Suarez devastated as shootout miss see Uruguay out of Copa
CGTN
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Peru's goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (R) stops the penalty taken by Uruguay's Luis Suarez during the shoot-out at Copa America quarterfinal match in Salvador, Brazil, June 29, 2019. /VCG Photo

Peru's goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (R) stops the penalty taken by Uruguay's Luis Suarez during the shoot-out at Copa America quarterfinal match in Salvador, Brazil, June 29, 2019. /VCG Photo

Luis Suarez broke down in tears after he missed in the shootout as 15-time Copa America champions Uruguay suffered a galling quarterfinal exit on Saturday to Peru, losing 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw in full time. 

Uruguay dominated the play during the game but Edinson Cavani, Giorgian de Arrascaeta and then Suarez all had goals chalked off for offside which were each verified by VAR checks. 

Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese saved Suarez's spot-kick, while Edison Flores scored the decisive penalty as Peru, who were thrashed 5-0 by Brazil in their previous match, qualified for the semifinals for the third time in the last four editions of the Copa. 

Peru celebrate after victory against Uruguay in Copa America in Salvador, Brazil, June 29, 2019. /VCG Photo

Peru celebrate after victory against Uruguay in Copa America in Salvador, Brazil, June 29, 2019. /VCG Photo

Suarez, who rushed back to full fitness after undergoing knee surgery in May in order to make it for the Copa, covered his face with his shirt and was consoled by team mates after the shootout defeat. 

"Luis was very sad, he ended up missing in a decisive moment but that’s football and life," Cavani told reporters. 

"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We have won the Copa before but today we have to accept that we are out." 

"I am very proud. I am speechless," said striker Paolo Guerrero after scoring in the shootout. 

"People said before Uruguay were the favorites but being favorites means nothing in football, especially in South America." 

It was the third Copa quarterfinal to finish goalless and head to penalties after Uruguay had three goals ruled out for offside during normal time. 

Brazil beat Paraguay on spot-kicks on Thursday and champions Chile did likewise to knock-out Colombia on Friday. 

In the only match to feature any goals, Argentina defeated Venezuela 2-0 on Friday. 

Peru will face Chile in the second semifinal on Wednesday, a day after hosts Brazil take on Argentina. 

(With input from AFP and Reuters)