The United States, the hosts of Copa America, were eliminated from the competition on Monday in the first round following a 1-0 loss to Group C champions. They were forced to settle for third place by Uruguay, which let Panama move on as the runners-up.
Uruguay advance to the quarterfinals
Uruguay, who had won three of their first-round games for the first time since 1959, advanced to the quarterfinals as group champions thanks to a goal from defender Mathias Olivera.
Panama finished second on six points, three ahead of the United States, after defeating Bolivia 3-1.
The midfielder for Uruguay, Manuel Ugarte, remarked about the pitch, “it was very hard to play on.”
“But hey, we play when we have to play and we score when we have to. It takes some getting used to the matches and the specifics of each one.”
The supporters’ cries of “Fire Gregg” during the second half and after the final whistle have increased the pressure on American coach Gregg Berhalter as a result of the loss.
Berhalter told reporters, “We know we’re capable of more, and we didn’t show it this tournament.”
That’s truly all there is to it. We ought to have performed better, in my opinion, given the great caliber of competition and the atmosphere this tournament created for the spectators.”
physical altercations broke out
The United States got out to a strong start since they needed to win to have the best chance of advancing, but Uruguay steadily improved as the first half went on.
A number of stoppages and physical altercations broke out during the game, and the referee occasionally struggled to keep things under control and made several dubious rulings regarding playing advantage.
Maximiliano Araujo of Uruguay was lost in the 27th minute following a collision with American defender Tim Ream. Before being taken off on a stretcher and being replaced by Cristian Olivera, the forward had a neck brace inserted.
Folarin Balogun, a striker for the United States, had to be substituted as well after seemingly getting hurt in a rough clash with Sergio Rochet, the goalkeeper for Uruguay.
Uruguay created the better opportunities in the first half, even though the hosts started the game with a strong attacking effort. In the 38th minute, Olivera whipped a dangerous cross into the box, but Darwin Nunez’s volley went narrowly wide.
Bolivia tied the score against Panama
The loudest cheer of the evening came from the Arrowhead Stadium crowd after Bolivia tied the score against Panama in the other Group C match, briefly putting the United States in second position. However, their happiness was fleeting.
Olivera headed in a rebound in the 66th minute to give Uruguay the lead after Matthew Turner, the American goalkeeper, could only parry Ronald Araujo’s header back into the area. Following a protracted VAR review for offside, the goal was awarded.
Bad Luck for USA
When Rochet mishandled the ball and found himself stranded several meters from the goal in the 75th minute, the United States had a great chance to equalize, but Ugarte made a goal-line clearance to keep Christian Pulisic’s deflected shot out.
Uruguay’s defense stood strong and secured their first victory over the United States since the Copa America in 1993 as the Americans fought to the very end of stoppage time.
