Diego Perez put Uruguay ahead after just six minutes. A long free-kick into the box from Diego Forlan was not dealt with, and when Sergio Romero could only parry a header, Perez was there to prod the ball in from close range.
It did not take too long for Argentina to restore parity. On 18′, Lionel Messi received the ball wide on the right hand side. He cut inside, and chipped a beautiful ball on to the head of Gonzalo Higuain, who made no mistake and levelled the scores.
Five minutes before half time, Uruguay goalscorer Perez went from hero to villain when he picked up his second yellow card and was sent off. Argentina lost their numerical advantage on 87′, when Javier Mascherano was also dismissed.
Both sides had plenty of opportunities to score the crucial goal throughout the 90 minutes, as well as the half an hour of extra time, but neither could find the finishing touch and the game went to a penalty shootout.
After two successful penalties each, Carlos Tevez saw his shot saved by Fernando Muslera, and with all the remaining spot-kicks converted it proved to be the difference as Uruguay moved into the last four.
For Forlan and co. it is a second semi-final appearance in quick succession after they reached the last four at the 2010 World Cup. But for hosts and favourites Argentina, their long wait for silverware continues.
