Uruguay Defeats Brazil on Penalties to Advance to Copa America Semi-Finals

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After being reduced to 10 men in a brutal 0-0 stalemate at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Uruguay defeated Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Saturday to advance to the Copa America semi-finals, where they will take on Colombia.
Late in the second half, Uruguay’s Nahitan Nandez was sent off, giving Dorival Jr’s team a man-advantage. However, with Vinicius Jr. sidelined for Brazil and watching from the sidelines, his team was unable to generate many chances.

Sergio Rochet stopped Brazil’s first penalty attempt from Eder Militao in the subsequent shootout, but Uruguay prevailed when Douglas Luiz struck the crossbar.

Uruguay were attempting to win a record 16th Copa titles, but goalie Alisson Becker stopped Jose Maria Gimenez and Gabriel Martinelli from scoring to keep Brazil alive. Manuel Ugarte scored the game-winning penalty kick.

“I lost a player in the last minutes of a really tough opponent match, which made for an extremely stressful battle. But even at our young age, we demonstrated character,” Rochet remarked.

“I was able to save one to end with penalties and win… The fact is that this group and the nation both deserve immense delight. We’re aiming higher because we’re so enthusiastic.”

Both teams’ 41 fouls during a rough game resulted in players from both sides fighting with one another all over the field.

Endrick, a 17-year-old striker from Brazil, was subjected to harsh challenges from Uruguay, who applied intense pressure and did not allow him any breathing room.

Raphinha once acted out when Ronald Araujo shoved Endrick to the ground. The Brazil captain then shoved back in retaliation before the referee intervened and had a severe conversation with both players while keeping his cards in his pocket.