By Martin Graham | seventh Jul 2024
At Allegiant Stadium, Uruguay narrowly defeated Brazil in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. The match was intense from the start, with each groups displaying sturdy defensive play and a excessive degree of physicality.
Within the first half, tensions rose as Barcelona teammates Ronald Araujo and Raphinha confronted one another following Araujo’s foul on Brazil’s 17-year-old Endrick, who was enjoying instead of the suspended Vinicius Junior. Endrick missed an early scoring alternative, whereas Darwin Nunez did not convert an opportunity on the different finish. The half was dominated by fouls quite than scoring makes an attempt.
Simply earlier than halftime, Araujo left the sport because of a hamstring damage. The second half mirrored the primary in its cautious play, with neither Endrick nor Nunez managing to attain. Fede Valverde’s lengthy photographs saved Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson busy however didn’t discover the again of the web.
Uruguay overcomes challenges
Uruguay’s state of affairs grew to become harder with quarter-hour remaining when Nahitan Nández acquired a purple card for a harmful sort out on Rodrygo, following a VAR evaluate. Regardless of being a person down, Uruguay held agency, and Brazil couldn’t capitalize on their benefit. The match proceeded to penalties, the place Brazil missed two essential photographs, permitting Uruguay to advance to the semi-finals.
Colombia thrashes Panama
On the College of Phoenix Stadium, Colombia delivered a dominant 5-0 efficiency in opposition to Panama, extending their unbeaten streak to 27 matches. James Rodriguez was the standout participant, showcasing his distinctive abilities.
Rodriguez supplied an impeccable nook kick that Jhon Cordoba headed residence for the primary objective after which scored from the penalty spot shortly after. Regardless of Panama’s makes an attempt to mount a comeback, their ending was poor, with Jose Fajardo, Edgar Barcenas, and Ismael Diaz all failing to transform their possibilities. Rodriguez continued to affect the sport, organising Luis Diaz for Colombia’s third objective with a fast free-kick. Though Panama managed to restrict Rodriguez’s impression within the second half, the injury was already executed.
Within the closing phases, Richard Rios scored a fourth objective with a robust shot, and Miguel Borja added a fifth with one other penalty within the last moments. Rodriguez’s efficiency included 5 assists and one objective, setting a report for a Colombian participant in a serious event. Colombia now seems forward to a semi-final showdown with Uruguay.
Argentina to fulfill Canada
The opposite semi-final will see World Cup champions and Copa America holders Argentina face off in opposition to underdogs Canada, promising an thrilling conclusion to the event.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author
