Venezuela failed to defend the “south” on Friday, and ended up being eliminated from the Copa América by Canada. The Canadians are in the semifinals after beating Vino Tinto on penalties, 4-3, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, in Dallas.

The Canadians face the Argentinians on Tuesday at 9pm in New Jersey. For Grêmio, the good news is the return of striker Soteldo, a little earlier.

The dispute was intense in the first half. With strong players, Canada took the initiative in attack and relied on long throws. Venezuela, confident in the three victories achieved in the group stage, had as main weapons the speed of Soteldo on the field and the opportunism of Rondón.

The first big chance was Canadian. In the 11th minute, defender Aramburu saved twice almost on the line, after goalkeeper Romo was ruled out. But Canada’s goal didn’t take long to arrive. At 12, Jonathan David broke away on the right and crossed to Shaffelburg, who anticipated the marker to open the count.

Venezuela did not let themselves be intimidated and had two chances with top scorer Rondón. But it was Canada who almost scored again, in the 25th minute, when Jonathan David, in a quick counterattack, missed a good chance in front of Romo. The game remained open, with both teams attacking in turns, but the biggest chance came once again from the Canadians, with Laryea, in the 30th minute.

The teams’ enthusiasm continued in the second leg. The difference was that Venezuela launched an attack. Both teams had good chances to score. At six minutes, the Canadian Larin, free, shot over. At 12, it was the turn of Venezuelan Eduard Bello to almost equalize. The goalkeeper made a good save and sent it for a corner.

Venezuela’s equalizer came in the 18th minute, thanks to a superb goal from Rondón almost from midfield. Canada was not intimidated and almost won in normal time. But the fight for a place in the semifinals went to a penalty shootout and Canada won thanks to superb saves from goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.