Uruguay Edges Out Brazil on Penalties to Secure Copa America 2024 Semifinals Spot
Uruguay defeated Brazil 4-2 to get to the Copa America 2024 semifinals in a thrilling penalty shootout.
After losing to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, Brazil is eliminated on penalties from a major event for the second time in a row.
Late in the second half, Uruguay’s Nahitan Nandez was sent off, giving Dorival Jr’s team a man-advantage. However, with Vinicius Jr. sidelined for Brazil and watching from the sidelines, his team was unable to generate many chances. Sergio Rochet stopped Brazil’s first penalty attempt from Eder Militao in the subsequent shootout, but Uruguay prevailed when Douglas Luiz struck the crossbar.
Uruguay were attempting to win a record 16th Copa titles, but keeper Alisson Becker stopped Jose Maria Gimenez and Gabriel Martinelli from scoring to keep Brazil alive. Manuel Ugarte scored the game-winning penalty kick.
“I lost a player in the final minutes of a really tough opponent match, which made for an extremely tense match. But even at our young age, we demonstrated character,” Rochet remarked.
“I was able to save one to end with penalties and win… The truth is that this group and the nation both deserve immense happiness. We’re aiming higher because we’re so excited.”
Both teams’ 41 fouls during a rough game resulted in players from both sides fighting with one another all over the field.
Endrick, a 17-year-old striker from Brazil, was subjected to harsh challenges from Uruguay, who applied intense pressure and did not allow him any breathing room.
Raphinha once acted out after Ronald Araujo shoved Endrick to the ground. The Brazil captain then shoved back in retaliation before the referee intervened and had a severe conversation with both players while keeping his cards in his pocket.
However, Araujo’s night came to an early end when he was substituted due to an injury just after the half-hour mark, and moments later, Darwin Nunez’s header from close range gave the match a new spark. Raphinha’s attempt on a counterattack, Brazil’s finest opportunity of the half, was blocked by goalkeeper Rochet in a matter of seconds.
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Coach Marcelo Bielsa made three replacements in the 67th minute as Uruguay was unable to find a way past, but his plans were derailed when Nandez was sent off after a video assistant referee’s review for a hard tackle on Rodrygo.
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With a studs-up challenge, Nandez tried to grab the ball off the Brazilian, but all he managed to do was catch his ankle. Fortunately, the Real Madrid winger was not seriously hurt and was able to continue.
But Uruguay sat back numerically and shut down, leaving Brazil unable to score against 10 men. Instead, they decided to try their luck in the penalty shootout, which was the only extra time in the Copa America aside from the final.
After losing to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, Brazil is eliminated on penalties from a major event for the second time in a row.
“We want to put Brazil at the top, we will continue working and preparing for the World Cup (qualifiers),” Endrick stated. “We know that this is a difficult moment, but we hope to have the support of all Brazilians.”
