Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa on Friday defended his players involved in a clash with Colombian fans after Wednesday's Copa America semi-final, saying "anyone would have reacted like that" to protect their families.
After Colombia sealed a 1-0 victory in Charlotte, North Carolina, Uruguay players climbed into the stands, apparently exchanging blows with opposition fans.
The CONMEBOL statement in response to the shocking fight from Wednesday that saw Uruguay players clashing with Colombian fans in the stands was… lackluster.
Soccer fans around the world were appalled by scenes of Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez exchanging blows with fans in the stands of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Wednesday’s Copa América semifinal ended with Colombia defeating Uruguay 1-0 and Darwin Núñez punching fans in the stands of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The semifinal was another classic CONMEBOL clash that saw 24 fouls, six yellow cards and a red card. After the game tensions were high with the Colombians celebrating and Uruguay players and staff getting physical.
EAST RUTHERFORD — Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the Copa America final after goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi gave them a 2-0 win over Canada in Tuesday's semi-final in New Jersey.
Argentina have won a joint-record 15 Copa titles and reached the final six times in the past eight editions but Canada caused them problems in the opening 20 minutes, Jacob Shaffelburg twice shooting wide from promising positions.
The Christian Pulisic referee handshake moment after the United States’ 1-0 defeat to Uruguay on Monday was a controversial topic of discussion.
Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega had a horrendous night of officiating for the pivotal Copa América game with a highlight reel of fails. Ortega and Pulisic often bumped heads during the fixture with the American star not impressed with Ortega’s officiating.
In the final minutes of the game Pulisic took a shot near Uruguay’s box and took a hit from behind. Pulisic furiously yelled at Ortega about no foul being called.
LAS VEGAS — Ecuador kept their hopes of qualifying for the Copa America quarter-finals alive with a 3-1 win over Jamaica in Las Vegas on Wednesday that ultimately eliminated the 'Reggae Boyz.'
Ecuador went ahead in the 13th minute via a Jamaica own goal, when Piero Hincapie's cross from the left was deflected off Kasey Palmer's shin into the net.
Jamaica own goal vs Ecuador
An assistant referee keeled over and fainted in the first half of Peru's Copa America Group A match against Canada, being played in hot and humid conditions at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City on Tuesday.
Humberto Panjoj collapsed during stoppage time in the first half, with Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau attracting the attention of medical staff.
Referee passes out during Copa América game
LOS ANGELES — Brazil missed a string of chances and were left to rue a lack of quality in the final third after they were held 0-0 by Costa Rica in their Copa America Group D opener in Los Angeles on Monday.
Brazil, who came into the Copa America on the back of a run of poor results in recent months, dominated possession but lacked precision in front of goal with just three of their 19 shots on target.
Maximilian Araujo, Darwin Nunez and Matias Vina scored as Uruguay beat Panama 3-1 in their Copa América Group C match in Florida on Sunday.
Uruguay, who have won the Copa America a joint record 15 times, were rewarded for their blistering early pace when Araujo fired home a sublime curling effort from the edge of the area in the 16th minute.
June 22 (Reuters) - Venezuela struck twice in the space of 10 minutes in the second half to come from behind and earn a 2-1 victory over Ecuador in the Copa America on Saturday, getting their Group B campaign off to a winning start.
Ecuador vs. Venezuela | Group B | Copa América 2024 game highlights, recap
Ecuador played most of the match with 10 men after their captain Enner Valencia was sent off in the 22nd minute for a high boot, but Jeremy Sarmiento smashed home just before halftime to put them in front.