Soccer is a matter of national pride in South America.

And with Paraguay (pop: 6.3 million) taking on Uruguay (pop: 3.3 million) in the Copa America finals, that leaves a lot of disappointed South Americans.

Peruvian defender Walter Vilchez and forward Paolo Guerrero after the team's defeat to Uruguay in the semi-finals. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP/Getty Images)

Peruvian supporters show their dejection after their team's semifinal loss. (Juan Mabromata/AFP/Getty Images)

Venezuelan fans can hardly bear to watch during their team's semifinal match against Paraguay. Paraguay beat Venezuela in penalty kicks after a scoreless game. (Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty Images)

Venezuelan players watch the penalty shootout against Paraguay. (Rodrigo Arangua/AFP/Getty Images)

Two Venezuelan fans hold each other after their country's loss. (Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty Images)

Argentine forward Lionel Messi reacts during Argentina's quarterfinal loss to Uruguay. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP/Getty Images)

An Argentine fan during the quarterfinal against Uruguay. (Juan Mabromata/AFP/Getty Images)

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva and midfielder Ramires leave the field with their arms around each other, after losing a penalty shoot-out against Paraguay. (Daniel Garcia/AFP/Getty Images)

Follow Stephanie on Twitter: @stephaniegarlow

Read more: Match of the dragon slayers