Gabriel Martinelli scores penalty - but Brazil crash out of Copa America

There was more penalty shootout success for Arsenal over in the Copa America as Gabriel Martinelli converted his spot kick in Brazil's quarter-final defeat to Uruguay.

Martinelli would've seen his wing twin in north London, Bukayo Saka, earn shootout redemption for England earlier on Saturday.

Arsenal's superstar wideman drew the Three Lions level in their Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland with a pinpoint effort from the edge of the box. He then made no mistake from 12 yards, sending Yann Sommer the wrong way, as England progressed having scored all five penalties.

Saka had, of course, endured penalty shootout heartbreak in the final of the competition three years ago. Martinelli may have drawn inspiration from his clubmate following a foul-heavy stalemate against Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguayans, but the Gunner was just one of two Brazilians to convert from the spot.

Gabriel Martinelli scores penalty - but Brazil crash out of Copa America

Having endured a down year in 2023/24, there were question marks over Martinelli's status for Brazil's Copa America squad, but he did make the final cut. He did, however, only play a minor role - earning two appearances off the bench worth ten minutes in total.

Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Endrick, and Savio were among the names Martinelli had to compete with, and Dorival Junior opted to trust 17-year-old Endrick with a starting berth up top in the absence of the suspended Vinicius on Saturday. Martinelli only came on for the final three minutes.

But while others failed, Martinelli delivered from the spot. He stepped up fourth with Brazil 3-1 down, and cooly placed his effort to the left of goalkeeper Sergio Rochet. The Arsenal man's success did not inspire Alisson, though, with Manuel Ugarte quickly dispatching the winner just seconds later.

Martinelli, along with compatriot Gabriel, who played just four minutes all tournament, will now return to north London for the start of pre-season. Those not competing for their countries this summer returned to London Colney last week, and Mikel Arteta's side are set to jet off to the USA later this month.

Given his up-and-down campaign last time around, Martinelli will be particularly keen to make a strong impression this summer.

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