LAS VEGAS, the United States, July 7 (Xinhua) — Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semifinals by overcoming Brazil on penalties 4-2 (0-0) on Saturday.

Both teams began cautiously, while Uruguay looked more dangerous in attack with Darwin Nunez twice heading over the bar.

Brazil’s teenage forward, Endrick Moreira, making his first start in this tournament, received some rough treatment from Mathias Olivera and Nahitan Nandez of Uruguay but kept his cool impressively. The 17-year-old, who will join Real Madrid later this month from Palmeiras, provided a spark for Brazil.

Raphael Dias had Brazil’s best chance in the first half, forcing a smart save from Sergio Rochet after a dashing run and powerful shot on the counterattack.

Tempers frayed in the second half with a series of bruising tackles by both sides. The stop-start nature of the game made it difficult for either team to gain rhythm and momentum.

Uruguay were reduced to 10 men in the 74th minute after Nandez’s initial yellow card was upgraded to red following a review by the video assistant referee of his studs-up challenge on Rodrygo Silva.

Brazil’s numerical advantage didn’t translate into dominance on the pitch as Uruguay defended resolutely with 10 men behind the ball, and they finished the 90 minutes 0-0.

With no extra time, the match went straight to penalties and Uruguay goalkeeper Rochet gave his side the perfect start by saving Eder Militao’s opening attempt.

Douglas Luiz then missed Brazil’s third spot kick before goalkeeper Alisson Becker gave his side a glimmer of hope by palming away Jose Gimenez’s fourth shot for Uruguay, but Manuel Ugarte held his nerve by calmly firing into the top-right corner as Uruguay prevailed 4-2 in the shootout.

“We showed a lot of character despite our experience,” Rochet said after the match. “Brazil is such a tough side to beat, and we were under a lot of pressure. We deserve this result, and now, we want more.”

Uruguay will meet Colombia in the semifinals on July 10.

Source(s): Xinhua

BERLIN, July 6 (Xinhua) — Samet Akaydin’s first-half opener wasn’t enough for the Turks as the Dutchmen bounced back with two goals in seven minutes in Berlin on Saturday to seal the semifinal clash with England at the Euro 2024.

Both teams started highly motivated into the encounter and traded attacks as Xavi Simons and Salih Ozcan unleashed efforts from the distance in the opening stages.

Türkiye turned up and gained momentum as Arda Guler’s strike missed the target just wide in the 32nd minute before his in-swinging cross allowed Akaydin to nod home the opener at the far post three minutes later.

After the interval, Ronald Koeman brought Wout Weghorst from the bench, and his introduction made an impact as his lay-up fed unmarked Memphis Depay, who couldn’t beat Türkiye goalkeeper Mert Gunok from very close range in the 51st minute.

Weghorst kept Türkiye busy as the striker unleashed an effort into the arms of Gunok six minutes later.

The Turks remained dangerous though and had chances to extend the advantage as Guler rattled the woodwork, while Kenan Yildiz tested Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

However, the Netherlands’ pressure paid off in the 70th minute when Depay’s pinpoint corner found Stefan de Vrij, who headed home the equalizer.

The Netherlands remained on the front foot and turned the tides as Cody Gakpo pressured defender Mert Muldur, whose clearance attempt ended up in his own goal and made it 2-1, following a square pass from Denzel Dumfries.

Türkiye pressed frenetically for the leveler, but the Netherlands protected their narrow lead to the final whistle.

“It was a battle. The Turks have a big heart and gave us a tough time. We came back though and clinched a deserved victory,” De Vrij said after the game.

Source(s): Xinhua

DUSSELDORF, Germany, July 6 (Xinhua) — England’s 5-3 (1-1) victory over Switzerland on penalties helped the Three Lions to advance into the semifinals of the Euro 2024 on Saturday in Dusseldorf.

England took the reins from the starting whistle but lacked in penetration and ideas against Switzerland’s well-positioned defense.

Goal scoring opportunities remained a rare occurrence as the last presentable chance of the first half fell to Kobbie Mainoo, whose shot got neutralized by midfielder Granit Xhaka just before the break.

Switzerland showed signs of life after the restart as Breel Embolo forced England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into action for the first time with a turn shot.

The Swiss gained the upper hand and kept Pickford busy as Embolo unleashed a dangerous shot following Ricardo Rodriguez’s pinpoint cross into the box.

Switzerland got rewarded for their efforts in the 75th minute when Embolo latched onto Dan Ndoye’s deflected low cross at the far post to flabbergast the Three Lions.

However, Switzerland’s narrow lead didn’t last long as England was back level five minutes later after Bukayo Saka cut in from the right wing before drilling the ball past Yann Sommer to make it 1-1.

In the extra time, Switzerland posed more threat but failed to score, so the penalty shootout had to bring the decision.

England kept nerves from the spot and converted all penalties, while Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji couldn’t beat Pickford, sending the Three Lions into the semifinals.

“We caused them a lot of problems with the ball. They are a good side, hard to press, hard to defend against, and their movements are good. Winning tournaments isn’t just about playing well. You have got to show it all,” said England coach Gareth Southgate.

In the last four, England will face the Netherlands who defeated Türkiye 2-1 later on Saturday.

Source(s): Xinhua