HOSTS USA ELIMINATED FROM THE COPA AMéRICA
The USA are out of the Copa América on home soil after losing to Uruguay in Kansas City while Panama finished second place in Group C.
It was always going to be a tough task for the USMNT to defeat Marcelo Bielsa's side (even with Bielsa himself suspended for the game), who have been arguably the most impressive team at the tournament so far.
Uruguay had a great chance to take the lead with just over a half hour gone when a quick freekick caught the US defence unawares allowing Nahitan Nández through on goal. Nández chipped his effort over the goalkeeper but Tim Ream was back in time to prevent the goal.
There was controversy about the eventual opener that looked offside even when the VAR images were displayed. A freekick from the right was met by the head of Ronald Araújo whose effort forced a save from Matt Turner.
Mathías Olivera was on hand to convert the rebound and the goal stood despite looking clearly offside.
Regardless of the decision, the USA were unable to get back into the game and crashed out at the group stages after Panama defeated Bolivia.
Bolivia did find an equaliser in the second half when substitute Bruno Miranda buried his opportunity just minutes after coming off the bench – it was a scoreline that saw the USA go second in the group, although Uruguay scored soon after.
Panama got back into the lead though with Éric Davis providing a superb cross that another recent substitute, Eduardo Guerrero was able to head in from close range.
But the quickest substitute appearance came for Panama's third goal. It was just a matter of seconds for César Yanis to get on the pitch and then latch on to a loose ball and finish superbly past Guillermo Viscarra from the edge of the area to make it 3-1.
The final standings for Group C then see Uruguay top with three wins from three, followed by Panama, the USA, and, finally, Bolivia with Group D wrapping up in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
2024-07-02T08:43:47Z dg43tfdfdgfd