Massive celebration on the streets of Montevideo tonight following Uruguay's Copa victory.

When Vegas oddsmakers first began sizing-up the twelve team field participating in Copa America 2011, Argentina and Brazil were the obvious favorites to play in today’s final in Buenos Aires. Loaded rosters with the best players in the world, rabid fans with the purchasing power to travel and pack stadiums in remote corners of Argentina, and of course…the sponsors. The green Nike swoosh on the Selecao jersey is almost as ubiquitous as the 3 stripes of Adidas in Argentina.

But a funny thing happened on the way to Nuñez. Both Uruguay and Paraguay played the role of giant killers last weekend against Argentina and Brazil, respectively. Both Quarterfinal matches were decided by penalty kicks which found Argentina fan favorite Carlos Tevez in the unlikely role of scapegoat and the mighty CBF unable to convert a single penalty kick. The outcome left the host nation rattled, Brazilian fans deflated and stadiums in La Plata and Mendoza empty for the Semifinals.

Unlike those matches, today’s Copa America Final was a sellout, and Uruguay put on a show. With the exception of three yellow cards, the Celeste played a perfect first half running Puma-like circles around the Paraguayan defense and leaving two in the back of the net (Suárez 11, Forlán 41). The second half was just icing on the Copa-cake with a second goal from Forlán, a 3-0 final score and a record 15th championship trophy for the trip home tonight across the Rio de la Plata.

Clearly, teamwork at Copa America 2011 was the advantage that put Uruguay on top and football giants like Argentina and Brazil on the sidelines. The Argentine press applauded the victory while giving a jab to the local boys. “Uruguay gave a clear demonstration of what it means to play as a team,” said CanchaLlena, while Clarin simply declared “Uruguay, King of America.” (Full Story in Spanish)