Fernando Muslera in the CONMEBOL Copa America 2011
2023-06-15
Fernando Muslera has been a key figure for the Uruguayan national team over the years, protecting the arch in many memorable matches and several editions of the CONMEBOL Copa América. The most special of these was certainly 2011, when his exceptional performance led the Celeste squad to the top of the continent, by lifting South America’s most prestigious trophy.
The 2011 CONMEBOL Copa América in Argentina was Fernando’s first continental tournament with the national team. Uruguay already arrived as favourites after reaching the semifinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, with decisive performances by Muslera, as in the historic match against Ghana in the quarterfinals, where he saved a penalty in the shootout for Uruguay to advance.
In the Group Stage in Argentina, the Uruguayans kicked off their campaign with two 1-1 draws against Peru and Chile. In the third round, they managed to qualify by beating Mexico 1-0. Muslera started in all three matches and made important saves for his team.
In the quarterfinals, Uruguay had a difficult challenge against the home team, Argentina. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time and the fight for a spot in the semifinals would be decided on penalties.
The first two shots were scored by both teams: Messi and Burdisso for Argentina, Forlán and Suárez for Uruguay. Carlos Tevez took the third for the Albiceleste, but Muslera saved it, first with his arms and then with his left knee.
Scotti and Gargano found the net for the Celeste, while Pastore and Higuaín scored for the Argentines to make it 4-4, with just one penalty left for the visitors. Martín Cáceres converted to close the scoreboard 5-4 and the Uruguayans went through.
Uruguay went on to defeat Peru 2-0 in the semi-finals and Paraguay 3-0 in the final match, with outstanding performances by Muslera in both games, keeping a clean sheet to give Uruguay the title after 16 years.
His journey in the CONMEBOL Copa América after the 2011 consecration went on as far as the quarter-finals in 2015, the group stage in the Centenary edition of 2016 and the quarter-finals again in 2019 and 2021.
The name of Fernando Muslera will go down in history as one of the finest goalkeepers of the Uruguayan national team and of South American football, a symbol of strength and assurance between the goalposts for one of the most successful generations of the Celeste in recent years.