Brazil scrape into 2007 Copa Final
Holders Brazil reached the final of the 2007 Copa America by beating Uruguay 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Maracaibo, Venezuela.
Inter's Maicon opened the scoring for the seleçao in the 13th minute before former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan equalised for Uruguay in the 36th and ex-Arsenal man Julio Baptista sent Brazil into a 2-1 lead with a strike five minutes before the interval.
Los Charrúas' Sebastián Abreu levelled matters at 2-2 in the 71st minute and no further goals followed through extra-time, resulting in a penalty shootout.
Uruguay skipper Diego Lugano was the unlucky man who missed his spot-kick, provoking wild Brazilian celebrations and anger among the Uruguayan squad, who felt Brazil & Roma goalkeeper Doni had moved off his line before the kick.
Arsenal's Gilberto Silva received a second yellow card and will miss the final for the holders.
Brazil will play the winners of tonight's Mexico v Argentina clash in Sunday's showpiece in Maracaibo.
(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile
Holders Brazil reached the final of the 2007 Copa America by beating Uruguay 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Maracaibo, Venezuela.
Inter's Maicon opened the scoring for the seleçao in the 13th minute before former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan equalised for Uruguay in the 36th and ex-Arsenal man Julio Baptista sent Brazil into a 2-1 lead with a strike five minutes before the interval.
Los Charrúas' Sebastián Abreu levelled matters at 2-2 in the 71st minute and no further goals followed through extra-time, resulting in a penalty shootout.
Uruguay skipper Diego Lugano was the unlucky man who missed his spot-kick, provoking wild Brazilian celebrations and anger among the Uruguayan squad, who felt Brazil & Roma goalkeeper Doni had moved off his line before the kick.
Arsenal's Gilberto Silva received a second yellow card and will miss the final for the holders.
Brazil will play the winners of tonight's Mexico v Argentina clash in Sunday's showpiece in Maracaibo.
(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile