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Paraguay battled through a tough 120 minutes, where they created few chances, to beat favourites Brazil 2-0 on penalties and reach the semi-finals of the Copa America. Brazil dominated the match from start to finish and created a number of chances to win the game but they were unable to take a single one, leaving the match goal-less at the end of extra time. Paraguay held on and took the five-time World Champions to penalties where they came out on top. The first half was very disappointing in terms of chances created, especially from two teams whose goal-return on their way to the quarter-finals was very good. It was evident from the first whistle that Paraguay's game plan was to push high up the field order to win the ball back as soon as possible. But it was Brazil that were the better side in the opening 45, which forced the outsiders to defend a little deeper and because of that, they did not create a single chance throughout the first half. The Brazilians completely dominated after the first 10 minutes, but only created two chances themselves. The first came when Dario Veron's poor clearance fell to Ganso. The midfielder, who has been relatively poor throughout the tournament so far, shifted the ball across to Robinho. The former Manchester City striker skipped past one challenge before feeding Neymar who was unmarked in the penalty area. The much-coveted Santos striker only had the keeper to beat but his shot was fired wide from eight yards. The final chance of the first half came when Andre Santos' in-swinging free-kick landed at the feet of the onrushing Lucio. The defender instinctively stabbed the ball towards goal but could only find the body of Justo Villar. The second half followed an almost identical pattern to the first, although there was a significant increase in chances created. Four minutes into the second half the Brazilians should have taken the lead. Pato did superbly well on the edge of the area before squaring the ball to the unmarked Neymar. The striker checked his run before shooting at goal. The ball flew past Villar but was cleared off the line by Aureliano Torres. Brazil then had another chance to open the scoring and it was defender Lucio who crafted the opportunity. The captain played a neat one-two with Maicon on the edge of the box before teeing up Ganzo who took one touch before volleying at goal. But Villar was down rapidly to turn the ball around the post. With 15 minutes to go, Brazil had the best chance of the game when Neymar's free kick was allowed to bounce in the area. Pato took advantage of the lacklustre defending to control with his chest before shooting from 6 yards. The shot was struck well but was again unable to beat Villar who pulled off a reaction save with his right boot. The five-time World Champions had one more chance to take the lead, and possibly the match, before the full time whistle. The very effective Robinho produced a pinpoint pass in between two defenders to set Pato on his way, the Milan striker bearing down on goal before firing against the onrushing Villar. The ball ricocheted back up into the air which allowed Pato to have another effort, but his header could only find the side netting. Extra time held little excitement bar two red cards after twelve minutes. Antolin Alcarez went into a tackle with Lucio very hard which upset a number of the Brazilian player, Lucas Leiva especially. Both players were physical in showing their discontent with Alcaraz, attempting to striker the Liverpool midfielder. Both were given their marching orders despite Lucas not appearing to do anything worthy of a red card. The Brazilians were unable to convert any of their first four penalties with Elano, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos and Fred all missing. Barreto missed Paraguay's first spot-kick but Estigarribia and Christian Riveros ensured their side a place in the semi-finals.