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Photos: Surprise finalists battle for Copa America title

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Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar saves a penalty kick shot by Venezuelan midfielder Franklin Lucena.

Rodrigo Arangua

The South American giants are nowhere to be seen.

Mighty Brazil and tournament host Argentina were both kicked out in the quarterfinals.

Instead, Paraguay — which beat Brazil, but has yet to win a match outright — earned one of the slots in this weekend's Copa America final. It hasn't won the tournament since 1979.

Uruguay claimed the other, knocking off Argentina along the way. If it triumphs, it will become the most successful nation in Copa America history with 15 titles.

The game is Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

Paraguay celebrates winning the semifinal game in the Copa America.

Paraguay and Venezuela fight for the ball.
Villar jumps to clear the ball from Venezuelan forward Jose Rondon. (Rodrigo Arangua/AFP/Getty Images)

Paraguay and Venezuela fight for the ball.
Paraguayan midfielder Cristian Riverdos, Venezuelan forward Jose Rondon and Paraguayan defender Marcos Caceres jump for the ball. (Rodrigo Arangua/AFP/Getty Images)

Uruguay defender fights for the ball against Peru.
Uruguayan defender Diego Lugano heads the ball over Peruvian forward Paolo Guerrero. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP/Getty Images)

Uruguay fights for the ball.
Lugano fights for the ball against Peruvian midfielder Juan Vargas. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP/Getty Images)

Uruguay defender fights for the ball.
Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez eyes the ball as Peruvian Alberto Rodriguez falls to the ground. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP/Getty Images)

Paraguay supporters cheer on their team.
Supporters of Paraguay cheer on their team during the semifinal round of Copa America. (Antonio Scorza/AFP/Getty Images)

Uruguay supporters cheer on their team.
Uruguayan supporters cheer on their team during the semifinal round of Copa America. (Juan Mabromata/AFP/Getty Images)

Uruguay celebrates winning the semifinal round.
Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres celebrates with teammates after the team scored a goal. (Daniel Garcia/AFP/Getty Images)

Hannah McGoldrick contributed to this story.

Follow Stephanie on Twitter: @stephaniegarlow

Read more: Battle of the Rio Plate

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