Brazil beat Uruguay to take their place in Sunday’s Copa America final, but had to rely on penalties to do it. They ran out 5-3 winners after the spot-kicks with the full-time score tied at 1-1.
Despite pre-match assertions that they would close the game down, it was Uruguay who had the best of the first half. Dario Silva looked a certainty to score on 13 minutes, but somehow contrived to turn Carlos Diogo’s header onto the bar from close range with the goal begging. Uruguay kept their opponents penned in their own half however, and opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, Marcelo Sosa heading in a Delgado free-kick.
The second-half saw an immediate improvement from Brazil, Adriano equalising in the very first minute, turning a Luis Fabiano shot in from close range. Adriano had two further chances in the next five minutes, but failed to add to his tournament-leading six goal tally.
As the game wore on both sides went into their shells, unwilling to commit themselves forward, and it was the 85th minute before the game came back to life – Luis Fabiano shooting close and Dario Silva having a goal-bound effort blocked by Juan.
With no extra-time it was straight to the penalty shoot-out. Uruguayan substitute Vicente Sanchez was the only player who failed to score, his shot saved by Julio Cesar. Midfielder Alex rounded off another impressive display with the decisive kick.
