Robinho and company defeat Uruguay in a penalty shoot-out

Brazil booked their place in the Copa America final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Uruguay.


The two sides played out a 2-2 draw, and with extra time not being used, they went straight to penalties.

Diego Lugano missed the crucial kick for Uruguay - who had earlier spurned the chance to win the shoot-out when Pablo Garcia missed.

Brazil had gone ahead in the game after just 12 minutes when Maicon pounced on a rebound to fire past Fabian Carini.

The match was then interrupted by a power shortage, but after 13 minutes the players were back on and Brazil almost doubled their lead through Julio Baptista - but his free-kick flew just wide.

Uruguay then turned up the pressure and grabbed a deserved equaliser on 36 minutes when Diego Forlan found the back of the net after an error from Doni in the Brazilian goal.

However, Brazil restored their advantage before the break when Baptista fired home after getting on the end of Gilbert Silva's free-kick.

The game was then sent to penalties thanks to Sebastian Abreu, who headed home from close-range with 20 minutes left.

Into the shoot-out and the first miss came from Diego Forlan - but that miss was soon levelled out when Afonso's effort was saved.

At 4-4, Fernando missed for Brazil but, with the chance to win it for Uruguay, Pablo Garcia did the same.

Gilberto then converted, but Lugano could not match the feat as Brazil booked their place in the final where they will meet either Mexico or Argentina.