Jul 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Brazil defender Danilo (2) kicks the ball against Uruguay defender Mathias Olivera (16) and midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta (10) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports Manuel Ugarte booted the decisive penalty kick and Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semifinals by following up a scoreless tie in regulation with a 4-2 edge in penalties against Brazil on Saturday night at Las Vegas.
Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur and Giorgian de Arrascaeta also converted penalty kicks, and goalkeeper Sergio Rochet made a key save as Uruguay continues its quest for its 16th Copa America crown.
Uruguay will face Colombia in Wednesday’s semifinals at Charlotte. Colombia pounded Panama 5-0 earlier Saturday.
Brazil was unable to prosper after having a man advantage for 21 minutes (16 regulation, five stoppage time) before the shootout.
Brazil trailed 1-0 in penalty kicks when Eder Militao had his attempt stopped by Rochet. Later, Brazil was behind 3-1 when Douglas Luiz hit the left goalpost.
Ugarte later drilled the match-winner.
Andreas Pereira and Gabriel Martinelli converted penalty kicks for Brazil, which played without star Vinicius Junior, who was suspended for the match after getting two yellow cards during group play.
A red card on Uruguay’s Nahitan Nandez opened the door for Brazil late in regulation.
Nandez was initially given a yellow card in the 71st minute for a takedown of Rodrygo in which his foot aggressively slid into the Brazilian’s right ankle. The play was reviewed and upgraded to a red card in the 74th minute.
Prior to the shootout, Uruguay had a 12-7 edge in shots, though Brazil put more on target (3-1).
In the 84th minute, 17-year-old Endrick, who was starting in place of Junior, delivered a long left-footed shot that was saved by Rochet.
Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez came up empty on two headers. The first, in the 18th minute, was cleared away by a Brazilian defender. His 35th-minute opportunity sailed over the net.
Raphinha had a solid chance for Brazil just after Nunez’s second miss. He delivered a right-footed shot that Rochet knocked away with his hand.
Early in the second half, Valverde sent in a right-footer from outside the box that Alisson Becker stopped.
–Field Level Media
