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"The Euro is harder (to win) than the World Cup."
The remarks of French national team captain Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) are open to disagreement. In fact, World Cup champions Argentina devalued the euro as a tournament in which Argentina and Brazil do not participate.
If Mbappe had said this, would the Argentine players have refuted it as well? 'Copa is definitely more exciting than the euro.' Probably not.
Unlike the Euro tournament, which is consistent with building-up-oriented boring balls, Copa is showing a speedy and exciting game every game.
It is no exaggeration to say that the Copa quarterfinal match between Brazil and Uruguay, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on the 7th, showed the essence of soccer.
The two teams showed signs of hitting each other for 120 minutes, including overtime. He didn't allow the breakthrough easily due to tough tackles and physical fights. It became especially rough in front of the gate. It was impressive to see him pour all his energy when arguing for one ball. He already looked tired from the first half regardless of players and referees.
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The total number of shots fired is nine (Uruguay 6, Brazil 3). There were not many shots. There is a reason. He didn't give up the space and space to cross or hit a mid-range shot. It was tight the whole time. He didn't hesitate to throw a foul. Uruguay recorded 26 fouls, Brazil 15 fouls, a total of 41, and two warnings were obtained each. In the 29th minute of the second half, Uruguay midfielder Nández was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Brazilian striker Hodrigo.
The match, which did not score a single goal in 120 minutes, was decided in the penalty shootout. Brazil, where Militão and Luis missed, failed to advance to the semifinals with a penalty shootout score of 2-4. Uruguay will face Colombia in the semifinals on the 11th. The winner of this match will clash with the winner of the semifinals of Argentina-Canada in the final.
On the same day, the Euro 2024 quarterfinals between England and Switzerland in Dusseldorf, Germany, were also divided in the penalty shootout. The process of entering the penalty shootout was different from the Brazil-Uruguay match. Both teams were consistent with slow build-ups starting with goalkeepers. By the time the ball was delivered to the opposing side through the build-up, the opposing team had already gotten off and formed a defensive formation. It was difficult to create a chance because there was no gap.
In the match between England and Switzerland, the first goal was scored in the 30th minute of the second half. Switzerland's Brill Embolo calmly pushed the right cross in front of the gate. Five minutes later, Bukayo Saka scored the equalizer with a sensational left-footed curl shot. In the penalty shootout, England won 5-3 and secured a ticket to the semifinals. Two of the quarterfinals, Portugal-France and England-Switzerland, were decided by penalties.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
