Paraguay's penalty hero Derlis Gonzalez saw his celebrations curtailed by tragedy after his uncle died of heart attack following Paraguary's win over Brazil.

The 21-year-old forward scored from the spot to level his side's Copa America quarter-final clash with Brazil at 1-1 here on Saturday and then netted the winner in the shootout to seal a place in the last four for Paraguay.

But after the game, the forward was informed by staff that his uncle suffered a heart attack while watching the game in his homeland and passed away after doctors failed to revive him from his comatose state.

"Why today, uncle? Why? You left me after a heart attack because I gave you so much joy and so much happiness. I can't believe it," Derlis wrote on Twitter. He posted the heartfelt message alongside a photo of his uncle.

Gonzalez plays club football for FC Basel in Switzerland and is considered the latest in Paraguay's long line of striking talents, with his performances attracting interest.