Copa America

BARCELONA team-mates turned on each other as Brazil were knocked out of the Copa America on penalties in an ugly defeat against Uruguay.Uruguay edged Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Saturday after going down to 10 men in a bruising 0-0 draw in Las Vegas.Barcelona team-mates turn on each other during Brazil’s brutal clash against UruguayBrazil skipper Raphinha pushed Ronald Araujo after the defender shoved EndrickBoth Barca stars managed to avoid a booking in the Copa America clashCredit: APBrazil were knocked out Copa America after a 10-man Uruguay squad beat the 4-2 on penaltiesCredit: APIn a savage clash with 41 fouls, players from both sides were quick to get physical.Endrick stepped into the lineup due to Vinicius Jr’s suspension and his aggressive style quickly saw him come head to head with Ronald Araujo.And an early challenge saw the 17-year-old Real Madrid ace foul the Barcelona star.The defender retaliated and shoved the youngster to the ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the spat didn’t end there as Brazil skipper Raphinha – who is also team-mates with Araujo at Barca – shoved the Uruguay star before the referee stepped in and gave both players a stern talking to, keeping his cards in his pocket.Araujo ended up finishing his game early after he was taken off with an injury after 30 minutes.Uruguay then lost Nahitan Nandez to a red card on a VAR review, which reduced their side to 10 men for the final stages of the second half.But Marcelo Bielsa’s side were able to take the game all the way to penalties – where they prevailed 4-2.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBielsa told reporters: “Everything that happens, happens Uruguayan style, because the players are the ones that give their all to the team.”It was a match with very little goal opportunities, highly contested, very close, even with very little changes in possession. Sickening moment Uruguay star carried off in neck brace after suffering alarming injury in Copa America clash”When we were one man down, we decided to dedicate ourselves to defending in our half.”So holding on to that result as the Uruguayan team did shows the profile of Uruguayan football. And they were very calm in the penalty shootout that demands not only accuracy but also character.”For Brazil, it is a second straight quarter-final exit via penalties in a major tournament following their 2022 World Cup defeat to Croatia.Endrick said: “We want to put Brazil at the top, we will continue working and preparing for the World Cup (qualifiers).”We know that this is a difficult moment, but we hope to have the support of all Brazilians.”Uruguay now head into the semi-finals of the Copa America where they will face Colombia. More

SALOMON RONDON rolled back the years in the Copa America last night as he scored a stunning 40-yard volley.Rondon, 34, struck in the 64th minute to draw level after Canada had taken a first-half lead through Jacob Shaffelburg.Salomón Rondón…WOW! 😱😱😱Venezuela level it up as their star striker lifts one over the Canadian keeper’s head and into the back of the net from over 40 yards out 🔥 pic.twitter.com/naNRlZCy9Y— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) July 6, 2024

Rondon scored one of the greatest goals of his career last nightCredit: EPAHis goal came off the back of a Canada corner, with Jesse Marsch’s team committing a number of players forward.After a long hooked clearance upfield, Rondon was able to muscle Canada defender Moise Bombito out the way before volleying the ball over Canada keeper Maxime Crepeau’s head from 40 yards out.The goal sparked wild scenes of celebration from the Venezuela substitutes and coaching staff with Rondon running over to join them.Fans on X were delighted to see Rondon show what he can do.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan wrote: “Everton legend.”A second wrote: “Why on earth have they left a 1 on 1 from a corner. Boys.”A third said: “Everton crying out for a player like this.”A fourth wrote: “Wow 👌”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a fifth said: “That’s unreal, Rondón take a bow.”Another said: “@Everton looks alright this fella. We got him scouted?”Switzerland fans chant England’s Going Home in huge pre-match march through streets of DusseldorfThe goal was enough to force penalties after 90 minutes with the teams tied at 1-1.But unfortunately for Rondon’s Venezuela, they bowed out at the quarter-final stage to Canada after losing the shootout 4-3.Rondon for his part, scored his penalty during the shootout.Fans of the Premier League will remember Rondon from stints at Newcastle, West Brom and Everton.He currently plays for Mexican side Pachuca.England’s penalty shootout recordTHE dreaded penalty shootout.England’s nemesis at no fewer than SEVEN major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.But two shootout victories before the Italy defeat give some reason for optimism…1990 World Cup semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 04/07/1990 – LOST 4-3Euro 1996 quarter-final vs SPAIN, 22/06/1996 – WON 4-2Euro 1996 semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 26/06/1996 – LOST 6-5Friendly vs BELGIUM, 29/05/1998 – LOST 4-31998 World Cup last 16 vs ARGENTINA, 30/06/1998 – LOST 4-3Euro 2004 quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 24/06/2004 – LOST 6-52006 World Cup quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 01/07/2006 – LOST 3-1Euro 2012 quarter-final vs ITALY, 24/06/2012 – LOST 4-22018 World Cup last 16 vs COLOMBIA, 03/07/2018 – WON 4-3vs SWITZERLAND – Nations League third-place play-off, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2OVERALL: Played 11, Won 3, Lost 8 More

