Sports 5 months ago

Penalty Shootout Heartbreak: Uruguay Sends Brazil Packing from Copa América

Brazil exits Copa América after 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Uruguay. Despite a goalless game, Uruguay advances with a solid penalty performance.

Brazil faced a quarterfinal exit in the Copa América after a 4-2 defeat in a penalty shootout against Uruguay on Saturday. The match ended 0-0 after regular time, with no extra time provided in this tournament. The game then went straight to penalties, where Uruguay maintained their composure to secure victory.

The game was intensely contested, featuring 41 fouls, four yellow cards, and a red card for Uruguay’s Nahitan Nández. Nández was sent off late in the game for a foul on Rodrygo, receiving a second yellow card following a VAR review.

Despite being down to 10 men, Uruguay held their ground, and the match proceeded to penalties. Federico Valverde scored Uruguay’s first penalty, while Brazil’s Éder Militão missed their first attempt, which was saved by Sergio Rochet. Douglas Luiz then hit the post with Brazil’s third penalty, leaving Uruguay in a strong position, leading 3-1.

Douglas Luiz hit the post with his penalty in the shootout.

Brazil's goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, managed to save a penalty from José María Giménez, but it wasn’t enough. Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte successfully converted the decisive penalty, ensuring Uruguay’s place in the semifinals.

Uruguay’s goalkeeper, Rochet, expressed satisfaction with the win, highlighting the team's resilience despite being a player down. “It was a very tense match, but we showed character despite our youth,” Rochet said.

Brazil's promising 17-year-old, Endrick, played but could not prevent his team’s elimination. Endrick expressed determination to improve, stating, “We will continue working and preparing for the World Cup qualifiers. We hope to have the support of all Brazilians.”