Uruguay beats Brazil 4-2 on penalties after scoreless draw, advances to Copa America semifinals

Manuel Ugarte of Uruguay celebrates after scoring the fifth penalty in the shootout following the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 quarter-final match between Uruguay and Brazil at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pic/AFP

Manuel Ugarte scored the winning goal in the fifth round of the shootout and Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semifinals with a 4-2 victory over Brazil on penalty kicks after the teams played to a scoreless draw Saturday night. The teams combined for a tournament-high 41 fouls and just four shots on goal during a bruising, choppy match with little of the impressive soccer for which both South American powerhouses are known. Uruguay's Nahitan Nández was sent off after a red card in the 74th minute for a dangerous tackle on Rodrygo, but Brazil couldn't break through its 10-man opponent in the ensuing 21 minutes.

Also Read: Euro 2024: Pickford and Saka lead England past Switzerland via penalties into semifinals

Uruguay led 3-1 after three rounds of the shootout when goalkeeper Sergio Rochet stopped Eder Militao and Douglas Luiz hit the post. Alisson Becker saved José María Giménez's shot in the fourth round to keep Brazil alive, but Ugarte banged home the clincher. After the third penalty shootout in four Copa America quarterfinal matches, Uruguay advanced to face Colombia in the semifinals on Wednesday night in Charlotte. Colombia routed Panama 5-0 earlier Saturday, extending its unbeaten streak to 27 consecutive matches. Defending champion Argentina faces Canada in the other semifinal Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The final is July 14 in Miami Gardens. Brazil played without Real Madrid star Vinícius Junior, who watched from the stands under suspension after accumulating two yellow cards. The Selecao already are without Neymar, who hasn't played since tearing a knee ligament last fall during Brazil's loss to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier. That victory was Uruguay's first over Brazil in 13 meetings since 2001, but famed coach Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay has now beaten Brazil in back-to-back matches for the first time since 1992.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever