Brazil beats plucky Paraguay on penalties to reach Copa America semis
Gabriel Jesus averted potential disaster.
After losing to Paraguay on penalties at the 2011 and 2015 Copa America, Brazil finally exacted some revenge, winning 4-3 in a tense shootout on Thursday.
Jesus dispatched the winning kick to send the host nation to the Copa America semifinals for the first time since 2007.
Brazil was unable to score against Paraguay in regular time, even with the South American underdog down to 10 men. Defender Fabian Balbuena put Paraguay at a significant disadvantage when he was sent off in the 58th minute for denying Roberto Firmino a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
The referee initially pointed to the spot, but after a lengthy review, he awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area that Dani Alves steered wide.
Showing typical resolve, Paraguay stood firm as Tite's side huffed and puffed for a breakthrough. Goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez made several outstanding saves to keep the match scoreless.
Though recent history favored Paraguay in the shootout, captain Gustavo Gomez botched his country's first spot-kick and Derlis Gonzalez shot wide with its fifth attempt. Firmino was the only Brazilian to miss.
Brazil will now face either Venezuela or Argentina in the semifinals.