Brazil join Argentina as Copa casualties

LA PLATA, Argentina (AP):

Paraguay advanced to the Copa America semi-finals yesterday by defeating defending champions Brazil 2-0 in a penalty shoot-out after the score was level at 0-0 following extra time.

Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar stopped Thiago Silva's shot and Elano, Andre Santos and Fred also missed for Brazil, which were eliminated from the South American competition a day after host Argentina lost to Uruguay.

The Argentines also lost on penalties after Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera played well in regulation and then stopped Carlos Tevez's penalty in the shoot-out.

Similarly, a great performance by Villar ensured Brazil failed to capitalise on their scoring opportunities despite dominating from the start.

"After the way we played today, I've never seen a more unfair result in my entire career," Brazil midfielder Ramires said.

It is the first time since 1989 that Paraguay have reached the final four in the South American competition.

Paraguay haven't won any of their four matches so far. The team will face Venezuela who defeated Chile 2-1, in yesterday's other game. Uruguay and Peru, which eliminated Colombia on Saturday, will meet in the other semi-final.

"Brazil should've won after 90 minutes," Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino said. "Sometimes we get these results. We played entirely differently from how we wanted to play."

Brazil was trying to win its third straight Copa America title after having won four of the past five tournaments, and coach Mano Menezes brought a mixed squad of veterans and promising young stars to also prepare for the 2014 World Cup at home.

"It's important to keep our calm after a loss and avoid thinking that it was all negative," Menezes said. "We improved after the (tough) start in the competition and we will continue working hard so we can reach the positive results in the future."

Brazil leaves with only one win in four matches. The team drew with Venezuela and Paraguay before beating Ecuador 4-2 in the group stage.

Marcelo Estigarribia and Christian Riveros scored for Paraguay in the shoot-out after Villar capped his great performance by diving to his left to stop Thiago Silva's shot.

Brazil midfielder Elano started the shoot-out by missing badly over the crossbar, and Andre Santos and Fred also missed the goal.

Extra time altercation

There was an altercation 11 minutes into extra time after a dispute between Brazil defender Lucio and Estigarribia near the sideline. Players from both teams were involved in the confrontation, shoving each other. Referee Sergio Pezzotta of Argentina sent off Brazil's Lucas Leiva and Paraguay's Antolin Alcaraz.

Brazil controlled possession and outplayed Paraguay from the start. The Paraguayans stayed back and relied mostly on counterattacks, but couldn't get nowhere near the Brazilian goal for most of the match.

Paraguay's first shot on target came in the 88th, when Edgar Barreto's long-range strike was deflected to allow goalkeeper Julio Cesar to make an easy save.

Paraguay forward Nelson Haedo Valdez had the only chance in extra time, just missing the far corner with a first-time shot from inside the area following a long pass by Estigarribia in the 112th.

Brazil, which outshot Paraguay 16-4, had at least five clear scoring chances in regulation, most from young striker Neymar. Villar's great performance caused Paraguay's fans to chant his name on several occasions during the match.