The Uruguayan capital of Montevideo erupted in celebration on Sunday after the national team took its record 15th Copa America victory after beating Paraguay 3-0 in the final in Buenos Aires.
Paraguay beat Venezuela 5-3 in a penalty shootout Wednesday following a goalless draw at the semi-final stage of the Copa America. The team faces Uruguay on Sunday in its first final appearance since 1979.
After 12 years under Chavez, does Venezuela have any alternatives if their president becomes too sick to fight the election? Also, prisoners in Paraguay go to drastic lengths to highlight deplorable living conditions. Finally, how same-sex marriage is giving a much-needed boost to the US economy.
Spain squeaked ahead of Paraguay in Saturday's quarter-final match with a late goal in the 83rd minute for a 1-0 win. The victory means Spain will go on to compete against Germany in the semi-finals, who beat Argentina 4-0 earlier Saturday.
Paraguay secured their quarter-final spot Tuesday after beating Japan 5-3 in a tense penalty shootout. The South Americans will take on either Spain or Portugal in their next World Cup game.
Italy, winners of the World Cup in 2006, are Group F favourites despite their recent difficult run. The team are set to face Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia.
A state of exception is in place in the northern provinces of Paraguay, giving the authorities greater powers to tackle the Paraguyan People's Army, or EPP. Many of its members are accused of kidnap and even murder. Their most high profile victim was Cecilia Cubas, the daughter of former president Raul. She was abducted in 2004 and found dead six months later. But it's the recent spate of attacks against police officers that's led to the crackdown.
In this edition: upset by dissent in the media, Hugo Chavez reaches for the "off" switch; why Paraguay is the toughest dating environment in the world; what future for Obama's Iranian plan; and the quickie cheapie wedding comes to New York.
Brazil has agreed to triple its compensation to Paraguay to operate the Itaipu hydroelectric dam on their shared border, ending a decades-long dispute. The deal is seen as a victory for Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo (photo left).
