear from International reckoning afterwards.
Ronaldo would be the global sensation of the game within two years
but at this point and in this Copa, he did not have many opportunities to
shine.
Argentina were lethal upfront with Batistuta and Balbo, but
Passarella took a lot of criticism for his tactical decisions (not to mention
his public pronouncements on homosexuals).
Zanetti and Ortega also received some praise while the 19-year-old
Gallardo was deemed a somewhat disappointment.
For Colombia, Asprilla was the greatest disappointment and a
shadow of his Parma self.
The USA program appeared to be improving and its Manager Steve
Sampson would be rewarded with a full-time contract in the following month.
Both goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller alternated and were
impressive as was Eric Wynalda upfront.
Chile had a Tournament to forget and Xabier Azkargorta would soon
be on his way out. It must be said that they were missing Ivan Zamorano.
Mexico
were also disappointing and did not build on the success of their 1993
performance.
The
Tournament was about to enter a new era. CONMEBOL had decided to have World Cup
qualifiers on a round-robin basis featuring all the Nations playing one another
home and away. This process would take nearly two years and would take
precedence over future Copa Americas with the 1997 Edition the first to feel
the impact.
Notes:
1-The mascot of the Copa America 1995 was named a ‘Pepito’, a
bull created by Jose Luis Huart.
2-The bonuses were to be divided as such:
a)
Each Nation guaranteed 150,000 US Dollars.
b)
If advanced to next round, an extra 60,000 US Dollars.
c)
The Nation finishing Fourth: 120,000 US Dollars.
d)
The Nation finishing Third: 200,000 US Dollars.
e)
The Nation finishing Runner-up: 300,000 US Dollars.
f)
The Nation finishing Champion: 500,000 US Dollars.
3-For this Tournament, with FIFA’s accord, all eleven
non-playing substitutes were eligible to enter the play.
4-Colombia were to be stationed at Rivera-based club
Oriental’s training field. However, after the club requested 6,000 US Dollars,
the Colombians moved to Brazil and trained at Gremio’s facilities.
5-Paraguay goalkeeper Ruben Ruiz Diaz returned to Asuncion
after violent bouts of diarrhea. Jorge Battaglia started in his place vs.
Colombia in the quarterfinals.
6-Brazil goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel was suspended for
Brazil’s first two matches for wearing gloves with advertisements on them
during the 1994 World Cup.
7-Brazil substitute goalkeeper Danrlei had asked his fiancée
to reside in a hotel near the Brazil Team hotel so that he could visit her. For
this breach of discipline, Zagalo did not start him in the first two matches
and started with Dida.
8-Colombia’s Adolfo Valencia “el Tren” refused selection as
he was on vacation, much to the dismay of Manager Hernan Dario Gomez.
9-The Argentina squad was to include Cristian Bassedas, but
his injury forced Passarella to call up Juan Jose Borelli while he was on
Holiday.
10-Colombia’s Freddy Leon (16 years old) was the youngest
player of the Tournament, followed by 19-year-old Ronaldo (Brazil). Bolivia’s
Carlos Borja (38 years old) was the oldest player in the Copa.
11-During the Tournament, Diego Simeone became a father. He
turned down the offer to visit his family and preferred to stay with his
Argentina teammates.
12-Diego Maradona was seen at Paysandu at Argentina’s matches.
He told the media to not cover him out of respect for those who are playing.
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Photo From: France Football, Issue 2571, July 18, 1995
|
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Photo From: Don Balon, Issue 1032, July 24-30, 1995
|
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Photo From: Libero, Issue 21, 1996-IFFHS
|
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Photo
From: World Soccer, September 1995
|
(Team
of the Tournament by World Soccer )
|
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Photo
From: France Football, Issue 2573, August 1, 1995
|
(Team
of the Tournament by France Football)
|
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Photo
From: World Soccer, September 1995
| (Quotes from the Tournamnet) |
References:
Mundi Cromo Sport, Copa America 1995
Navarrete Copa America 1995
El Grafico Nª 3953 11-7-1995
El Grafico Nª 3954 18-7-1995
Calcio 2000, Issue 21, July 1999
Don Balon, Issue 1029, July 3-9, 1995
Don Balon, Issue 1032, July 24-30, 1995
Don Balon, Issue 1033, July 31-August 6, 1995
Don Balon, Issue 1031, July 17-23, 1995
France Football, Issue 2570, July 11, 1995
France Football, Issue 2571, July 18, 1995
France Football, Issue 2572, July 25, 1995
France Football, Issue 2573, August 1, 1995
Historia de La Copa America, 2a Edicion
Libero_IFFHS
AS Color (July 1995)
World Soccer, September 1995
Onze-Mondial, Issue 79, August 1995
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