After a fierce struggle for 90 minutes without goals, Uruguay beat Brazil 4-3 in a penalty shootout to book their place in the semi-finals of ongoing Copa América at Allegiant Stadium in the early hours of Sunday.

The game, considered the dirtiest since the tournament kicked off, featured very few moments of excitement as 41 fouls were recorded.

Nahitan Nandez was sent off in the 74th minute for a bad tackle on Rodrygo, reducing Uruguay to 10 men, but Brazil could not take advantage of their opponent’s reduced number.

Ten-men Uruguay fought through, holding Brazil to a goalless draw, extending the game into penalty before grabbing victory.

Eder Militao’s penalty was saved, and Douglas Luiz hit the post, dashing Brazil’s Cop América dream.

For Uruguay, Manuel Ugarte’s fire in a decisive spot-kick saw them advance to the next round of the competition.

Next up for Uruguay is a semi-finals showdown with Colombia on Wednesday.

Colombia had routed Panama 5-0 earlier on Saturday, booking their spot in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, the defending champions, Argentina, will face Canada in the first semi-final game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.