Marcelo Bielsa anticipated how the world would react after Uruguay and Brazil battled through a gritty Copa America quarterfinal with 41 fouls, just four shots on target, and no goals in regular play.
Bielsa, now coaching Uruguay, acknowledged the match wasn’t aesthetically pleasing, but he focused on the joyous celebrations back home and in the stadium stands when La Celeste secured a significant victory.
Manuel Ugarte scored the decisive penalty in the fifth round of the shootout, leading Uruguay to a 4-2 win on penalties after a goalless draw.
The game between Uruguay and Brazil was physical and choppy, lacking the stylish soccer both teams are known for. Uruguay’s Nahitan Nández received a red card in the 74th minute for a dangerous tackle on Rodrygo, but even with a numerical advantage, Brazil couldn’t break through Uruguay’s defense.
“I prefer offensive football, but in this match, we created more chances and defended well,” Bielsa remarked. “We did what was necessary to succeed at this level.”
Uruguay led 3-1 after three rounds of penalties. Goalkeeper Sergio Rochet saved Éder Militão’s shot and Douglas Luiz hit the post. Although Alisson Becker saved José María Giménez’s shot in the fourth round, Ugarte sealed Uruguay’s victory with a successful penalty.
“While I’m not satisfied that we only created three goal-scoring opportunities, our opponent had only two,” Bielsa added. “We had to work hard for our chances, but it was enough for us.”
Uruguay advances to face Colombia in the semifinals on Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, after Colombia defeated Panama 5-0 earlier in the day, extending their unbeaten streak to 27 matches.
