Paraguay through to Copa semi-finals after ousting Brazil

Paraguay advanced to the Copa America semi-finals this morning by defeating defending champion Brazil 2-0 in a penalty shootout after the score was level at 0-0 following extra time.

Brazil was trying to win its third straight Copa America title after having won four of the past five tournaments, and coach Mano Menezes brought a mixed squad of veterans and promising young stars to also prepare for the 2014 World Cup at home.

Paraguay has not won any of its four matches so far and will face either Chile or Venezuela, which will play later today.

Marcelo Estigarribia and Christian Riveros scored for Paraguay in the shootout after Villar capped a great performance by diving to his left to stop Thiago Silva's shot. Brazil midfielder Elano started the shootout by missing badly over the crossbar, and Andre Santos and Fred also missed.

Uruguay and Peru, which eliminated Colombia on yesterday, will meet in the other semi-final.

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