Copa America wrap: Brazil out on penalties

Brazil have been sensationally knocked out of the Copa America, beaten on penalties by Paraguay in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Both regular time and extra time finished 0-0 after eight-time Copa winners Brazil squandered a succession of gilt-edged chances in Buenos Aires, and they were made to pay in the shootout, missing their first four spot-kicks as they went down 2-0.

Host nation Argentina suffered a similar fate on Saturday, losing their quarter-final against Uruguay on penalties, meaning that for just the second time in Copa America history, neither one of the powerhouses will feature in the semi-finals.

Paraguay failed to get a single shot on target during the 120 minutes, and can thank goalkeeper Justo Villar for pulling off a number of excellent saves to keep his side level.

Villar was called into action to make a point-blank save from Lucio in the 33rd minute after the defender latched onto Andre Santos’ free kick, and the goalkeeper was again busy in the second half as he denied Paulo Henrique Ganso and Pato in quick succession.

Substitute Fred looked as though he had finally made the breakthrough after his looping header beat Villar, but Edgar Barreto headed the ball off the line.

Brazil continued to pound the Paraguayan defence in extra time to no avail, and both sides were reduced to 10 men when Paraguay defender Antolin Alcaraz and Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva were sent off late in the match.

In the shootout, Elano, Andres Santos and Fred all fired their penalties wide while Villar saved from Thiago Silva, with Cristian Riveros scoring the winning spot kick for Paraguay to set up a semi-final against either Chile or Venezuela.