Defending champions Brazil have been knocked out of the Copa America. Paraguay proved too strong for the powerhouse of South American football after a penalty shout-out.
Thiago Silva featured in the first XI despite worries over a thigh injury. Ganso was once more entrusted with the task of dictating the play at the midfield, with Alexandre Pato operating as the lone striker.
Brazil started brightly whereas Paraguay tried to pressurise Brazil high up the pitch. Neymar got Brazil's first big chance but squandered it by shooting it across the face of goal. Just before the break Neymar missed another clear-cut opportunity.
The second half saw a change in the game pattern with the eleven of Gerardo Martino sitting back deep, but again the Brazilian strikers were unable to find the net. Pato, who until then hadn't contribute a lot, missed two excellent goalscoring opportunities.
The ET was marred by a confrontation between both sides after a dispute between Lucio and Estigarribia near the side line. Lucas Leiva and Alcarez were consequently sent off for misconduct.
Elano, Thiago Silva, André Santos and Fred all missed from the spot to grant Paraguay the most of unlikely victories possible. It is the first time in 28 years that Paraguay reach the semi-finals of the Copa America.
Questions now remain for Brazil: Ganso underachieved throughout the tournament, Neymar and Pato were mixed bags. Full backs Maicon and André Santos hardly threatened going forward and defensively Brazil looked very fragile.
