Brazil 0-0 Uruguay (2-4 on penalties): Uruguay player ratings as Federico Valverde and Co. advance to the semi-finals | Copa America 2024
Uruguay beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in regulation time in the quarter-finals of Copa America at the Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, July 6.
Both the teams came into the tie as equals and it showed as it was an even contest throughout. More physical than technical at all times. Both sides had great chances to go in front in the opening half with Raphinha missing one for Brazil and Darwin Nunez squandering his chance at the other end.
The second half saw a similar trajectory and even less chances. The major moment of the half saw Nahitan Nandez receiving red following his challenge on Rodrygo.
Post 90 minutes of tussling, the game went to penalties where Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, and Manuel Ugarte scored for Uruguay. Jose Giminez was the only player who had his penalty saved. Whereas for Brazil, Andreas Pereira and Gabriel Martinelli converted their penalties, with Eder Militao and Douglas Luiz missing from the spot as Uruguay won 4-2.
On that note, let's take a look at the player ratings for Uruguay.
Uruguay Player Ratings
Sergio Rochet - 8/10
Sergio Rochet was reliable whenever called upon. Made a brilliant stop to deny Raphina in the opening half and came up big to thwart away Militao's penalty in the shootouts as well.
Matias Vina - 5/10
Matias Vina was extremely reckless on the ball and his back pass to Rochet could have led to the opening goal of the game for Brazil.
Mathias Olivera - 7.5/10
Mathias Olivera was solid at the back. He won seven duels, made six recoveries, won three tackles, made one interception and cleared the ball once throughout the game. The 26-year-old looked well in command at the back.
Ronald Araujo - 6/10
Ronald Araujo was taken off due to an injury and Uruguay would be hoping it is not too serious.
Nahitan Nandez - 6/10
Nahitan Nandez was having a stellar game before being sent off following a foul on Rodrygo. He made a vital save to deny Brazil after a disastrous back pass by Vina. The 28-year-old also looked confident moving forward.
Federico Valverde - 8/10
Federico Valverde is one that his side can depend upon. The captain played his role to perfection. The Real Madrid star won seven duels, made six recoveries, won three tackles, made one interception and completed one dribble throughout the game. He even slotted in Uruguay's first penalty from the spot. A brilliant display in the center.
Manuel Ugarte - 7/10
Manuel Ugarte did well to provide support to Valverde. He also slotted his penalty with composure to sign off a good showing.
Facundo Pellistri - 6/10
Facundo Pellistri just could not produce the end result on the right flank as he was limited by Guilherme Arana. He tried to challenge for all the fifty-fifty balls but in the end, he just could not break his marker for Uruguay.
Nicolas de la Cruz - 6/10
Nicolas de la Cruz was not threatening and just did not click upfront. He was lost for ideas and never made those incisive passes that could unlock the Brazilian defense.
Maximiliano Araujo - 6/10
Maximiliano Araujo was nowhere to be seen for Uruguay. Did have one or two moments, but not enough to guarantee a starting spot in the semis.
Darwin Nunez - 6.5/10
Darwin Nunez looked lively on the ball and caused all sorts of trouble for Marquinhos. The Liverpool forward missed a great headed chance to put Uruguay ahead in the opening half. But still, he was a constant threat upfront and made some good runs down the line.
Substitutes
Jose Giminez - 6/10
Jose Giminez came on for Araujo and did his job well defensively, but missed a penalty in the shootouts.
Sebastian Caceres - 6/10
Sebastian Caceres provided much more stability at the back as he came on to replace Vina.
Rodrigo Bentancur - 6/10
Rodrigo Bentancur added some dynamism post his introduction to the center.
Guillermo Varela - 6/10
Did not have much impact on the game.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta - 6/10
Did well to convert his penalty