Despite being shown a red card, Uruguay managed to set up a penalty shootout against Brazil in the Copa America quarter-finals on Saturday, which they won 4-2 after finishing scoreless in regular rules. There will be some concerns for Uruguay as Ronald Araujo left the match with an injury and Nahitan Nandez was sent off with a straight red card, but if the aim is to win it is survival with 10 men for 16 minutes of regulation a testament to Uruguay’s achievements. improvement.
After crashing out of the 2022 World Cup at the group stages, Uruguay’s growth under Marcelo Bielsa was evident in the horror win, but things won’t get any easier against Colombia in the semi-finals of the tournament. Colombia is undefeated in 29 games with a great attack and an even team unit.
Without Vinicius Junior due to suspension, Brazil struggled to create offensively, and coach Dorival Junior has plenty of questions to answer. Lucas Paqueta and Rodrygo have failed to integrate into the attack, and now Neymar Jr. leaves the Copa America with a knee injury, no one has shown they can replace him as the talisman at the top.
Brazil are sixth in World Cup qualifying and are at risk of missing the 2026 World Cup, which is unprecedented. The defense did show up against Uruguay and held the tournament’s best scoring offense to zero, but the offense was also neutralized.
Going forward, Uruguay’s questions will be easier to answer because at least they are still in the Copa America, while Brazil will have time to cook before returning to training with their clubs in preseason. It’s not optimal, but the Bielsa effect is working and can still lead to a Copa America title.
