Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semi-finals after a tense encounter with Brazil in Las Vegas, decided by a 4-3 penalty shootout victory following a goalless draw at Allegiant Stadium.
Manuel Ugarte secured the winning penalty after Eder Militao missed and Douglas Luiz hit the post.
Uruguay, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, played much of the match with ten men after Nahitan Nandez was sent off. They now face Colombia, who earlier thrashed Panama 5-0 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“It was a tense match against a tough opponent, especially playing with ten men in the closing stages. We showed character despite our challenges,” said Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet. “The team is thrilled and motivated to continue our journey in the tournament.”
In a game marked by 41 fouls, both teams struggled to find rhythm.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez missed Uruguay’s best chance with a header, while Brazil’s Raphinha was denied by Rochet on a quick counter-attack.
Nandez’s yellow card for a heavy tackle on Rodrygo was upgraded to red following a VAR review in the 74th minute, forcing Uruguay to defend deeply for the remainder of normal time, which ended without extra time before heading to penalties.
In another quarter-final, Colombia dominated against Panama at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. James Rodriguez scored one goal and assisted two others, setting up Jhon Cordoba’s header from a corner for an early lead.
James himself converted a penalty, with Luis Diaz adding a lobbed goal from James’ quick free-kick just before halftime. Richard Rios and Miguel Borja scored late in the match to secure Colombia’s convincing 5-0 victory.
The semi-finals will feature Argentina, the defending champions, against Canada at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, followed by Uruguay facing Colombia in Charlotte.