Canada reached the semifinals in its first participation in the Copa America football tournament, after defeating Venezuela in a penalty shootout 4-3, following a 1-1 draw in regular time yesterday Friday in Arlington, Texas in the United States.

Canada will meet Argentina, the defending champion and world champion led by its star Lionel Messi, in the semifinals on Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, after the latter also overcame Ecuador in a penalty shootout 4-2 following a 1-1 draw on Thursday.

Canada opened the scoring through Jacob Shaffelburg after an individual effort from Jonathan David on the right flank (13), before Venezuela equalized through José Salomón Rondón with a brilliant lob from about 40 meters taking advantage of the goalkeeper's advance (64).

In the penalty shootout, Venezuela missed three penalties compared to two for Canada.

Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau saved a penalty from Wilker Ángel, compensating for his mistake that cost the equalizing goal for Venezuela, supported by a majority of the 50,000 fans.

Venezuela's journey ended, having never reached the final of the tournament in its history, despite a great group stage where it won all three matches against Ecuador 2-1, Mexico 1-0, and Jamaica 3-0.

In the other quarterfinal matches, Brazil, which failed to top its group, plays an anticipated match against Uruguay, the record 15-time champion, today Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada, while Colombia faces Panama in Glendale, Arizona.

Canada, coached by American Jesse Marsch since mid-May, is participating in the finals for the first time, having reached the quarterfinals after finishing second in its group in the group stage, with an opening loss to Argentina 0-2, a win over Peru 1-0, and a goalless draw with Chile.

In an exciting match, the Canadians presented a distinguished performance through pressing the opponent, setting up a new meeting with Argentina, which defeated them 2-0 in the group stage with goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.