RIVAL fans fought in the stands during an ugly brawl after a Copa America game.The incident occurred after Mexico and Ecuador drew 0-0 in the Group B match of the tournament.Rival fans fought in the stands during an ugly brawl after a Copa America gameChelsea Moises Caicedo and his Ecuador side drew 0-0 against MexicoCredit: GettyMexico were dumped out of Copa America on Sunday night, after struggling to score in front of 63,000 fans in Glendale, Arizona.Meanwhile, opponents Ecuador secured a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina.And just moments after the final whistle things got heated between the rival supporters – who were seated together.One Ecuadorian fan wearing the yellow home shirt was spotted in a viral video lying down across the seats.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother in a light green Mexico-away jersey swung at another Ecuadorian follower.He fails to hit but his rival lands a huge punch sprawling the Mexican fan to the floor.Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo played the match that saw his side secure a spot in the next round.Meanwhile, fans were not so keen to see a fight break out after the game.Most read in FootballAs one fumed: “People can’t just watch football anymore can they?”While another added: “Why fight? Wouldn’t it be better to watch the game?”Sickening moment Uruguay star carried off in neck brace after suffering alarming injury in Copa America clashVenezuela topped the group after thrashing Jamaica 3-0 and head into the knockouts with Ecuador who came second.Mexico came third then Jamaica finished bottom.The Copa America is being held across the US and started on June 20 and finishes on July 16.It runs alongside Euro 2024 in Germany which began on June 14 and ends on July 14. More

URUGUAY winger Maximiliano Araujo was rushed off the pitch in a neck brace after suffering a head injury against the USA on Monday.The 24-year-old started for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the Copa America group stage match.Maximiliano Araujo was stretchered off in a neck braceCredit: EPAThe winger landed awkwardly, jolting his neckCredit: EPABut in the 23rd minute he was caught in a collision with team-mate Ronald Araujo and USA defender Tim Ream.He subsequently fell to the floor, hitting his head on the grass which caused his neck to jolt.Several Uruguay players rushed over to help and frantically called over to the bench for medical assistance.Araujo was then stretchered away in a neck brace, but gave the crowd an encouraging thumbs-up before leaving the pitch.Read More in FootballHe was replaced by Los Angeles FC star Cristian Olivera.Uruguay posted a statement on social media after the match, confirming that Araujo did not suffer a serious injury.It read: “Maximiliano Araujo is fine, he had to be replaced due to a head injury.”The corresponding tests will be carried out.”Most read in FootballUruguay went on to win the group stage clash 1-0 thanks to a second-half strike from Mathias Olivera.Bielsa’s side booked a spot in the knockout stages as a result, while the USA were eliminated from the tournament.Horror scenes as referee COLLAPSES at Copa America as Canada star sprints to help before desperately calling for medicsEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

A REFEREE snubbed a handshake from Christian Pulisic following an angry clash on the pitch as fans claimed the game was “rigged”.The incredible moment occurred as the USA were dumped out of the Copa America with a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay.A referee refused to shake Christian Pulisic’s hand as the USA were dumped out of the Copa AmericaCredit: FS1Pulisic had earlier screamed in the ref’s face after some strange decisions in Uruguay’s 1-0 winCredit: GettyThere were complaints that this goal was ruled onsideCredit: xFormer Chelsea star Pulisic, now at AC Milan, saw his side exit the tournament in the group stage after suffering two consecutive defeats.The USA won their first match 2-0 against Bolivia.But they were left stunned last week when minnows Panama secured a 2-1 victory in a heated game that saw two players sent off.And last night, Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay showed no mercy as they beat the Americans 1-0 to seal top spot in Group C.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe result saw Gregg Berhalter’s men finish third, preventing them from reaching the knockout stage.However, the USA felt they were on the receiving end of several strange decisions by Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega.One moment saw him book USA defender Chris Richards while still giving the advantage to Uruguay — despite the Americans believing play had stopped.And Uruguay’s 66th-minute winner from Mathias Olivera also appeared to come from an offside position.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSPulisic’s frustration boiled over before full-time when he approached the official and yelled in his face.But when the whistle blew to end the game, things became even more tense.Glamorous Ecuador fan in just bikini and fishnet stockings goes viral as fans ditch Euro 2024 for Copa AmericaMathias Olivera scored as Uruguay sealed top spot in their groupCredit: ReutersThe USA felt the winning goal was scored from an offside positionCredit: APPulisic gave the officials a piece of his mind as fans reacted in shock to the handshake snubCredit: GettySome fans sympathised with Pulisic as they could not believe the decision.Many took to social media to claim that the game was “rigged”.One posted: “You can’t convince me that this isn’t rigged. The refereeing tonight has been terrible all game.”A second wrote: “I give up. Copa America is unwatchable. That was clearly offside. But this is also clearly rigged. No point watching.”Another added: “CONMEBOL successfully pulled off the scam of the century.”Stole all the US stadiums, money, and publicity for the Copa America, and they rigged every game against an already terribly managed USA team ensuring they don’t qualify. Congrats South America!”There was no reason to believe that the game had actually been “rigged”.As Pulisic went up to Ortega with his hand stretched outwards, the referee stared back while refusing to accept it.The lack of a handshake left viewers stunned.But some fans claimed that, in the moments leading up to the snub, Pulisic had gestured to the official to join in with Uruguay’s celebrations.There is no suggestion Pulisic was actually telling Ortega and his fellow refs to toast Uruguay’s victory.But Ortega was clearly unhappy and kept his hands behind his back as Pulisic moved in for a shake.Fans weren’t too pleased with the ref’s behaviour though.Reacting on social media, one said: “The unsportsmanlike conduct by these refs is next level.”Another declared: “To be fair, based on the calls in the game, there’s a chance he’s blind.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Typical main character syndrome, not fit to be an official.”Another added: “Red card to the ref.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More