Uruguay has pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Brazil in a penalty shootout (4-2) to advance to the semifinals of the Copa America.
The match ended goalless after regular time, with Uruguay finishing with 10 men after Nahitan Nandez’s red card in the 74th minute.
Uruguay’s coach, Marcelo Bielsa, praised his team’s calmness and desire, saying, “I’m more seduced by attacking than defending, but I have to appreciate that in a tight game we created one more situation than our opponents, we defended well, and we played 15 minutes with one less player, which at this level is a real factor.”
Brazil’s coach, Dorival Junior, acknowledged his team’s disappointing performance, saying, “We leave the tournament undefeated but not satisfied… We didn’t play at a high level from a technical point of view, but I don’t dismiss any of the games. I think there was commitment, fighting spirit. At no time did the team stop going for the result.”
Uruguay will face Colombia in the semi-finals, while Argentina will take on Canada in the other semi-final match. The final will be held in Miami on July 14.
