Uruguay got the better of their opponents as they defeated Brazil 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 0-0 in normal time. Brazil, who were without suspended star, Vinicius Jr, missed two penalties in the shoot-out as they bowed out of the competition.

The match at Allegiant Stadium was very tight as soon as the ball got rolling, with both teams showing respect to the opponent with strong marking while searching for the best opportunity to attack. Uruguay arrived first, they saw the ball go close to goal when the ball deflected off Militão’s head in the 18th minute and almost suprised Alisson. In the next corner, Olivera rose higher than the Brazil defense and sent it over.

Meanwhile, the Brazil bet on quick counter-attacks with Endrick and Raphinha to surprise the high pressure of Marcelo Bielsa’s team: the 17-year-old, who made his debut as a starter at CONMEBOL Copa América™, gave the Uruguayan defense a hard time, with dangerous escapes and a good battles against more experienced players. In one of these chances, the striker stole the ball from Viña in the 27th minute and tried to find Rapinha in the area, but Ugarte managed to relieve the defense.

La Celeste had their best chance in the 34th minute, when Nández crossed, Darwin rose alone between Militão and Marquinhos and headed the ball over. In response, Raphinha took off from the midfield, arrived in the Uruguayan area and shot into Rochet’s .hand The Brazilian winger’s speed was again triggered in a quick free kick in stoppage time, but again Rochet managed to intervene well.

The second half was marked by tension, fewer offensive threats and the defenses even more alert to the decisive atmosphere in Las Vegas. The Uruguayans managed to create opportunities first, on long-range shots from Valverde, in the 47th, and Darwin Núñez inside the area in the 53rd minute. On the other hand, Brazil also could not find a way to test the opponent more efficiently. That was until the 73rd minute, when Nández had a yellow card changed to a red card after a VAR review and the Brazilian team gained ground to attack.

The Canarinho’s best chance came in the 85th, when Endrick made a personal play through the middle and shot low from medium distance for Rochet’s simple defense. Dorival Júnior’s team continued to try to find spaces in the Uruguayan rearguard, but La Celeste managed to defend with determination to force a penalty shootout.

In the decision, both Rochet and Alisson made saves, but Douglas Luiz hit the post and Manuel Ugarte made the decisive shot to decree the classification of the Celeste.

Uruguay advances to the Semifinals, where they face Colombia at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 10. Brazil ends its campaign in the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024™.
Copa America