Luis Diaz and Darwin Núñez Advance To Copa America Semifinals
Diaz scored in Colombia’s rout of Panama while Núñez and Uruguay sneaked past Alisson and Brazil on penalty kicks
Luis Diaz, Darwin Núñez, and Alisson were all in action on Saturday, with berths in the Copa America semifinals on the line. Diaz and Colombia were heavy favorites in their quarterfinal match up with Panama, while Núñez and and Alisson faced off in the heavyweight bout of the round.
Colombia kicked off in the first match of the day and it didn’t take long for Lost Cafeteros to take control of the proceedings. James Rodriguez continues to baffle the mind with his ridiculous red-hot national team form compared to his humdrum club form, and was involved in three first half goals. He assisted Jhon Cordoba in the 8th minute before scoring from the penalty spot in the 15th minute. Luis Diaz continued his own good run of form, making a heads up run from a set piece situation, getting on the end of a quick ball over the top from Rodriguez before lobbing the goalkeeper for the third goal of the half. The goal was the second of the tournament for Diaz in the opening four matches.
James Rodriguez with great vision and quick thinking for Colombia's third goal. As soon as Luis Diaz started the run he spotted it. Quality finish from Diaz too. pic.twitter.com/e5o4e12ffr
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) July 6, 2024
With the match well in hand and Panama piling up the fouls with some physical play, Diaz was withdrawn in the 65th minute. Colombia would tack on two more late goals to finish off proceedings for a 5-0 win. Diaz and Co. turned their eyes to the nightcap to see who they would face in the semifinal.
While the first match of the day was done and dusted early on, the match between Uruguay and Brazil was a much cagier affair. There was very little rhythm to the match as both sides were quite happy to resort to the dark arts to break up play or draw a foul. In the end, the two sides were whistled for an astounding 41 fouls.
Unsurprisingly, the best of the chances came from set pieces as there were so many such opportunities. Darwin Núñez was a handful for Brazil’s back line from dead ball situations, using his height and leaping ability to win several headers. He managed to power a header towards goal that deflected off of a defender, leaving Alisson stranded as he watched the ball deflect just to the outside of the post.
Núñez also proved to be a consistent threat on the counter, routinely making the runs as the primary as Uruguay looked to get the ball forward quickly. Despite serving as the main threat for Uruguay, Darwin was withdrawn in the 78th minute after his side went down a man due to a deserved red card to Nahitan Nández.
While Darwin was quite involved for Uruguay, Liverpool teammate Alisson was more of a bystander for Brazil. The bearded goalkeeper only faced on shot on target he had to deal with during the course of regulation.
With neither side able to find the net in regulation, that match went directly to penalty kicks. Brazil saw Éder Militao and Douglas Luiz both denied after choppy run ups. Alisson managed to make a fantastic save on José Giménez to give the Seleção a lifeline, but Manual Ugarte sealed the deal to win the penalty shootout 4-2 for Uruguay.
The most important part of the night occurred after the penalties were over as Darwin and Alisson shared a big hug.
Darwin Nunez and Alisson Becker after his Uruguay side eliminated Brazil on pens
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) July 7, 2024
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Darwin Núñez and Uruguay will face Luis Diaz and Colombia in Charlotte, NC for a place in the Copa America final. Whoever advances will face the winner of heavily-favored Argentina, featuring Alexis Mac Allister, or and underdog Canada side.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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