A 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout, after a 2-2 draw in the 90 minutes.
Uruguay secured third place in the 2024 Copa América by defeating debutant Canada 4-3 in a penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Uruguayan team made only two changes from the semifinals, introducing full-backs Nández and Viña as the new faces. In contrast, Canada made six changes, leaving out key players such as Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustáquio from FC Porto, and Jonathan David.
In regular time, Rodrigo Bentancur gave Uruguay the lead in the eighth minute with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box. Canada's Ismaël Koné equalized in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot the ball past the goalkeeper. Jonathan David then put Canada ahead in the 80th minute with a clinical finish after a swift counter-attack. However, in stoppage time at 90+2, Luis Suárez restored parity with a powerful header, sending the match into penalties.
The bronze was decided in the penalty shootout, where Uruguay scored all four of their attempts, displaying composure and precision under pressure. Canada, on the other hand, missed two out of their five attempts. Koné's shot was saved by Sergio Rochet, and Alphonso Davies hit the crossbar with a Panenka attempt, sealing Uruguay's victory.
This match marked a significant achievement for Uruguay, showcasing their resilience and determination to secure a podium finish. For Canada, despite the disappointment of losing in the shootout, their performance in the tournament, especially as debutants, was commendable. The absence of key players like Davies, Eustáquio, and David in the starting lineup was felt, but the team's ability to compete at a high level bodes well for their future in international competitions.
