Brazil's nerves fail at the Copa América
Surprise at the Copa America: Uruguay had to play the last quarter hour with a man less and still advances dramatically. Brazil gave away two penalties. In the semifinal, Colombia awaits after a canter win against Panama's selection.
Uruguay defeated Brazil at the Copa America in the penalty shootout and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament. The team coached by Marcelo Bielsa won with 4:2 after a goalless regular time against the record world champion. In the penalty shootout, Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet saved Brazil's first shots from Eder Militão. Douglas Luiz, the third man to represent the Seleção, hit the post. José María Giménez failed with Uruguay's fourth shot against Alisson. Finally, Manuel Ugarte converted the decisive penalty for the two-time World Champion against the big neighbor.
The hard-fought match in Las Vegas saw Uruguay playing a man down from the 74th minute - Nahitan Nández was sent off with a red card for a foul against Rodrygo according to video evidence. The record world champion Brazil had to do without star striker Neymar at the tournament in the USA, who has been injured since October of the previous year. At the Copa America, there is no extension after a draw in the regular time, but directly the penalty shootout.
Uruguay faces Colombia on Wednesday in Charlotte, who previously defeated Panama's selection with a score of 5:0 at Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday. Former Bayern professional James Rodríguez scored the 2:0 penalty in the 15th minute and set up two more goals. In the other semifinal on Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Argentina and Canada face each other. Both had advanced in the quarterfinals on Friday through the penalty shootout - Argentina against Ecuador (4:2) and Canada against Venezuela (4:3). In both matches, it had been 1:1 after 90 minutes. For the reigning South American and World Champion Argentina, Lionel Messi missed the first penalty.
Despite their injury issues and a red card to Nández, Uruguay managed to defeat Brazil in the Copa America, advancing to face Colombia in the semifinals. Brazil, who had given away two penalties in their previous game, will be looking to regroup before their next soccer match.
