Alphonso Davies' failed Panenka attempt proved decisive as Uruguay edged out Canada in the Copa America third-place play-off on penalties, following a 2-2 draw in Charlotte.
Luis Suarez's stoppage-time equaliser sent the contest the distance, after goals from Ismael Kone and Jonathan David had cancelled out Rodrigo Bentancur's earlier strike at the Bank of America Stadium.
Sergio Rochet then gave Uruguay the advantage in the shoot-out when he denied Kone's tame penalty, meaning Davies had to score with Canada's fifth spot-kick.
However, the Bayern Munich clipped his effort against the crossbar, with La Celeste subsequently snatching third place from under the tournament debutants' noses.
Uruguay took the lead after just eight minutes when Sebastian Caceres diverted a corner to the feet of Bentancur who, on the turn, brilliantly lashed into the roof of the net.
Maximiliano Araujo was denied by Dayne St. Clair from a tight angle before Canada equalised from a corner of their own in the 22nd minute, when Kone beat Rochet with a delightful acrobatic flick.
La Celeste thought they had retaken the lead within a minute when Facundo Pellestri drilled home. However, the offside flag was raised against Darwin Nunez, who was deemed to be interfering with play during the build-up.
Canada then went close to completing the turnaround before half-time with Tani Oluwaseyi nodding wide while Nahitan Nandez – back from suspension – cleared Jonathan Osorio's header off the line.
Oluwaseyi had another opportunity on the hour mark but, this time, was thwarted by Rochet after latching onto a neat throughball.
At the other end, Derek Cornelius came to Canada's rescue with a superb last-ditch sliding challenge to deny Suarez an almost certain tap-in, while blocking Brian Rodriguez's attempt soon after.
Davies drilled just wide, and Federico Valverde clipped the top of the crossbar before David edged Canada in front 10 minutes from time, reacting quickest to scramble the ball home after Rochet could only parry Kone's fierce drive.
However, there was to be a late twist when, in the second minute of stoppage time, Suarez turned in Jose Gimenez's cross to force a penalty shoot-out.
Rochet denied Kone from 12 yards and, with Uruguay scoring all four of their penalties, La Celeste could celebrate after Davies' Panenka attempt came back off the crossbar.
Uruguay spot on to secure bronze
Uruguay have lifted the Copa America trophy on a record-equalling 15 occasions (level with Argentina), but they now have greater experience of contesting the third-place play-off (16 times).
La Celeste boasted a decent strike rate of nine wins from their 15 previous such matches, but they had lost three of the last four.
A fourth defeat in five appeared to be on the cards when David completed Canada's turnaround in the 80th minute.
However, Suarez had other ideas with his last-gasp equaliser setting up a penalty shoot-out where, just like against Brazil in the quarter-finals, Uruguay scored four times from the spot.
With Rochet saving from Kone and Davies hitting the crossbar, La Celeste sealed third place and matched their second-best Copa America performance during the 21st century (also finishing third in 2004, while lifting the trophy seven years later).
Debutants pay the penalty
Marsch's side had the opportunity to match the second-best performance of a Copa America debutant from outside CONMEBOL by securing third place (like Honduras in 2001).
They were also boosted by the fact Uruguay were winless in their three previous Copa America knockout games against CONCACAF opposition.
Canada demonstrated brilliant character to come from behind and were just moments away from bowing out with the bronze medal, before Suarez denied them victory.
But after defeating Venezuela on penalties in the quarter-finals, there was to be no joy from the spot this time around. Nevertheless, they can hold their heads high and have plenty of positive momentum to build on ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.
All or nothing: TTFA president Edwards gives Yorke World Cup qualifying mandate in two-year agreement
Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards has given recently appointed Head coach Dwight Yorke a mandate of qualifying the senior Soca Warriors to the Fifa Men’s World Cup or risk being replaced.
Edwards made the declaration during an interview on I95.5 FM on Saturday, as he pointed out that their World Cup qualifying ambition was the driving force behind the move to replace Angus Eve.
“It’s not just about selecting a coach. It is about the process, the journey and qualifying to the World Cup,” Edwards said.
Still, Edwards, who was elected TTFA president in April, explained that getting to the World Cup was a medium-term goal for his administration and, as such, they opted for a change in approach to accomplish that objective.
“We had to get the process right. We had to get where we wanted to go and make sure we had the mechanics within the TTFA right to make sure we get there and I think we reached the best choice for the men’s national senior team,” he shared.
