Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semifinals by defeating Brazil 4-2 in penalty kicks following their scoreless draw on Saturday night. The winning goal in the fifth round of the shootout was scored by Manuel Ugarte.

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There was little of the magnificent football that these two South American heavyweights are known for in a rough and tumble contest that saw the clubs combine for a tournament-high 41 fouls and just four chances on goal.

After Uruguay’s Nahitan Nández was sent off in the 74th minute for a rough tackle on Rodrygo, Brazil failed to score against their 10-man opponent in the following 21 minutes.

Uruguay led 3-1 after three shootout rounds when Douglas Luiz hit the crossbar and goalie Sergio Rochet stopped Éder Militão. Alisson Becker blocked José María Giménez’s effort in the fourth round to keep Brazil alive, but Ugarte scored the winning goal.

After four quarterfinal matches, Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semifinals on Wednesday night in Charlotte, where they will face Colombia. This is the third penalty shootout in the series. Colombia extended their winning streak to 27 games earlier on Saturday when they trounced Panama 5-0.

Argentina, the reigning champion, will face Canada in the other semifinal on Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. July 14 is Miami Gardens final day.

Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid was suspended after collecting two yellow cards, hence he was unable to play for Brazil. Since he tore his knee ligament during Brazil’s World Cup qualification match against Uruguay last October, Neymar has not appeared for the Seleção.

Uruguay, coached by the renowned Marcelo Bielsa, has now defeated Brazil twice in a succession for the first time since 1992, despite the fact that that victory was the team’s first over Brazil in 13 meetings since 2001.

Colombia scored first rather quickly. This squad had a chance to grab the lead just eight minutes after the ball was rolled. James Rodriguez received the corner kick in this instance, and Jhon Cordoba headed the ball into Panama’s goal to give Colombia a 1-0 lead.

Winning strongly against Panama 5-0, Colombia entered the semi-finals of Copa America 2024 – 1

Panama was an easy match for Colombia. (Image: Getty).

After that, the South American team had a significant advantage on the pitch. Not too long after, Colombia scored another goal.

When a Colombian player was fouled in Panama’s 16-meter zone in the 13th minute, Italian referee Maurizio Mariani gave Colombia a penalty. James Rodriguez scored precisely from the 11-meter mark, giving Colombia a 2-0 lead.

Colombia added a third goal almost four minutes before the half was up. James Rodriguez continued to leave his stamp on this goal for the South American squad.

The score was increased to 3-0 for Colombia in the 41st minute when James Rodriguez transferred the ball to teammate Luis Diaz, who was able to press the ball beyond the opponent’s custodian.

Colombia advanced to the Copa America 2024 – 2 semi-finals after defeating Panama 5-0.

Colombia enters the semi-finals against Uruguay (Photo: Getty).

Colombia intentionally slowed down the offensive in the second half, but they still managed two more goals, one of which came from a penalty kick.

Richard Rios gave Colombia a 4-0 lead in the 70th minute with a stunning goal following a potent long-range strike.

The dreadful match day for Panama is far from over. Colombia was given a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time during the second half due to an illegal tackle in the penalty area by the Panamanian defender.

Colombia won 5-0 thanks to a penalty kick conversion by Miguel Borja against Orlando Mosquera, the custodian for Panama.

Colombia moves on to the semi-finals with this win. Uruguay, which upset Brazil in the quarterfinals after a thrilling penalty shootout, will play Colombia in the semifinals on July 11.