David Ospina of Colombia became the most capped player by saving two penalties in a shootout to help his country beat Uruguay and advance to the Copa America semifinals.
In Saturday’s tie in Brasilia, Ospina made his 112th appearance and was the hero after saving spot kicks from Jose Maria Gimenez and Matias Vina.
Following a tense 90-minute match in Brasilia that ended 0-0, Colombia converted their first four penalties to advance 4-2 on penalties.
Uruguay started the tournament with a goal drought, and despite scoring twice against Bolivia and once against Paraguay in their two games last week, they still looked uneasy up front, with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani receiving scant service and neither striker firing on all cylinders.
Colombia appeared to be missing suspended midfield general Juan Cuadrado
The team appeared to be missing suspended midfield general Juan Cuadrado, and neither side showed much composure in a game marked by stray passes and excruciatingly slow back-to-front transitions.
In the first half, both teams combined for only one shot on target, but things began to change after the break as both teams began to lose their inhibitions and come forward.
However, neither team was able to break through, and the game went straight to penalties after ending nil-nil.
Colombia will face the winner of Saturday’s later quarterfinal between Argentina and Ecuador. Colombia has only won this title once, in 2001.
In the other semifinal, host Brazil will face Peru.
On July 10, the final will be held at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
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