Referee: Dario Herrera, Argentina.
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas.
Uruguay Upsets Brazil to Secure Copa América Semi-Final Spot
Against all odds, a 10-man Uruguay managed to hold Brazil to a draw before triumphing 4-2 on penalties, earning a place in the Copa América semi-finals for the first time in 13 years. They will now face Colombia in the next round.
Match Overview
The highly anticipated clash between South American heavyweights Uruguay and Brazil took place in Sin City, promising excitement and high stakes. Despite the tension, the first significant opportunity didn’t come until after the half-hour mark. Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez narrowly missed a header, while at the other end, Brazil’s Raphinha saw his powerful shot saved by Sergio Rochet, the Uruguayan goalkeeper who would go on to have a crucial role in the match.
Rochet’s excellent goalkeeping ensured the first half ended goalless, with Brazil unable to break through despite their dominance. Both teams entered the second half without having trailed in the tournament, adding to the suspense as the clock ticked down.
Key Moments
- Nahitan Nández’s Red Card: With 30 minutes left, Federico Valverde’s long-range shot marked Uruguay’s first real attempt on target. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Nahitan Nández received a red card for a studs-up challenge on Rodrygo following a VAR review, reducing Uruguay to 10 men.
- Brazil’s Dominance: The red card shifted momentum towards Brazil, who pressed relentlessly but struggled to find the decisive goal against a resolute Uruguayan defense. Rochet continued his heroics, keeping Brazil at bay and forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout
Brazil’s Éder Militão missed the opening penalty, setting the tone for a dramatic shootout. Uruguay converted their first three spot-kicks, while Brazil’s Douglas Luiz struck the post, putting them on the back foot. Although José María Giménez missed his chance to secure the victory earlier, Manuel Ugarte stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sending Uruguay through to the semi-finals.
Key Takeaways
- Sergio Rochet’s Performance: Rochet’s goalkeeping was instrumental in keeping Uruguay in the game, particularly after they were reduced to 10 men.
- Uruguay’s Resilience: Despite being a man down, Uruguay displayed incredible resilience and tactical discipline to frustrate Brazil and force the game into penalties.
- Brazil’s Missed Chances: Brazil’s inability to capitalize on their numerical advantage and missed penalties cost them a place in the semi-finals for the first time in three tournaments.
Looking Ahead
Uruguay’s victory sets up a semi-final clash with Colombia, who have been in impressive form. This match will test Uruguay’s depth and resilience as they aim to win their record 16th Copa América title.
Match Highlights
- Sergio Rochet’s Saves: Key saves from Raphinha’s powerful shots in both halves.
- Nahitan Nández’s Red Card: A pivotal moment that forced Uruguay to play with 10 men for the last half-hour.
- Penalty Shootout Drama: Misses from Éder Militão and Douglas Luiz, and Manuel Ugarte’s decisive penalty.