)
In a city more renowned for boxing than soccer the match was a rough contest characterized by limited quality play and a tournament-high of 41 fouls.
Copa America fans witnessed a fiercely contested quarter-final showdown at the Estadio do Maracana where Uruguay emerged victorious over Brazil.
The match began with high intensity as both teams sought to gain the upper hand. Brazil, with their attacking prowess, tested Uruguay's defense early on, but Sergio Rochet's acrobatic saves denied the Samba Boys any early breakthroughs.
Uruguay, disciplined and resilient despite being a man down after Nahitan Nández's controversial sending off, held firm to keep the score level at 0-0 going into halftime.
)
09:03 - 07.07.2024
Copa America 2024: Colombia blow away Panama to set up room to face Uruguay
Jhon Cordoba, James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz scored goals during a dominant first half.
The second half continued in a similar fashion, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert. Uruguay's defence, led by Diego Godín and José María Giménez, stood tall against Brazil's relentless attacks, frustrating Neymar and company with their organized structure.
As full time approached with no goals to separate the teams, the match headed into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
)
07:25 - 07.07.2024
Southgate on Bukayo Saka: A dream to work with, a fabulous boy, and a true professional
Gareth Southgate has lavished praise on Bukayo Saka, calling him a dream to work with and an exemplary professional for his incredible work rate.
Brazil, historically strong in such situations, faltered early when Éder Militão's penalty was saved by Rochet. Uruguay capitalized on this momentum, converting their first three penalties confidently through their clinical finishers.
Douglas Luiz's penalty striking the post for Brazil sealed their fate, as Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte calmly dispatched the decisive spot-kick to secure a 4-2 shootout victory.
)
06:49 - 07.07.2024
England break shoot-out curse: Win first EURO penalty in 28 years with perfect record as Bukayo Saka redeems himself
England won their first EURO penalty shoot-out since 1996, achieving a perfect record by converting all their spot kicks, mirroring their only other flawless performance in a major tournament shoot-out.
The Maracanã fell silent as Uruguay celebrated their first Copa América semi-final appearance in 13 years, overcoming the odds with a blend of defensive solidity and unwavering composure.
With this historic win, Uruguay now sets their sights on a semi-final clash against Colombia, aiming to continue their quest for a record 16th Copa América title.
Meanwhile, Brazil, left to rue missed opportunities, faces an unexpected early exit from the tournament, marking a significant setback for the defending finalists.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)