The quarterfinals of Copa América concluded on Saturday with Uruguay knocking out tournament-favorites Brazil at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
After a scoreless 90 minutes plus stoppage time, the match came down to a penalty shootout where Uruguay found itself advancing to the semifinals.
Uruguay beats Brazil 4-2 on penalties after scoreless draw, advances to Copa America semifinals.
Marcelo Bielsa knew what the world’s reaction would be after Uruguay and Brazil grinded, scrapped and shoved their way through a Copa America quarterfinal match with 41 fouls, four shots on target and no goals in open play.
Bielsa knows the beautiful game wasn’t so attractive Saturday night, but the famously inventive coach now running Uruguay’s bench only cared about the celebrations back home and in the Vegas stands when La Celeste picked up a landmark win.
Manuel Ugarte scored the decisive goal in the fifth round of the shootout and Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semifinals with a 4-2 penalty kick victory after the teams played to a scoreless draw.
Uruguay and Brazil played a bruising, choppy match with plenty of rough stuff, but little of the impressive soccer for which both South American powerhouses are known.
Uruguay’s Nahitan Nández was sent off after a red card in the 74th minute for a dangerous tackle on Rodrygo, but Brazil still couldn’t break through its 10-man opponent in the ensuing 21 minutes.
