Uruguay Stuns Brazil in Copa America Quarterfinals Shootout
In a thrilling Copa América quarterfinal match, Uruguay emerged victorious over Brazil in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing their place in the semifinals where they will face Colombia. The intense encounter ended in a 0-0 draw, leading to a shootout in which Uruguay triumphed 4-2.
The shootout began with Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet making a crucial save against Brazil’s Éder Militão. Brazil’s hopes were further dampened when Douglas Luiz’s penalty struck the post. Despite Alisson Becker’s heroics in denying José María Giménez and Gabriel Martinelli’s successful attempt to keep Brazil in contention, Manuel Ugarte’s decisive spot-kick clinched the win for Uruguay.
Brazil, missing the suspended Vinícius Júnior, struggled to create clear opportunities throughout the match. The turning point came late in the second half when Uruguay’s Nahitan Nández received a red card following a VAR review for a dangerous tackle on Rodrygo. Despite the numerical advantage, Brazil could not capitalize as Uruguay’s defense held firm.
The match was marked by physicality, with 41 fouls committed by both teams. Brazil’s 17-year-old forward Endrick endured numerous tough challenges, notably from Uruguay’s Ronald Araújo. A confrontation between Araújo and Brazil’s Raphinha exemplified the fiery nature of the match, although the referee managed to de-escalate the situation without issuing any cards.
Araújo’s involvement ended prematurely due to an injury, and the match saw a brief surge of action with Darwin Núñez missing a close-range header and Raphinha’s shot being saved by Rochet. Uruguay’s coach Marcelo Bielsa made strategic substitutions by the 67th minute, but Nández’s red card disrupted their plans.
Brazil, already without Neymar due to a knee ligament injury sustained in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, found it difficult to break down Uruguay’s resolute defense. The absence of extra time in Copa América matches, except for the final, meant that the game went straight to penalties.
Uruguay’s victory marked their second consecutive win over Brazil, following their World Cup qualifier triumph. This achievement is particularly notable as it is the first time since 1992 that Uruguay has defeated Brazil in back-to-back matches. Coach Marcelo Bielsa’s leadership has clearly revitalized the Uruguayan team, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal clash with Colombia.
