- Uruguay defeated Brazil on penalties (4-2) to advance to the semi-finals of Copa America after a goalless draw
- Uruguay will face Colombia in the semi-final in Charlotte, North Carolina, while Argentina will play Canada in the other semi-final
Uruguay defeated Brazil on penalties (4-2) to advance to the semi-finals of Copa America after a goalless draw on Saturday. The match, marked by many fouls and a lack of quality play, saw Uruguay playing with ten men after Nahitan Nandez was sent off in the 74th minute. On Wednesday, Uruguay will face Colombia in the semi-final in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Colombia, now unbeaten in 27 games, secured their place in the semi-finals with a 5-0 victory over Panama in Arizona. The other semi-final, set for Tuesday in New Jersey, will feature world champions Argentina against surprise contenders Canada.
For Brazil, five-time world champions, it was a disappointing early exit from a tournament in which they never truly found their rhythm. Coach Dorival Junior’s team will need to improve significantly to be competitive in the 2026 World Cup.
The match played in a city more renowned for boxing than football, was a bruising affair with a tournament-high 41 fouls. The poor quality of the playing field further hampered the teams’ performances. The game’s first significant chance came in the 35th minute when Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez mistimed a header, sending it wide off his shoulder. Brazil’s Raphinha broke clear shortly after, but Uruguay keeper Sergio Rochet made a crucial save.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay pressed relentlessly, frequently interrupting Brazil’s flow with fouls. Brazil’s reliance on long balls was ineffective, particularly with only 17-year-old Endrick, in for the suspended Vinicius Junior, as the central striker.
The game grew increasingly scrappy, with numerous fouls and lenient refereeing. Uruguay’s hopes were dented when Nandez was sent off for a dangerous slide tackle on Rodrygo following a VAR review. From then on, Uruguay focused on holding out for penalties, and with no extra-time in Copa America, they achieved their goal.
The penalty shootout saw Federico Valverde score the first spot-kick, with Brazil’s Eder Militao having his effort saved by Rochet. After Douglas Luiz hit the post, Brazil trailed 3-1, and although Alisson Becker saved Jose Gimenez’s attempt, Gabriel Martinelli kept Brazil’s hopes alive. However, Manuel Ugarte scored the decisive kick, sending Uruguay, 15-time Copa champions, into the semi-finals.
Bielsa praised his team’s composure during the shootout and their determination throughout the match. “In a tight game, we created one more chance than our opponents, defended well, and played with one less player for 15 minutes,” he said. “We outplayed Brazil in segments and were outplayed in others.”
For Brazil, attention now turns to qualifying for the next World Cup after a poor start in CONMEBOL qualifying. “We leave the tournament undefeated but not satisfied,” said Dorival Junior. “We didn’t play at a high level technically, but we showed commitment and fighting spirit. This process needs patience. We have two years to work before the World Cup.”
The Copa America final is scheduled to take place in Miami on July 14.
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