Uruguay beat Brazil on penalties (4-2) to reach the semi-finals of Copa America after their game ended goalless on Saturday.
Uruguay, who finished the game with ten men after Nahitan Nandez was sent off in the 74th minute, will face Colombia in Charlotte, North Carolina, in their semi-final on Wednesday.
Colombia beat Panama 5-0 in Saturday’s other quarter-final earlier in Arizona.
The other semi-final, in New Jersey on Tuesday, will see world champions Argentina face surprise package Canada.
In a city better known for boxing than for the beautiful game, it was a bruising contest with little quality play and a tournament high 41 fouls.
A poor quality playing field hardly helped with both teams struggling to produce their best football on an uneven surface.
The first – and best – chance of a game of few opportunities came in the 35th minute when Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez had a clear header in front of goal but mis-timed his effort which flew wide off his shoulder.
Within moments, Brazil created an opening of their own with Raphinha breaking clear, but Uruguay keeper Sergio Rochet stayed tall and made a vital save.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay were as tenacious as always, harrying Brazil in midfield and never afraid to interrupt their flow with a foul.
Brazil resorted too often to long balls forward but with only their 17-year-old talent Endrick, in for the suspended Vinicius Junior, as a central striker they lacked the physical presence to make that approach effective.
The game deteriorated the longer it went on with foul after foul, not deterred by lenient refereeing.
Advertisement
But Uruguay’s hopes of wearing Brazil down were dealt a blow when Nandez hacked down Rodrygo with a dangerous slide into his ankle and after a VAR review the defender was sent off.
From then on it was clear that Uruguay were simply trying to make it to full-time and penalties and with no extra-time in Copa America, they were able to achieve their aim,
After Federico Valverde scored with the first spot kick, Eder Militao saw his effort saved by the diving Rochet.
When Douglas Luiz hit the post for Brazil, they trailed 3-1 and Jose Gimenez had the chance to clinch the game for Uruguay. His effort was superbly saved by Alisson Becker.
top videos
View All
Bigg Boss OTT 3: Payal Malik’s Eviction UPSETS Fans, Husband Arman Malik’s Happy Expression SHOCKS
Natasa Stankovic Papped Running Errands Around Town & Missing Husband Hardik Pandya’s T20 Finals
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Hits Rs 500 Cr Mark | Virat’s Love Note For Anushka | Shatrughan Sinha Hospitalised
Bad Newz Trailer Launch: Vicky Kaushal FINALLY Reacts To Katrina Kaif’s Pregnancy Rumours I WATCH
Katy Perry Takes Nude Dressing To Another Level By Wearing Only A Coat To Paris Couture Week | WATCH
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)
Ritayan Basu
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domesti
first published: July 07, 2024, 08:48 IST
Source link : https://www.news18.com/amp/football/copa-america-uruguay-beat-brazil-on-penalties-to-reach-semi-finals-8957378.html
Author :
Publish date : 2024-07-07 06:47:46
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
