The 2024 Copa América tournament reached a crucial stage on Saturday, with a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between football giants Brazil and Uruguay in Las Vegas.
It certainly played up to its billing in an exciting finish on penalty kicks where Uruguay won 4-2 to secure a spot in the semifinals on Wednesday.
Uruguay set the tone early in the first half and more than doubled up Brazil on fouls. By the end of the game, they racked up 26 to Brazil's 15. Uruguay played fast and aggressive but Brazil had better opportunities to score. Midway through the second half, Uruguay went down to 10 men after an aggressive tackle by Nahitan Nández. Brazil could not take advantage and the game went to penalties.
Early misses by Brazil handed Uruguay a 3-1 advantage. José María Giménez missed the fourth attempt for Uruguay to give Brazil a chance but Manuel Ugarte sank the fifth penalty kick to give Uruguay the win 0-0 (4-2).
More:Argentina bails out Messi in shootout to advance past Ecuador in Copa América thriller
Uruguay will face Colombia - fresh off a 5-0 win over Panama - on Wednesday in the semifinals. The winner will play the winner for the Argentina-Canada matchup in the Copa America final.
Uruguay set a physical tone early on with multiple hard hits and fouls.
Brazil had a handful of chances in the first half but just couldn't make the right move to score early on.
Nández's red card changed the tone of the game with Uruguay going on the defensive to keep Brazil out of the net.
Endrick, the youngest player on the pitch, nearly scored in the second half for Brazil multiple times.
Once the game went to penalties, Ugarte's make sealed the victory.
With the game on the line, Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte stepped up and buried a shot to the right corner of the goal to win the game for Uruguay.
José María Giménez missed the first penalty of the game for Uruguay and Gabriel Martinelli sank the key shot for Brazil. It's now 3-2.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta sank his shot for Uruguay and, after a hesitation, Douglas Luiz's shot was blocked for Brazil. Uruguay up 3-1.
Rodrigo Bentancur made the first shot of the round for Uruguay and Andreas Pereira sank his for Brazil.
Éder Militão missed for Brazil but Federico Valverde made it for Uruguay.
Despite being down to 10 men, Uruguay kept Brazil scoreless in the final 25 minutes to force penalty kicks.
Brazil's Endrick nearly broke the 0-0 stalemate with a shot from outside the box but Sergio Rochet made the save for Uruguay.
Brazil brought out Lucas Paquetá, João Gomes, and Raphinha and substituted Douglas Luiz, Andreas Pereira, and Savinho for the trio.
Following the red card, manager Marcelo Bielsa made two substitutions: Giorgian de Arrascaeta for Darwin Núñez and Guillermo Varela for Facundo Pellistri.
After review, the referees determined Nández's hit to Rodrygo's ankle was worthy of a red card. Uruguay will play the rest of the game with 10 men.
Nahitan Nández was shown the yellow after fouling Brazil's Rodrygo hard with a foot to his right ankle. The foul is under review for upgrade to a red card.
Rodrigo Bentancur entered the game for Nicolás de la Cruz shortly after his yellow card.
Each side was shown its second yellow of the match. For Uruguay, it was Nicolás de la Cruz on a foul on Rodrygo in the 60th minute. For Brazil, it was João Gomes on Nahitan Nández in the 64th minute.
Manuel Ugarte was called for a hand ball and was shown the second yellow card of the game.
The sides have split possession nearly perfectly in the first half. Brazil's had better chances to score but have yet to capitalize on them. Uruguay's playing very physically with 13 fouls to Brazil's five after the first 45 minutes of action.
Lucas Paquetá fouled Nicolás de la Cruz to stop a chance for Uruguay and was shown the yellow for it.
Ronald Araújo had to leave the pitch due to injury. José Giménez came on in his place and donned the captain's armband.
Brazil's youngest player, Endrick, couldn't find Raphinha in one of the team's best chances to score so far.
We're halfway through the first half and Uruguay's already been called for seven fouls to Brazil's one.
A cross brought the ball into the box for Uruguay but a clearing kick knocked it away from the box. A Manuel Ugarte pass set up Darwin Núñez for a header but his attempt was blocked well over the crossbar.
One of the early chances at goal saw Raphinha fire a shot from outside the box but Uruguay's Sergio Rochet blocked it.
The two South American squads will play for a chance to take on Colombia in the semifinals next Wednesday.
Stream the game:Catch all Copa America action with a fubo TV subscription
Semifinals: Tuesday, July 9
Semifinals: Wednesday, July 10
Third-Place Game: Saturday, July 13
Final: Sunday, July 14
Winner of July 9 vs. Winner of July 10 at 9 p.m. ET
The 2024 Copa América quarterfinals will be broadcast across multiple channels and streaming services over the course of the tournament.
Argentina is the favorite to win the 2024 Copa América, according to BetMGM soccer odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering 2024 sports betting promos.
Odds as of Friday afternoon.
US Soccer News:Alexi Lalas spot on after USMNT’s Copa América exit: 'We cannot afford to be embarrassed'
Uruguay
Uruguay, the second-smallest nation at the Copa America, has a rich history of soccer success. The country has clinched two World Cup victories and 15 Copa America titles. What's more, Uruguay is currently on a red-hot four-game winning streak, with its last loss dating back to March 2024, when it was defeated 2-1 by Ivory Coast in an international friendly.
Brazil
Brazil's recent performances in the Copa America have been nothing short of spectacular. It has qualified in all 47 tournaments and has won nine titles, including the 2019 championship. Its runner-up finish in 2021, although not a victory, is a testament to its consistent form and the excitement they bring to the tournament.
The rivalry between Brazil and Uruguay is a saga of intense battles on the football field. They have clashed 79 times, with Brazil leading the series with 40 wins to Uruguay's 22, and 17 games ending in a draw.
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