Uruguay clinched third place at the Copa America with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Canada. The match, held at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, saw a nail-biting conclusion after a 2-2 draw in normal time. Luis Suarez’s injury-time equalizer set the stage for the shootout, where Uruguay emerged victorious.
Match Highlights
The game was filled with excitement and tension. Rodrigo Bentancur put Uruguay ahead early on, but Canada quickly responded with goals from Ismael Kone and Jonathan David, giving them a 2-1 lead. In the second minute of injury time, Suarez scored a crucial equalizer for Uruguay, ensuring the match would be decided by penalties.
Penalty Shootout Drama
In the penalty shootout, Uruguay’s Federico Valverde, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Luis Suarez successfully converted their spot-kicks. Canada’s Ismael Kone had his attempt saved by goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, and Alphonso Davies’ attempted panenka hit the crossbar, sealing Uruguay’s victory.
Coaches’ Reactions
Uruguay’s coach, Marcelo Bielsa, admitted that his side “barely deserved” to make it to the shootout and expressed disappointment with their overall performance in the tournament. “I thought that given our roster, we could have played a bit better than what we showed,” he said.
On the other hand, Canada’s boss, Jesse Marsch, praised his team’s performance and viewed the tournament as a valuable experience leading up to the 2026 World Cup, which Canada will co-host with the United States and Mexico. “We’re still a young team. It’s not so easy to build a tactical model with such short time and under such big stresses against such good opponents,” Marsch commented.
Uruguay’s thrilling penalty shootout win over Canada to secure third place at the Copa America was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite a challenging tournament, they managed to end on a high note. For Canada, the experience gained will be invaluable as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup. Both teams showcased their potential and provided fans with an unforgettable match filled with drama and excitement.