The Guardian: Should Other International Tournaments Follow Copa America’s Lead in Scrapping Extra Time in Knockout Stages?

This summer, both the Copa America and UEFA Euro are in full swing, serving up a feast of football for fans. A noteworthy phenomenon is that prior to the final in the Copa America, if matches are tied after 90 minutes in the knockout stages, there is no 30-minute extra time; instead, they proceed straight to a penalty shootout. The Guardian has written an article questioning whether this format should be emulated by other international tournaments, sparking debate.

The report states that following the group stage in this year’s Copa America, only if the final is tied after 90 minutes will there be a 30-minute extra time period. However, this has also sparked some controversy, as seen in the quarterfinal match between Uruguay and Brazil, where Uruguayan player Nandez was sent off with a red card in the 74th minute, leaving Viera’s team to play with ten men. Despite this, Uruguay managed to hold on for a draw until the end of regulation time and took the game to penalties, eventually defeating Brazil 4-2 to secure a spot in the semifinals.

The media argues that if there had been extra time in that match, Brazil, with their numerical advantage, could have capitalized on it during extra time, making the eventual outcome of the game unpredictable.

The Guardian notes that playing extra time is uncommon in the Copa America, and this format isn’t new. Throughout most of the tournament’s 108-year history, there has been no extra time before the final. From 1995 to 2004, even the final did not include extra time, and the only instance of using extra time in the knockout stages occurred in 2011.

Regarding the reason behind this, The Guardian suggests that the primary aim is to prevent player fatigue, considering many stars have just completed grueling and lengthy club seasons. Additionally, ensuring game quality is a factor, as playing an additional 30 minutes in high temperatures would be brutal for the players.