Uruguay to meet Colombia in Copa América semis as Brazil crash out | OneFootball

More Copa América action continued on Saturday with the final two quarter-final matchups.

Here is what went down.

Uruguay edge past Brazil after penalties

Red: Nández 74′

Two South American powerhouses met one another at Allegiant Stadium, where Uruguay prevailed over Brazil on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

It was a cagey affair right from the first whistle and as these two rivals tussled during the first 45 minutes, tempers flared.

Barcelona teammates turned opponents Ronald Araujo and Raphinha got in each other’s faces after the defender bundled over 17-year-old Endrick, who started in place of the suspended Vinicius Junior.

The teenager missed a chance to open the scoring before Darwin Nunez fell short at the other end. But there were more fouls than true chances in the first half.

Just before the break, Araujo was forced off with a hamstring injury, and things were equally cagey in the second half.

Endrick couldn’t get true shots off while Liverpool’s star was unable to make a difference. Long-range strikes from Fede Valverde kept Alisson on his toes, but he couldn’t find the net.

Uruguay’s situation then worsened with 15 minutes to go. Nahitan Nández made a dangerous challenge on Rodrygo and collided studs up on the Brazilian’s ankle. After being shown yellow, VAR deemed it deserved a red card.

Even with the advantage Brazil couldn’t capitalize and missed two of their penalties as Uruguay moved on. They will now face Colombia in the semi-finals.

James Rodriguez show inspires Colombia past Panama

Scorers: Cordobe 8′, Rodriguez 15′ (P), Diaz 41′, Rios 70′, Borja 90+4′ (P)

James Rodriguez’s brilliance was the centre of attention at the University of Phoenix Stadium as Colombia emphatically beat Panama 5-0.

They are now a stunning 27 games unbeaten, largely thanks to the individual showing from their captain.

Rodriguez delivered an inch-perfect corner kick for Jhon Cordoba to head home before scoring from the penalty spot minutes later.

Unfortunately for Panama, their threatening flurries couldn’t kickstart a comeback and their finishing touches were of poor quality. They notably outshot Colombia 14 to six, but Jose Fajardo, Edgar Barcenas and Ismael Diaz all fell short.

Rodriguez later sent Luis Diaz through on goal with a smart and quick free-kick, which saw the Liverpool ace chip home Colombia’s third.

Panama managed to stifle the captain’s influence in the second half, but the damage was already done. A late fourth courtesy of Richard Rios’ rocket of a shot piled on the misery before Miguel Borja converted a second penalty in the dying seconds.

After this individual show, Rodriguez has five assists and one goal. He’s the first Colombian to register that tally of assists at any major tournament. Up next is a crunch semi-final meeting with Uruguay.

The other semi-final sees World Cup winners and Copa America holders Argentina face underdogs Canada.