BERLIN (dpa)
Canada beat Venezuela 4-3 on penalties on Friday night to reach the semi-finals of the Copa America for the first time in a rematch with Lionel Messi's defending champions, Argentina.
Ismael Koné decided the shoot out in Arlington, Texas, in sudden death after Wilker Angel's sixth penalty for Venezuela was saved by goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
The score was locked at 3-3 after each side had taken five penalties and 1-1 after 90 minutes, with no extra time played at the Copa.
Jacob Shaffelburg gave Canada a 13th-minute lead, and Canada had further chances, but Salomon Rondon scored a stunning equaliser over Crépeau in the 64th from midway in the Canadian half.
Canada will now face Argentina, who also needed penalties to get past Ecuador on Thursday. Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the tournament opeer on June 20.
The other quarter-finals, Colombia vs. Panama and Uruguay vs. Brazil, are on Saturday. The semis are on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the final is on July 14 in Miami.