Uruguay beats Canada in a penalty shootout and becomes the bronze medalist at Copa America 2024

The 2024 Copa América is gradually drawing to a close, and today witnessed the penultimate match of the tournament. At the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Canada and Uruguay faced off for third place.

Canada reached the Copa América playoffs for the first time in its history. Despite having a commendable tournament run, Uruguay was still considered the favorite. However, the match proved to be far from straightforward.

Uruguay quickly took the lead with a goal from Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. But Ismaël Koné of Marseille soon equalized. The teams went into halftime with the score tied.

The second half saw fierce competition with numerous substitutions, both of which proved effective for the coaches. In the 67th minute, Lille striker Jonathan David came on the field and put Canada ahead thirteen minutes later. Uruguay's savior was Luis Suárez, who came on after the break and scored the equalizer in the second minute of added time.

Regulation time ended in a draw, and according to the tournament rules, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shootout. The only exception to this rule is the final, which includes extra time.

Canada took the first penalty, but Ismaël Koné missed on the third shot. Uruguay, on the other hand, was flawless, and the decisive miss came from Bayern Munich star defender Alphonso Davies, who missed the fifth shot.

2024 Copa América
Third Place Match
Canada vs Uruguay 2:3 (after penalties)
Goals: Koné 22’, David 80’ – Bentancur 8’, Suárez 90+2’

This is the first time in thirteen years that Uruguay has secured a medal at the Copa América. Their last continental achievement was winning the championship in 2011. Seven years before that, they similarly claimed third place.