Uruguay secures 3rd place after defeating Canada in penalty shootout
KATHMANDU: In the CONMEBOL Copa América™, Uruguay won third place after defeating Canada in a penalty shootout. Held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, the game got underway with a goal from Rodrigo Betancur in the eighth minute giving Uruguay the lead. Ismael Koné's spectacular equalizer in the 22nd minute, one of the tournament's most famous goals, gave Canada a swift response. Despite both teams creating scoring opportunities, the first half ended with the score tied.
Canada dominated the second half and took the lead 2-1 after Jonathan David scored in the 80th minute on a rebound off Koné's effort. In an effort to tie the game and force penalty kicks, Uruguay stepped up their assaults and were successful far into stoppage time thanks to a pivotal goal from Luis Suárez.
Throughout the shootout, Uruguay remained composed and converted every penalty that Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Betancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, and Luis Suarez were awarded. Ismael Koné's penalty was saved by goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, sealing Uruguay's victory, and Canada's last-minute attempt by Alphonso Davies struck the crossbar. Uruguay finished third in the competition after this win, with Canada coming in fourth.
Argentina and Colombia will fight for the CONMEBOL Copa América™ championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 14th.