Brazil follow Argentina out of Copa America

Holders Brazil were dumped out of the Copa America with a shock defeat to Paraguay in the quarter finals. Although Paraguay failed to get a shot on target in the entire match they knew where the goal was during the penalty shoot-out, while Brazil missed all four of their spot kicks.

Brazil's unexpected exit came a day after the hosts, Argentina, were beaten on penalties by Uruguay and as Venezuela reached the semi-finals for the first time with a win over Chile. The other semi finalists are Peru, who beat Colombia in extra time in the first of the quarter finals.

Paraguay's victory over Brazil was a triumph for the team's captain and goalkeeper Justo Villar who had an outstanding game, as did the defence in front of him, even though Antolin Alcaraz was sent off in extra time after a melee that also earned Liverpool's Lucas Leiva his marching orders.

Despite their brave defending Brazil ran rings round Paraguay at times and missed a hatful of chances. Neymar, Maicon, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Alexandre Pato all fluffed their lines during the match, but much worse was to come in the penalty shoot out.

Brazil had four spot kicks and failed with all of them. Elano, Andre Santos and Fred all conspired to miss the target while Villar saved from Thiago Silva.

Edgar Barreto missed Paraguay's first penalty but Marcelo Estigarribia and Cristian Riveros both scored and that was enough to see the unfancied Paraguayans through.

"Brazil almost entirely dominated the match," admitted Villar. "had to rely on our defence and when it came to penalties we won the lottery and they failed."

There is one consolation for red-blooded Brazilian football fans. Paraguayan lingerie model Larissa Riquelme, who shot to fame during the 2010 World Cup thanks to her enthusiastic support of the team, pledged to strip off if her team made it through to the semi final and will now have to deliver on that promise. ·