The Uruguay national football team celebrates in the locker room after defeating Brazil in a penalty shootout to reach the Copa America semi-finals. © Twitter (@fedeevalverde)
Uruguay emerged victorious in a dramatic Copa America quarter-final against Brazil, clinching a 4-2 win on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw in regular time. The match at Allegiant Stadium showcased Uruguay’s resilience and determination, ultimately sending them to the semi-finals, where they will face Colombia.
In a fiercely contested encounter, Uruguay and Brazil struggled to find the back of the net, resulting in a goalless draw after 90 minutes. The high-stakes match featured 41 fouls, reflecting the intensity and physicality on display from both sides.
First Half
The first half saw limited clear-cut chances, with both teams focusing on maintaining a solid defensive shape. Brazil’s rapid counter-attacks were handled well by Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, who denied Raphinha’s close-range effort at a crucial moment.
Second Half
Uruguay’s best opportunity came when Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez headed over the crossbar from close range, missing a golden chance to put his team ahead. The match took a dramatic turn in the 74th minute when Nahitan Nandez received a yellow card for a heavy tackle on Rodrygo. After a VAR review, the card was upgraded to red, leaving Uruguay with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Uruguay’s defensive discipline shone through despite being a man down as they successfully contained Brazil’s attacking threats. Since neither team could break the tie, the match went straight to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout
The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair. Brazil’s Eder Militao saw his effort saved by Rochet, and Douglas Luiz’s shot hit the post, giving Uruguay the advantage. Manuel Ugarte stepped up and coolly converted the decisive spot-kick, sealing Uruguay’s place in the semi-finals.
Post-Match Reactions
Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet expressed immense pride in his team’s performance: “It was a very tense match against a very tough opponent, suffering in the last minutes a man down. But we showed character despite our youth. The truth is that this group deserves tremendous happiness. The country deserves it. We are very excited, so we are going for more.”
Uruguay will now face Colombia, who advanced with a 5-0 victory over Panama. Colombia’s James Rodriguez was instrumental in their win, scoring one goal and setting up two more, while Liverpool’s Luis Diaz added a brilliant lobbed goal.
Upcoming Fixtures
In the other semi-final, defending champions Argentina will face Canada on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Uruguay’s triumph over Brazil in the Copa America quarter-finals was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline. As they prepare to face Colombia in the semi-finals, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling encounter in this prestigious tournament.
Also read: Argentina vs Ecuador: Emi Martinez Leads Argentina to Copa America Semi-Finals