Uruguay edged Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Saturday after being reduced to 10 men in a bruising 0-0 draw at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America where they will face Colombia.

With Vinicius Jr suspended for Brazil and watching from the stands, Dorival Jr’s side struggled to create opportunities despite having a man advantage late in the second half when Uruguay's Nahitan Nandez was sent off.

In the ensuing shootout, Sergio Rochet saved Brazil’s first penalty from Éder Militão while his teammate Douglas Luiz hit the post, giving Uruguay the upper hand.

Although keeper Alisson Becker denied José María Giménez and Gabriel Martinelli scored to keep Brazil in contention, Manuel Ugarte buried the decisive spot-kick as Uruguay continued their quest for a record 16th Copa crown.

In a bruising encounter with 41 fouls from both teams, players were involved in physical battles across the pitch.

Brazil’s 17-year-old forward Endrick was on the receiving end of brutal challenges as a high-pressing Uruguay refused to give him space to breathe.

On one occasion, Raphinha acted out when Endrick was pushed to the ground by Ronald Araújo. The Brazil skipper retaliated in anger by shoving back before the referee stepped in and had a stern word with both players, keeping his cards in his pocket.

Araújo’s night ended early when he was taken off with an injury after the half-hour mark. The match suddenly burst into life moments later when Darwin Núñez missed a close-range header that sailed over the net.

Within seconds, Raphinha saw his shot on a counter-attack thwarted by keeper Rochet, Brazil’s best chance of the half.

With Uruguay unable to find a way through, coach Marcelo Bielsa made three substitutions by the 67th minute. However, his plans were thrown into disarray when Nandez saw red for a painful tackle on Rodrygo.

Nandez attempted to take the ball off the Brazilian with a studs-up challenge but only ended up catching his ankle. Fortunately, the Real Madrid winger escaped any serious injury and was able to continue.

Initially given a yellow card, Nandez’s punishment was upgraded to a red card by the referee following a VAR review.

Uruguay will face Colombia in Wednesday’s semi-final in Charlotte, North Carolina, after they thrashed Panama 5-0 earlier on Saturday.