Gabriel Jesus Scores Winning Penalty, Takes Brazil to the Semis

After a nervy penalty shootout Brazil manage to defeat Paraguay and put themselves into the semi-finals as the first team in Copa America 2019.
Paraguay missed two penalty shootouts which led them to finish the tournament by 4-3. Though Brazil managed to keep 70 percent ball possession throughout the whole match, during the second half Paraguay’s defenders fought bravely against giant Brazil with one man short, leading the match into a penalty shootout.
Jesus who missed a penalty against Peru, scored in the final penalty shoot with his same tested technique on Thursday.
“In the last game I didn’t look at the keeper and I hit it hard straight away and the goalie made a good save,” said Jesus.
“Today I did it my usual way, I looked calmly at the keeper and I could see him moving to the left and I side-footed it the other way.” he added.
Fabian Balbuena was whistled for a foul close to the penalty area on Roberto Firmino and with help of VAR the referee handed him a straight red card at 58 minutes.
Dani Alvez’s following free kick propelled well but went slightly far from the bar. The host team created many opportunities to score but remained unable to finish in the finishing touches.
“We created lots and lots of chances, the ball hit the woodwork, the goalkeeper worked miracles, but the fans helped us and we never gave up,” said midfielder Arthur.
“We know what football is like, it’s about small details, and we couldn’t win but we felt the good energies and we managed to get through on penalties.”
Selecao Goalkeeper Allison said, “This is a team that deserved the win today”
“It was a draw but against a team that didn’t want to play unless it was on the counter attack. We’ve gone up one step, two more to go to our objective, to be Copa America champions.”
So far, Brazil has won every Copa America finals as a host nation.
> Dipto Paul