Canada into first Copa America semi-final, meet Argentina again

A general view of the tournament logo placed on an archway ahead of the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group D soccer match between Paraguay and Brazil at Allegiant Stadium. Christopher Trim/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Canada beat Venezuela 4-3 on penalties on Friday night to reach the semi-finals of the Copa America for the first time for a rematch with Lionel Messi's defending champions Argentina.

Ismael Koné decided the shoot-out in Arlington, Texas, in sudden death after Wilker Angel's sixth penalty for Venezuela was saved by goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

The score was locked at 3-3 after each side had taken five penalties, and 1-1 after 90 minutes, with no extra time played at the Copa.

Jacob Shaffelburg gave Canada a 13th-minute lead and Canada had further chances, but Salomon Rondon scored a stunning equalizer over Crépeau in the 64th from midway in the Canadian half.

Canada will now face Argentina, who also needed penalties to get past Ecuador on Thursday. Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the tournament opeer on June 20.

The other quarter-finals, Colombia v Panama and Uruguay v Brazil, are on Saturday. The semis are on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the final on July 14 in Miami.

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