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Uruguay beat Canada 4-3 on penalties after drawing the game 2-2 in the stipulated 90 minutes on Saturday, July 13 at the Bank of America Stadium to seal the bronze medal at Copa America 2024.
Uruguay started on a high as Rodrigo Bentancur put his side ahead in the eighth minute of the game. But Canada did not let their heads drop and were soon rewarded as Ismael Kone (22') cooly slotted one past Sergio Rochet to equalize after receiving the ball from Moise Bombito.
Canada had a flurry of chances post that to go ahead but Uruguay somehow hung on. Late in the game, it was Jonathan David who came off the bench and scored the second for the Canadians in the 80th minute. As things looked settled, Luis Suarez (90+2') rolled back the years and scored in the dying moments to take the game to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Luis Suarez scored from the spot for Uruguay. For Canada, Jonathan David, Moise Bombito and Mathieu Choiniere scored whereas Ismael Kone and Alphonso Davies missed their kicks.
On that note, let's take a look at the Hits and Flops from the game.
#5 Hit: Ismael Kone (Canada)
Ismael Kone was everywhere for Canada. The 22-year-old was the game-changer for his team. He equalized from close range in the 22nd minute of the game and revived his side completely.
Kone won nine duels, made 15 recoveries, completed two dribbles, made two interceptions, won one tackle, made one clearance and blocked the ball once throughout the game. He was also the most fouled player in the match (4). But, he missed his penalty in the shootout and all his goodwill went in vain.
#4 Flop: Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay)
Manuel Ugarte had a pretty substandard performance in the center of the pitch and was unable exert any influence on the game. The opposition's midfield seemed to be too heavy for him to contain.
Ugarte was withdrawn in the 46th minute of the game in favor of Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who was a much-needed upgrade.
#3 Hit: Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
Luis Suarez showed glimpses of his former self after coming on for Darwin Nunez in the 46th minute of the game. He saved his side from sinking as he scored in stoppage time to drag the game to penalties with a very cool finish.
The former Barcelona striker also scored from the penalty spot to become the absolute super sub for his side. He provided the missing spark upfront and was highly effective. Suarez was constantly at it and kept the Canadian defenders on their toes.
#2 Flop: Darwin Nunez (Uruguay)
Darwin Nunez had another night to forget as he completely ghosted against Canada. The Liverpool striker had one attempt on goal throughout his stay on the pitch and lost eight out of 11 duels he participated in.
Nunez made just three passes in the first half and was highly isolated upfront. He was taken off in the 46th minute of the game and rightly so since he hardly had anything to contribute.
#1 Hit: Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay)
Rodrigo Bentancur did not have the best of games but did his job in the end and guided his side to victory. He slotted one home following a set piece early in the game to set the tone.
Bentancur struggled with the physicality in the center and lost quite a lot of duels, but he put in a shift for the night as he made 10 recoveries, three interceptions, won one tackle and made one clearance throughout the game. The 27-year-old also converted his penalty in the shootout to ensure his side's victory.
