Copa24: Brazil bows out to 10 men Uruguay in tiebreaker, Columbia crush Panama 5-0

 

Brazil's journey in the Copa America 2024 ended as they failed to defeat a 10-man Uruguay in the quarter-finals. Uruguay's Nández was sent off in the 74th minute after receiving a red card, but Brazil couldn't capitalize on their numerical advantage. The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout where Uruguay triumphed 4-2.

The lack of goals in regulation time and the subsequent penalty shootout dashed Brazil's hopes. Under the current Copa America rules, there is no extra time; a direct tiebreaker follows the 90 minutes of play. Uruguay took the first penalty, with Valverde converting successfully. Militao's shot for Brazil was blocked by Uruguayan goalkeeper Rosset, putting Brazil under immediate pressure. Bentancur then made it 2-0 for Uruguay. Perera scored for Brazil to make it 2-1, but Arascueta restored Uruguay's two-goal lead. Douglas Luiz's shot for Brazil hit the post, but Alisson kept Brazil in the game by saving Jiménez's attempt. Martinelli scored to make it 3-2, but Ugarte's successful penalty sealed a 4-2 victory for Uruguay, eliminating Brazil.

Nández fouled Rodrigo from behind, initially receiving a yellow card. However, after reviewing the incident with VAR and assessing Rodrigo's injury, the referee upgraded it to a red card. Despite having a numerical advantage, Brazil couldn't break through Marcelo Bielsa's tactical setup. The match highlighted Brazil's lack of cohesion and effectiveness in midfield.

From the start, Uruguay played aggressive and defensive football, aiming to thwart Brazil's attacks outside the box. Brazil's young striker Endrick had an early chance in the opponent's box but failed to capitalize. Both teams focused on controlling the midfield. Brazil played with an aggressive mentality, while Uruguay relied on counter-attacks. Rafinha had a chance to put Brazil ahead in the 14th minute, and Valverde made a crucial stop two minutes later. Brazil's call for a foul after a hard tackle was ignored by the referee, allowing the game to continue. Pellestri had an opportunity to score for Uruguay on the counter-attack, but it was unsuccessful.

Endrick kept Uruguay's defence busy from the start, but his efforts were overshadowed by the energetic play of the Uruguayan footballers. He missed an easy chance to score in the 28th minute, and Uruguay wasted a chance in the 35th minute. The first half ended goalless, with no easy chances created by either team.

Brazil dominated possession but couldn't penetrate Uruguay's defence to create scoring opportunities. Despite using both flanks to break down the opposition, Brazil's 4-2-3-1 formation left Endrick isolated in the Uruguayan box. Even after Uruguay was reduced to 10 men, Brazil failed to capitalize. Valverde missed a chance to score for Uruguay in the 63rd minute, opting for a long shot despite having four teammates in Brazil's box.

Columbia crush Panama 

James Rodriguez displayed his exceptional skills as Colombia triumphed over Panama with a commanding 5-0 victory at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday, securing their place in the Copa America semi-finals. The Colombian star scored one goal and provided two assists in a stellar performance.

Colombia seized an early lead in the eighth minute when striker Jhon Cordoba outmuscled his marker to head in a corner. Shortly after, Jhon Arias was fouled by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera inside the box, resulting in a penalty for Colombia.

James Rodriguez confidently stepped up to the penalty spot. In the 15th minute, he struck the ball powerfully into the top corner, marking his 28th goal for the national team.

Despite a brief period of Panama possession, during which Roderick Miller's header hit the post and forced a brilliant save from Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, Colombia remained in control.

In the 41st minute, Colombia capitalized on another set piece opportunity. James Rodriguez quickly executed a free kick, finding Luis Diaz in a favorable position. The Liverpool winger, positioned at the edge of the penalty area, chipped his shot over the helpless Mosquera, extending Colombia's lead.

In the second half, Colombia focused on managing the game and preserving their lead. However, they still extended their advantage in the 70th minute when Richard Rios capitalized on confusion in the Panama defense following a foul, firing a low drive from distance that caught Mosquera off guard.

Miguel Borja's penalty conversion in stoppage time was the final action of the match. After Panama defender Jose Cardoba fouled Santiago Arias on the edge of the box, the referee pointed to the spot, allowing Borja to seal the victory.