Maracaibo, July 11:

Brazil advanced to the final of the Copa America on Tuesday with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Uruguay.

With the sides locked at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes, the game went straight to penalties and skipper Diego Lugano missed the crucial spot kick for Uruguay to send Dunga’s side through.

Brazil took the lead in the 12th minute when Uruguay keeper Fabian Carini could only parry Mineiro’s shot and Maicon converted the rebound. Uruguay’s pressure paid off as Forlan drew level in the 36th minute. But parity lasted a mere five minutes as Baptista got on the end of Gilberto Silva’s free-kick to put Brazil back in front at the break. But Sebastian Abreu equalised 20 minutes from the end as the substitute applied the finishing touch to Forlan’s header at the far post.