Uruguay secured third place in the Copa America on Saturday after an intense match against Canada, concluding with a penalty shootout victory (2-2, 4-3 tab). Veteran striker Luis Suarez played a pivotal role, equalizing in the final moments of regular time and then scoring the decisive penalty. Suarez, 37, demonstrated his enduring skill by saving the game in the 90th+2 minute and converting the final shot on goal for Uruguay, while Canada's Koné and Davies missed their penalties.
Rodrigo Bentancur initially put Uruguay ahead with an early goal in the 8th minute. However, Canada bounced back with goals from Ismael Koné in the 22nd minute and Jonathan David in the 80th minute, putting them in the lead until the dramatic finale. Uruguay's coach, Marcelo Bielsa, made strategic substitutions, replacing the silent Darwin Nunez with the experienced Suarez at halftime. The introduction of Giorgian de Arrascaeta also proved crucial, as he contributed to the build-up of the equalizing goal and successfully converted his penalty.
Bielsa praised Suarez, stating, 'He is a top-level player, a great comrade, and he has been a huge support for all of us on and off the pitch.' Uruguay's journey in the tournament saw them eliminated by Colombia in the semi-final (1-0). Colombia will face the reigning world champions, Argentina, in the final, set to take place in Miami on Sunday.
