Brazil deserved to lose

Brazil was not expected to win against an in-form Uruguay who are playing an attacking brand of football with a lot of confidence. The Selecao weathered the storm for 120 minutes but lost the match when mental strength was required – in the battle nerves during the penalty shootout, Brazil lost again and are out of the competition.

Brazil was ineffective against Uruguay, failing to take advantage of more than 20 minutes with an extra player due to Nandez's expulsion in the second half. Defender Eder Militao wasted his shot, which was stopped by Rochet, and midfielder Douglas Luiz, who hit the post. Goalkeeper Alisson also saved a shot from Jose Gimenez, but midfielder Ugarte converted Uruguay's fifth shot and sealed their place in the semifinal after 13 years.

Brazil have not lost against the Celeste in Copa America since 1995 when the Uruguayans managed to overcome the Brazilians in the final via a penalty shootout.

It was a typical Brazil and Uruguay battle. There was a lot of fighting, tackling, staring, Ronald Araujo's head-butt on Endrick, Nandez's expulsion for a rough tackle on Rodrygo Goes, but football itself was something quite rare – quite unexpected from a team like Uruguay who put the physicality to rest since the start of the new century and started playing fluent football after 2005-06.

Marking high up, Uruguay tried to force mistakes, but only really came close to scoring when Darwin Núnez headed the ball over the bar. Raphinha managed a good counterattack but was stopped by Rochet's save. With little technical brilliance, the first half ended in a 0-0 draw.

The second half was similar, but the scenario changed in the 28th minute when Nandez stepped on Rodrygo's leg and was shown a yellow card. Referee Dario Herrera-ARG was called to the VAR, reviewed the play, and sent off the Uruguayan. Brazil kept the ball, and put pressure on, but had practically no chance of beating the Uruguayan team – who remained solid at the back.

Uruguay’s mental strength was on display while the fragility of the Brazilian unit was evident failed to produce any sort of spark. Tactically, Brazil was found wanting as the think tank failed to switch the tempo whenever Uruguay was under pressure. In such scenarios, Brazil used to kill the opposition by pouring at least 5 bodies forward with three defenders and two marshalling the midfield. But in Nevada, Brazil was a non-functioning unit. Neither technically nor temperamentally Brazil is striking the right chord.  

Against a brilliant Colombia, Uruguay deserve to feature in the final 4.

While Brazil needs to return home and work harder to improve.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar