Crazy Copa
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| Brasil |
BRAZIL 0:0 PARAGUAY aet; Paraguay won 2-0 on penalties CHILE 1:2 VENEZUELA Vizcarrondo 34' (0-1), Suazo 69' (1-1), Cichero 80' (1-2)
After Colombia and hosts Argentina exited on Saturday, Sunday's 2011 Copa America claimed the biggest scalp of all - Brazil. Much fancied Chile also lost, 2-1 to Venezuela, emerging like Peru as the surprise package of the tournament.
The seleçao lost 2-0 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in La Plata. Both sides had a player sent off, Lucas for Brazil, Antolin Alcaraz for Paraguay. But Brazil were undoubtedly on top for the 120 minutes, while Paraguay failed to register a single shot on target. Ganso, Neymar, and Alexandre Pato spurned fine chances to score. Brazil amazingly then lost all rhythm in the spot-kicks, missing four through Elano, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos, and Fred.
Venezuela reached the last four of the Copa for the first time with strikes from Oswaldo Vizcarrondo and Gabriel Cichero. The Vinotintos are on a roll after their two late goals in their final group game against Paraguay, whom they meet again on Wednesday, this time for a place in the final.
Semi-Finals
Tues: PERU v URUGUAY 21:45 La Plata
Weds: PARAGUAY v VENEZUELA 21:45 Mendoza
(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile