The Copa America quarterfinal match, the Uruguay national football team vs Brazil national football team took place on July 14, 2024, in Montevideo. Fans witnessed an intense battle between these two South American powerhouses, with the match eventually decided through a nail-biting penalty shootout. The clash of styles, historical rivalry, and high stakes made this one of the most exciting matches in the tournament.
Both teams fought hard, but the evening belonged to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay. Despite playing with 10 men for the final 30 minutes, Uruguay’s defense held firm, pushing Brazil into a position they rarely find themselves in—desperation. Brazil’s national football team, led by Dorival Junior, gave everything on the pitch but failed to convert crucial moments, leading to their heartbreaking elimination.
Uruguay Beats Brazil in Penalty Shootout
Uruguay’s dramatic win over Brazil came after a tense penalty shootout. Neither side could find a winning goal during regular and extra time, leaving it all down to the lottery of penalties. Sergio Rochet, Uruguay’s goalkeeper, became the hero as he saved two critical penalties, including one from Gabriel Martinelli. It was a heroic moment for Rochet, solidifying his reputation as one of South America’s top goalkeepers.
Brazil, despite their attacking talent with players like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, could not break down Uruguay’s defense when it mattered the most. The Brazil national football team had previously exited tournaments in dramatic fashion, and this loss mirrored past failures in penalty shootouts. Once again, Brazil’s penalty struggles haunted them.
41 Fouls and Nandez Red Card
The game was physical, with a staggering 41 fouls committed between both sides. It was a hard-fought match, with tempers flaring in the second half. Nahitan Nandez received a controversial red card in the 76th minute after a reckless tackle on Douglas Luiz. This sent Uruguay into defensive mode for the remainder of the match.
The red card changed the momentum, forcing Uruguay’s national football team to tighten up defensively. With the pressure mounting and playing with 10 men, Marcelo Bielsa made tactical adjustments that ultimately kept Uruguay in the game. Despite the disadvantage, Uruguay displayed grit and determination to hold off Brazil’s attack.
Ugarte Scores Winning Penalty
The decisive moment came when Manuel Ugarte stepped up to take the final penalty for Uruguay. With the weight of the nation on his shoulders, Ugarte calmly slotted the ball past Alisson Becker, sending the Uruguayan fans into euphoria. This penalty not only secured the victory but also marked a significant moment in Ugarte’s young career.
Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson had an impressive tournament, but he couldn’t stop Uruguay’s decisive penalty. Ugarte’s composed finish under immense pressure sealed Brazil’s fate. Uruguay’s victory in this high-stakes quarterfinal came down to their ability to stay calm under pressure and convert from the penalty spot.
Endrick Battles Uruguay’s Pressure
Brazilian wonderkid Endrick faced constant pressure from Uruguay’s defense throughout the match. The 17-year-old showed glimpses of his talent, often outmaneuvering defenders like Ronald Araújo. However, despite his efforts, Endrick struggled to make a significant impact as Uruguay’s tight defensive structure limited his opportunities.
The young star has been touted as the future of Brazilian football, but this match showed how difficult it is to shine under intense pressure. Endrick’s energy and speed were evident, but the lack of support from his teammates meant he couldn’t convert his chances. It was a learning moment for the Brazilian, who will undoubtedly grow from this experience.
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Rochet Saves Brazil’s Penalties
Sergio Rochet was the undisputed hero of the night for Uruguay. His two saves in the penalty shootout, including a crucial one against Douglas Luiz, gave Uruguay the edge they needed. Rochet’s reflexes and composure under pressure demonstrated why he’s one of the best in South America.
For Brazil, their struggles in penalty shootouts have been well-documented. Alisson Becker couldn’t replicate Rochet’s heroics, and Brazil’s journey in the tournament came to an end. Rochet’s performance will go down in history as one of Uruguay’s finest goalkeeping displays in recent memory.
Brazil’s Quarterfinal Exit
For the Brazil national football team, their quarterfinal exit marked another disappointing chapter in their recent tournament history. Despite being favorites, Brazil once again stumbled when it mattered most. The last time Brazil made it past the quarterfinals in the Copa America was in 2019, and their loss to Uruguay extended that frustrating streak.
The disappointment was palpable, especially given the expectations on Brazil’s talented roster. With stars like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Gabriel Martinelli, many expected Brazil to reach the semifinals or beyond. Instead, Brazil’s penalty woes and Uruguay’s resilience sent them home earlier than planned.
Bielsa’s Uruguay Triumphs
Marcelo Bielsa has transformed Uruguay’s national football team into a well-oiled machine. His tactical prowess was on full display during this quarterfinal match, as he adjusted to the red card situation and managed to keep Brazil’s attack at bay. Bielsa’s ability to motivate his players, even when down to 10 men, was key to their victory.
Bielsa’s coaching has reinvigorated Uruguay, bringing out the best in players like Darwin Núñez and Fede Valverde. Under his leadership, Uruguay looks poised to challenge for the Copa America title, with their next goal being the semifinals. Bielsa’s tactical masterclass was a crucial part of their triumph over Brazil.
Brazil Misses Semifinals Again
For Brazil, missing the Copa America semifinals has become an all-too-common theme. Since 2019, Brazil has failed to advance past the quarterfinals, raising questions about their ability to perform in critical matches. Despite having a squad filled with world-class talent, Brazil’s struggles in tournaments continue to be a point of frustration for fans and players alike.
The loss to Uruguay will likely lead to internal discussions within the team, especially regarding their tactical approach and reliance on young stars. With the World Cup on the horizon, Brazil must find solutions to these issues if they hope to reclaim their place as one of the top footballing nations.
Vinícius Júnior’s Absence Hurts Brazil
The absence of Vinícius Júnior due to injury was a significant blow to Brazil’s attack. Known for his speed and creativity, Vinícius could have been a game-changer in this crucial match. Without him, Brazil struggled to break through Uruguay’s defense, as they lacked a player with his ability to stretch the opposition.
While Rodrygo and Gabriel Martinelli did their best to fill the void, the absence of Vinícius was felt throughout the match. His injury came at a critical time, and Brazil’s hopes of progressing were diminished without their star forward.
Nandez Red Card Turns Game
On July 14, 2024, Nahitan Nandez’s red card proved to be one of the most decisive moments of the match. In the 76th minute, Nandez made a reckless challenge on Douglas Luiz, leaving the referee with no choice but to show him a straight red. This changed the dynamic of the game, as Uruguay was forced to play with 10 men for the remainder of regular time and all of extra time.
Despite the disadvantage, Marcelo Bielsa immediately reorganized his side defensively. Uruguay played with incredible discipline, ensuring that they didn’t concede a goal while being a man down. Nandez’s dismissal might have seemed like a setback, but it ultimately showcased Uruguay’s strength, unity, and resilience in high-pressure situations.
Núñez Misses Key Chance
Darwin Núñez, Uruguay’s star forward, had a golden opportunity to put his team ahead early in the second half. In the 58th minute, Fede Valverde sent a precise through-ball to Núñez, who found himself one-on-one with Alisson Becker. Unfortunately for Uruguay, Núñez’s shot went wide, squandering what could have been a match-winning chance.
The miss could have haunted Núñez, but his work ethic throughout the match was undeniable. He continued to press the Brazilian defense, creating space for his teammates and playing a vital role in keeping the pressure on Brazil’s backline. Although he missed a key opportunity, Núñez’s overall contribution was critical to Uruguay’s performance.
Araújo Injury Impacts Uruguay
Ronald Araújo, one of Uruguay’s key defenders, suffered an unfortunate injury in the 34th minute. After a collision with Rodrygo, Araújo went down clutching his leg and had to be substituted. His early exit was a significant blow to Uruguay’s defense, as he has been a cornerstone in the backline for both his club and country.
Despite Araújo’s absence, Uruguay managed to hold firm, thanks in part to Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical adjustments and the leadership of Sergio Rochet. Uruguay’s defense faced relentless pressure, but they coped admirably without their star defender. Araújo’s injury is a concern for Uruguay as they prepare for the Copa America semifinals, and his recovery will be closely monitored.
Uruguay’s Tactical Substitutions
Marcelo Bielsa’s substitutions were a masterclass in game management. After Nahitan Nandez’s red card, Bielsa brought on Sebastián Coates to solidify the defense. This change allowed Uruguay to switch to a more defensive setup while still maintaining a threat on the counterattack through players like Darwin Núñez.
Bielsa also introduced fresh legs in midfield, bringing on Matías Vecino to replace a tired Manuel Ugarte. These tactical adjustments ensured that Uruguay remained compact, organized, and difficult to break down. Bielsa’s ability to read the game and make the right changes at crucial moments was instrumental in Uruguay’s victory.
Brazil’s Penalty Struggles
Brazil’s national football team has a history of struggling with penalties in major tournaments, and this match was no different. In the penalty shootout, both Rodrygo and Gabriel Martinelli missed their kicks, while Douglas Luiz saw his effort saved by Sergio Rochet. Brazil’s penalty woes have now become a concerning trend, having lost multiple tournaments through shootouts in the last decade.
For a team filled with such attacking talent, Brazil’s inability to convert under pressure is puzzling. Despite practicing penalties during training, Brazil has often crumbled in real-game situations. This recurring issue will need to be addressed before they head into the 2026 World Cup, where every match could be decided by such fine margins.
