Jul 72 min read

Uruguay Eliminates Brazil in PK to Advance in Copa America Semis

Brazilian left-back Guilherme Arana leads a break away attack against Uruguay. Photo by Nicholai Roska @Tangent Zine

LAS VEGAS---Playing without their prized attacker Vinicius Junior, who is out on suspension due to two yellow card accumulations, Brazilian head coach Dorival Junior decided to start 17-year-old wonderkid Endrick with Rodrygo and Rapinha as their attackers during their South American showdown with Uruguay.

Uruguay's Darwin Nunez during the opening ceremony prior to their clash with Brazil. Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine

Coach Marcelo Bielsa, on the other end, responsible for making this Uruguayan squad heavy contenders, paired reliable Maximiliano Araujo with Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez up front in their attack.

Brazil's Éder Militão was locked in defending Uruguay's Darwin Nunez. Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine

Uruguay started aggressive putting the Brazilians at bay on a very physical and chippy game that is the dirtiest in the tournament so far with one red card, four yellow cards, and 26 fouls on the Uruguayans while 15 for Brazil.

Uruguay's Sergio Rochet punches the ball away during a corner kick. Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine

Scoreless in regulation time, powerhouse Brazil ultimately bowed down to an undermanned Uruguay squad via penalty kick shootout, 4-2 last Saturday night. Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet made a crucial save stopping Éder Militão's attempt and then Douglas Luis hit the woodwork on his turn at the spot.

Uruguayan soccer legend and striker Luis Suarez (second from right) is pictured during the singing of the national anthem. Photo by Nicholai Roska @Tangent Zine

Favored to win in this year's Copa America, the Brazilians failed to take advantage after Uruguay was playing with 10 men when Nahitan Nandez was given the red card midway in the second half for a dangerous tackle on Brazilian winger Rodrygo.

Brazil's Rapinha prepares for a direct free kick. Photo by Nicholai Roska @Tangent Zine

Here's the full penalty shootout recap:

Brazilian wonderkid gets swarmed by Uruguay's defense. Photo by Nicholai Roska @Tangent Zine

Brazil's head coach, Dorival Junior spoke to the press about their failed campaign as the Selecao won only one match in this year's Copa America. "This type of work requires a great amount of patience. I do have to acknowledge that these weren't the expected results, and I take full responsibility for them, but I do think as well that this team has great room to grow and evolve and improve."