The European football season gets under way this month but this does not mean that no football has taken place during July and August. The Copa America, The Women’s World Cup, World Cups at U-17 and U-20 levels, as well as major domestic leagues including Brazil, Argentina, the MLS and the J-League have all seen football action this summer. In this post, languagecaster takes a brief look back at some of the highlights from the summer of 2011.
The main soccer event of the summer took place during the Argentinian winter as Uruguay won their record-breaking 15th Copa America title after thrashing Paraguay 3-0 in the final at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Coach Oscar Tabarez showed that his team’s performance at last year’s World Cup in South Africa was no fluke as they fully deserved the trophy. La Celeste, or the Sky Blues, had the player of the tournament in Luis Suarez, they did not lose a match and also knocked-out hosts and favourites Argentina. Remarkably, striker Diego Forlan’s winners medal means that three generations of his family have now won South America titles. Well done to Uruguay.
Vocabulary
record-breaking: the team has won more trophies than any other country
thrashing: A heavy defeat
fluke: luck or chance
three generations of his family have now won South America titles: Forlan’s grandfather and father have also won Copa America tournaments.
a monumental shock: A huge surprise
to get out of their group: To qualify for the knockout rounds
powerhouse: A strong team with a long tradition
Nadeshiko: The nickname of the female Japanese team
thrilling: Exciting