Rodrygo’s Injury Scare
Adding to Brazil’s woes, Rodrygo suffered an injury scare in the 82nd minute after a clash with Fede Valverde. Rodrygo was Brazil’s most dangerous player on the night, consistently threatening Uruguay’s defense with his pace and dribbling. His injury appeared serious at first, as he limped off the field for treatment.
Fortunately for Brazil, Rodrygo was able to continue after receiving medical attention, but the injury visibly affected his performance for the remainder of the match. This injury scare adds to Brazil’s growing list of concerns, with Vinícius Júnior already sidelined and Rodrygo now potentially at risk for future games.
Uruguay Defends with 10 Men
After Nahitan Nandez’s red card, Uruguay showcased their defensive resilience. Playing with 10 men for over 40 minutes, Uruguay’s national football team refused to allow Brazil to break them down. Ronald Araújo’s absence due to injury made the task even more challenging, but Uruguay’s backline, led by Sebastián Coates, held firm.
Bielsa’s tactical shift to a more defensive setup, combined with Sergio Rochet’s goalkeeping heroics, ensured that Uruguay made it to the penalty shootout. This defensive performance will go down as one of Uruguay’s most disciplined and organized displays in recent memory, proving their ability to adapt to difficult circumstances.
Alisson’s Last Stand for Brazil
Alisson Becker was a standout performer for Brazil throughout the match. The Liverpool goalkeeper made several crucial saves to keep Brazil in the game, particularly in the first half when Uruguay threatened on multiple occasions. His experience and leadership in the back were invaluable for Brazil.
However, Alisson couldn’t save his side in the penalty shootout. Despite his best efforts, Manuel Ugarte’s winning penalty sealed Brazil’s fate. Alisson’s heroic performance during regular time will be remembered, but like his teammates, the penalty shootout ended in heartbreak for the Brazilian keeper
Endrick Shines Despite Loss
At just 17 years old, Endrick showed why he is considered the future of Brazilian football. The young forward was a constant threat throughout the match, using his pace and technical ability to get past Uruguay’s defenders. While he couldn’t find the back of the net, his energy and potential were evident.
Despite the loss, Endrick gained valuable experience that will only benefit him and Brazil in the future. This match showed that he has the temperament to perform on the big stage. As Brazil looks ahead to the World Cup and other international tournaments, Endrick will be one of the key players to watch.
Brazil Prepares for World Cup
With their Copa America campaign ending in disappointment, Brazil now turns its focus to the 2026 World Cup. The defeat against Uruguay exposed several weaknesses in the team, particularly in their finishing and composure under pressure. Coach Dorival Junior will have to work hard to ensure these issues are resolved before the next major tournament.
Brazil’s squad is young, with stars like Rodrygo, Gabriel Martinelli, and Endrick leading the charge. Despite the setback, there is still optimism within the Brazilian camp. With time on their side, Brazil’s young stars will have the opportunity to develop further and bring glory to their nation in the coming years.
Uruguay Aims for Copa Glory
Having knocked out Brazil, Uruguay now sets its sights on winning the Copa America. Under Marcelo Bielsa, the team has shown remarkable improvement, blending experience with youth. Players like Darwin Núñez, Fede Valverde, and Sergio Rochet have been pivotal to Uruguay’s success in the tournament so far.
Uruguay’s last Copa America title came in 2011, and they are determined to add another trophy to their collection. With their defense rock-solid and the confidence of having beaten Brazil, Uruguay enters the semifinals with the belief that they can go all the way.
Quick Facts
- Match Date: July 14, 2024
- Venue: Estadio Centenario, Montevideo
- Red Card: Nahitan Nandez (Uruguay)
- Penalty Shootout: Uruguay 4-3 Brazil
- Winning Penalty: Manuel Ugarte
- Key Performers: Sergio Rochet (Uruguay), Endrick (Brazil)
Final Thoughts
The Uruguay national football team’s victory over Brazil in this Copa America quarterfinal was a testament to their resilience, discipline, and tactical brilliance. Despite being down to 10 men and losing key players like Ronald Araújo, Uruguay rose to the occasion. Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical acumen, coupled with Sergio Rochet’s heroics, secured a historic win.
For Brazil, the defeat highlighted ongoing concerns, especially regarding their ability to handle pressure in crucial moments. As they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, they will need to address these issues. However, with rising stars like Endrick and Rodrygo, the future remains bright for Brazilian football.
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FAQs
When did Uruguay last win Copa America?
Uruguay last won the Copa America in 2011.
Who scored the winning penalty in the Uruguay vs Brazil match?
Manuel Ugarte scored the decisive penalty for Uruguay in the shootout.
How many fouls were committed during the match?
A total of 41 fouls were committed during the match.