Balbuena and Paraguay eliminated from Copa America

Balbuena

 

Fabian Balbuena’s Copa America journey came to an end at the quarter-final stage as Paraguay fell to Brazil on penalties. 

A 0-0 contest went to a penalty shoot-out, which Brazil won 4-3, with Gustavo Gomez and Derlis Gonzalez missing from the spot for Paraguay. Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus netted the winning spot-kick. 

West Ham United’s Balbuena had been recalled into the Paraguay starting XI after missing the previous two matches for his nation but was not involved as the game went to extra time and penalties. 

The centre-back was sent off on 58 minutes following a VAR review, which suggested Balbuena had denied Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino a clear goalscoring opportunity. 

The Irons No.4 had been enjoying a decent performance up until his dismissal, with Paraguay keeping the Brazilians at bay. 

A resilient Paraguay side were still able to keep out their opponents in 120 minutes but unfortunately fell during the penalty shoot-out.

Brazil will now progress to the semi-finals to play either Venezuela or Argentina on Tuesday.