In a tightly contested Copa America quarterfinal match, Uruguay emerged victorious over arch-rivals Brazil after a penalty shootout. The encounter, played on Saturday night, saw a scoreless draw in regulation time but turned into a nail-biting display of nerves during the penalty kicks.
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The match itself was a physical affair, with a combined 41 fouls showcasing the intensity of the South American clash. Despite the numerous stoppages, clear scoring opportunities were scarce. Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez and Brazil’s captain Raphinha had the best chances to break the deadlock but were denied by the opposing goalkeepers.
Adding another layer of drama, Uruguay midfielder Nahitan Nandez received a red card midway through the second half. However, Brazil couldn’t capitalize on the numerical advantage, failing to break down a resolute Uruguayan defense.
The fate of the match ultimately hinged on the penalty shootout. Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet emerged as the hero, saving two Brazilian penalties. The decisive moment came when Manuel Ugarte converted his spot-kick, sending Uruguay into the semifinals with a 4-2 victory.
This win marks a significant milestone for Uruguay. It’s their first Copa America semifinal appearance since 2011 and their second consecutive victory over Brazil, a feat last achieved in 1992 under the guidance of their current manager, Marcelo Bielsa.
Key Takeaways:
- Uruguay defeated Brazil 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the Copa America quarterfinals.
- The match was a physical battle with a combined 41 fouls.
- Uruguay’s defense held strong despite playing with one less man after a red card.
- Uruguay will face Colombia in the semifinals, while Argentina takes on Canada in the other matchup.