“The entire team met and we laid out our short-term goals, medium-term goals and long-term goals. The medium-term goal was to qualify for the World Cup in the next two years. When we evaluated everything, we thought we needed a change...and the executive decided we wanted to go in a different direction.” Edwards added.
That said, Edwards reaffirmed his unwavering support for the current crop of Soca Warriors players to get the Twin Island Republic to another World Cup for the first time since 2006.
In fact, he revealed that Yorke’s two-year contract is with an agreement that he successfully qualifies the team to the 2026 global showpiece.
The Soca Warriors currently sit second in Group B on four points, two points behind leaders Costa Rica ahead of the resumption of qualifying action in 2025.
“With the right support and with the guys we have, I do believe we can qualify for a World Cup. We need a coach that understands the culture we have, with players coming back in two, three days before a game. Dwight was the ideal choice for us and he understands the culture of teams in Concacaf as well,” Edwards noted.
“In terms of that professional to approach the game, I think Dwight really brings that to T&T football. I think this project for our executive and for Dwight is about qualifying for the World Cup. It’s qualifying for the World Cup or nothing. I am sure I know Dwight’s pride. He will not stay on with the TTFA or with any club if he has failed to live up to his high standards,” the TTFA president opined.
Beyond the on-field obligations Edwards said it will take an estimated US$4 million to ensure Yorke and his team has the best possible chance throughout their campaign.
“The government through the Ministry of Sport has been involved in every campaign. We truly believe qualifying for the World Cup, taking it to the back end of 2025 will take about US$4 million. When we relate the proposal, we are hoping to get 30-33 per cent from the government,” Edwards said.
Leipzig have 'everything you would want' – Celtic boss Rodgers
Celtic may be four points clear of RB Leipzig in the Champions League, but Brendan Rodgers is not underestimating the challenge that his side face on Tuesday.
The Hoops welcome Leipzig to Celtic Park on matchday four, for what will be the fifth meeting between the sides.
Leipzig have won three of the previous four encounters, with Celtic winning 2-1 in a Europa League match in November 2018.
While Leipzig, who are second in the Bundesliga, have lost all of their Champions League matches this term, Celtic bounced back from their heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund by holding Atalanta to a 0-0 draw in their last European outing.
Rodgers' team come into Tuesday's clash on the back of a resounding 6-0 defeat of Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, but Rodgers knows his side are in for a stern test.
"Leipzig are no different to Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta," said Rodgers. "A top team. They have everything you would want - speed, power, technique.
"It's a brilliant challenge for us."
After conceding seven goals against Dortmund on MD2, Rodgers explained Celtic knew they had to step up.
"You always have to learn and be better and we were against Atalanta, a really outstanding team," said Rodgers, who were perhaps fortunate not to concede against the Serie A side, given they conceded 2.4 expected goals (xG).
"We'll look to bring our energy to the game but we also know we'll have to defend for good periods of the game, play with concentration and commitment like we did against Atalanta," he said.
"There will be moments when we press with aggression and moments where we have to be controlled. Top teams will push you back and you have to have resilience."
After a run of 12 home games without a win at Celtic Park in the Champions League between 2013 and 2023 (D3 L9), Celtic have won their last two home games. They last had three wins in a row back in November 2007 under manager Gordon Strachan.
"Home games are very important at this level and when you want the result the supporters can bring you closer to that," said Rodgers.
"What the noise generates here is absolutely incredible.
"We will also need that bit of patience as well because we have to be educated in our pressure.
"We've got ourselves into a really good position after three games and now we have another opportunity to show we can pick up a result against a top team."
Neymar does not believe latest injury is serious
Neymar does not feel his latest injury is anything to be overly worried about.
The Brazilian star had to be substituted off late on in Al-Hilal's 3-0 win over Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday.
Aleksandar Mitrovic's hat-trick propelled Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal to a comfortable win, though it was soured when Neymar clutched his right thigh and left the field just 29 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
It was only the 32-year-old's second appearance since he returned from a year-long lay-off due to a serious knee injury.
However, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona attacker allayed fears over a serious injury.
"It felt like a cramp, only very strong!" Neymar posted on Instagram. "I'm going to have some tests and I hope it's nothing too serious.
"It's normal for this to happen after a year, the doctors had already warned me, so I have to be careful and play more minutes."
Neymar has played only seven games for Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal since joining from PSG in a blockbuster transfer last year.
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