Soccer:Paraguay booked their place in the Copa America final for the first time in 32 years after a 5-3 penalty shootout win over Venezuela.

Goalkeeper Justo Villar's save to deny Franklin Lucena proved the key moment in the shootout after a match Venezuela controlled for the most part ended goalless after extra time.

Venezuela struck the woodwork three times while Paraguay had Jonathan Santana sent off in extra-time, but still Gerardo Martino's side held on to ensure their place in Sunday's Buenos Aires showpiece against Uruguay.

Paraguay's progress, which was sealed by a Dario Veron penalty, means they have qualified for the final despite having not won a match without the aid of penalties in the tournament so far.

The win was, however, marred by ugly scenes after the shootout when a mass brawl between players and officials of both teams broke out on the pitch.

Police and security staff took several minutes to bring clam to a situation which is likely to come under investigation from tournament organisers.