Brazil advanced to the final of the Copa America in Venezuela, after defeating Uruguay 5-4 in a penalty shootout. The Brazilian team will play in the final against the winer of the semifinal match between Argentina and Mexico.

In Tuesday's game at Maracaibo, Brazil opened the score in the 13th minute. Uruguay scored the first equalizer 10 minutes before half-time thanks to Diego Forlan.

Brazil again took the lead in the 40th minute as Julio Baptista took advantage of a defensive mistake. Uruguay's veteran striker Sebastian Abreu evened the score to 2-2 in the 69th minute.

With the sides locked at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes, the game went straight to penalties and the Brazilian goalkeeper Doni clinched the victory by stopping Diego Lugano's shot.

"My footballers showed love for the jersey, they love the national team. I am very happy with them. These players have given up their holidays to come play the Copa America,"

said the Brazilian coach Carlos Dunga.

In Sunday's final Brazil will not be able to field captain Gilberto Silva, who saw his second yellow card in two games.

"It is a pity, but I have two players to replace him with," Dunga said. The Brazilian coach said he did not care whether Argentina or Mexico was his men's last hurdle on the way to the Copa America title in Venezuela. "We are happy because we got to the final. The Copa America was never easy for Brazil," Dunga explained.