Uruguay knock Brazil out on penalties to move into Copa America semi-finals

NEW DELHI: Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semi-finals after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Brazil at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, ultimately prevailing 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
The match was marked by a red card for Uruguay's Nahitan Nandez in the second half, leaving his team with 10 men.
Brazil, without the suspended Vinicius Jr, found it challenging to create chances despite their numerical advantage.In the penalty shootout, Uruguay gained the advantage when Sergio Rochet saved Eder Militao's spot kick and Douglas Luiz hit the post.
Although Alisson Becker kept Brazil's hopes alive by denying Jose Maria Gimenez and Gabriel Martinelli scored his penalty, Manuel Ugarte sealed the victory for Uruguay with the decisive kick. Uruguay now face Colombia in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a record-extending 16th Copa America title.
"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," Rochet said.
"To finish with penalties and winning, I was able to save one... The truth is that it is a tremendous happiness that this group deserves, the country deserves it. We are very excited, so we are going for more."
The match between Brazil and Uruguay was a physical battle, with both teams committing a total of 41 fouls. Players from both sides engaged in intense challenges throughout the game.
Uruguay's high-pressing strategy left little room for Brazil's young forward Endrick to operate, as he found himself on the receiving end of some tough tackles. In one instance, Ronald Araujo pushed Endrick to the ground, prompting an angry reaction from Brazil's captain Raphinha, who shoved Araujo in retaliation. The referee intervened, having a firm conversation with both players without issuing any cards.
Araujo's match was cut short when he had to be substituted due to an injury just after the 30-minute mark. The game suddenly came to life moments later when Darwin Nunez missed a close-range header. Brazil quickly launched a counter-attack, but Raphinha's shot was denied by goalkeeper Rochet in what was Brazil's best chance of the first half.
RED CARD ON REVIEW
Uruguay struggled to penetrate Brazil's defense, prompting coach Marcelo Bielsa to make three substitutions by the 67th minute. However, his strategy was disrupted when Nandez was sent off after a VAR review for a reckless tackle on Rodrygo.
Despite having a numerical advantage, Brazil failed to score against Uruguay's compact defense, as the Uruguayans opted to sit back and take their chances in the penalty shootout, knowing that there is no extra-time in the Copa America except for the final.
This marks Brazil's second consecutive quarter-final exit via penalties in a major tournament, following their defeat to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup.
"We want to put Brazil at the top, we will continue working and preparing for the World Cup (qualifiers)," Endrick said.
"We know that this is a difficult moment, but we hope to have the support of all Brazilians."