2024-07-07 03:01:00
Uruguay qualified for the semi-finals of the Copa América by eliminating Brazil on penalties in a heated derby played in Las Vegas. The 0-0 draw after 90 minutes was a reflection of what happened on the pitch, although Uruguay’s qualification was a reward for its greater ambition and its ability to minimise the 20 minutes it played with ten men after Nández was sent off.
The match immediately revealed the moments of both teams: Uruguay, confident and with identity, set out to impose conditions. Opposite, Brazil, with doubts and lacking talent as rarely seen, chose to take care and respect their rival too much. In this battle of styles, the development leaned towards what the Brazilian team wanted.
The game then became a tight affair, with a lot of fighting in the middle of the pitch and few dangerous chances, although Uruguay had the initiative. Even up top, Bielsa’s team created danger through Olivera and twice through Núñez, who in the second attempt made an incredible mistake by missing the header and hitting it with his shoulder from an unbeatable position. The best thing for Brazil was a run by Raphinha that Rochet blocked, in a move that was born from a long ball by Alisson, proof of how little Dorival’s team could generate.
Little changed at the start of the second half, with Uruguay looking for the initiative and Brazil sitting back waiting for a run from Raphinha. But with so much pressure and zeal for the creative men, the game continued to be closed and emotionless, apart from a few shots from distance by the sky blue team.
The expulsion of Nández for a serious foul on Rodrygo changed the intentions for the last quarter of an hour. But all of Brazil’s limitations were exposed and Uruguay reached the penalty shoot-out without any major surprises. There, between Rochet, the effectiveness of his kickers and the post, the hopes of a very poor Brazil were buried.