Defending champion Brazil was spared being eliminated by Uruguay in the semifinals of the Copa America when Pablo Garcia missed his penalty kick with a chance to put the Celeste into the final.

Instead, Brazil prevailed, 5-4, in the shootout after their game ended, 2-2.

Brazil twice blew leads it had taken in the first half, on goals by Maicon and Julio Baptista. Diego Forlan and substitute Sebastian Abreu pulled Uruguay level.

"To be a winning team, you have to know how to suffer," said Brazil coach Dunga. "In the most difficult moment, you have to have posture, courage and fight until the end."

GAME SUMMARY:
July 10 in Maracaibo
Brazil 2 Uruguay 2. Goal: Maicon 14, Julio Baptista 45; Forlan 45, Abreu 70.
Brazil -- Doni, Maicon, Alex Rodrigo, Juan, Gilberto, Mineiro, Gilberto Silva, Josue (Fernando, 73), Julio Baptista (Diego, 73), Vagner Love (Alex Afonso, 80), Robinho.
Uruguay -- Carini, Perez (Gargano, 74), Lugano, Scotti, D.Rodriguez (I.Gonzalez, 46), C.Rodriguez, Pereira, Garcia, Fucile, Forlan, Recoba (Abreu, 46).
Referee: Oscar Ruiz (Colombia).
Att.: 42,000.
(Brazil win 5-4 on penalties.)