By FRANCO PANIZO
If you would've bet before the Copa America that neither Argentina nor Brazil would make the final, you likely would have been called delusional.
That will be the case though, as Brazil lost 2-0 on penalty kicks to Paraguay in a quarterfinal match on Sunday.
The two teams, which tied in their Group B game earlier in the tournament, played to a scoreless draw before Brazil missed all four of its penalty kicks in the shootout. Marcelo Estigarribia and Christian Riveros scored on their shots for Paraguay while Elano, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos and Fred all failed to convert.
Brazil dominated much of the possession and chances in the game, but could not find the break-through goal. Both teams were reduced to 10 men after an altercation in extra time ended with the ejections of Antolin Alcaraz and Lucas Leiva.
The defending champion, Brazil now joins co-favorite Argentina as spectators for the rest of the tournament. Paraguay advances to the semifinals where it will take on Venezuela on June 20 after the Venezuelans upset Chile 2-1 in Sunday's second quarterfinal bout.
Here are full match highlights of Brazil's loss as well as a recap of Venezuela's victory over Chile:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-OgI2XbzA8&w=448&h=272]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7xgytqZNGo&w=448&h=272]
VENEZUELA UPSETS CHILE ON GOAL FROM CICHERO
Former New York Red Bull Gabriel Cichero continued the theme of underdogs winning in the Copa America, netting a late winner in Venezuela's 2-1 quarterfinal triumph over Chile to give the Venezuelans their first semifinals berth in the history of the tournament. Cichero's goal, which came in the 81st minute, gave unbeaten Venezuela the lead again after Humberto Suazo scored a nifty equalizer 11 minutes prior. Oswaldo Vizcarrondo scored the opening goal in a game that saw both teams finish with 10 men. Venezuela's Tomas Ricon was shown a late red card while Gary Medel was booked twice.
Here are highlights from the game:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHfXcw3M5Eg&w=448&h=272]
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What do you think of Brazil joining Argentina as teams eliminated prior to the semifinals? More surprised by Venezuela's run to the final four? Who do you think will win between Venezuela and Paraguay?
Share your thoughts below.