Pellistri reaches Copa America semi-finals
Facundo Pellistri became the fourth Red this week to progress to the semi-finals of a major tournament via a penalty shootout, as Uruguay dumped Brazil out of the Copa America to reach the last four.
The United winger started the fixture at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and was his energetic self as La Celeste vied to continue the impressive form they have shown stateside.
Both nations battled hard, with clear-cut chances coming at a premium and, after 74 minutes, Uruguay right-back Nahitan Nandez was issued a straight red card.
Sergio Rochet ❌ pic.twitter.com/arenlwRwUz
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ ENG (@copaamerica_ENG) July 7, 2024
Pellistri was replaced four minutes later by Guillermo Varela and, despite being a man down, Marcelo Bielsa's side forced extra-time.
Nothing could separate Uruguay and Brazil after a further 30 minutes so the quarter-final was to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Real Madrid's Eder Militao missed the Selecao's first spot-kick before former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz also failed to beat La Celeste keeper Sergio Rochet.
Pellistri and Uruguay have set up a tantalising semi-final against Colombia on Thursday in North Carolina (01:00 BST).
With an Argentina side featuring fellow Reds Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho in the other side of the draw - taking on Canada in the last four - there is a chance that three United players could reach the 2024 Copa America final.
Congratulations, Facundo!