Distraught Suarez left in floods of tears after missing penalty in Uruguay’s Copa America shootout loss to Peru
LUIS SUAREZ was left in floods of tears after missing a penalty which sent Uruguay crashing out of the Copa America quarter-finals.
The 15-time tournament winners were beaten 5-4 by Peru in a shootout — after Suarez was one of three Uruguay players to have goals ruled out for offside in the 120 goalless minutes.
Barcelona striker Suarez missed Uruguay’s first shootout spot-kick but everyone else converted theirs.
Edison Flores sealed Peru’s place in the last four by blasting past Fernando Muslera.
Peru will face neighbours Chile in the last four, with tournament hosts Brazil meeting arch rivals Argentina in the other semi-final clash.
And Peru striker Paolo Guerrero claimed victory was extra sweet after “some people tried to destabilise the squad”.
He said: “I am very proud. I am speechless.
“Lots of people said we don’t have the desire.. but we showed what we are capable of on the pitch. We showed we have fighting spirit and courage.
“People said before Uruguay were the favourites but being favourites means nothing in football, especially in South America.”
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
Uruguay dictated play before the shootout, but Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Edinson Cavani and then Suarez had goals chalked off.
all three decisions were verified by VAR checks.
But that was no consolation at all to Suarez and Co after Peru sneaked through on penalties.