Copa America: Brazil beat Paraguay on penalties to reach semi-finals

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, Brazil are yet to concede a goal after four Copa America matches

Gabriel Jesus scored the decisive spot-kick as hosts Brazil beat Paraguay on penalties to reach the Copa America semi-finals.

Paraguay had Fabian Balbuena sent off after 58 minutes for a foul on Roberto Firmino, but the match ended goalless.

Gustavo Gomez and Derlis Gonzalez missed from the spot for the visitors as Brazil won the shootout 4-3.

The eight-time winners - booed by their fans in their first two games - will next face Argentina or Venezuela.

Brazil, who last won in 2007, were initially awarded a penalty following West Ham defender Balbuena's foul on Liverpool forward Firmino when he was through on goal - but the decision was overturned after a video assistant referee check showed the offence took place outside the box.

The hosts peppered the opposition goal in Porto Alegre, registering 26 attempts - Manchester City forward Jesus shot narrowly wide from close range before Chelsea winger Willian hit a post in the final minute.

Brazil were beaten by Paraguay on penalties in 2011 and 2015, but they triumphed this time despite Firmino dragging his spot-kick wide when they led 3-2.

They will play Argentina in the semi-final in Belo Horizonte next Tuesday, after they beat Venezuela 2-0.

Brazil fined over homophobic chants

Brazil's football federation has been fined $15,000 (拢12,000) over homophobic chanting by fans during the hosts' opening match of the tournament against Bolivia.

The South American Football Confederation said there were chants at goal-kicks and that Brazil supporters also lit flares as their side won 3-0 on 14 June.