USA vs Uruguay
Watch USA vs Uruguay full match replay and highlight. This is a match of CONMEBOL Copa America 2024, Group C – Round 3.
Kick off: 01:00 GMT Tuesday Jul 2, 2024.
Referee: Kevin Ortega, Peru.
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City.
USA’s Disappointing Copa América Exit After 1-0 Loss to Uruguay
The Copa América hosts, the USA, faced a heartbreaking group stage exit after a 1-0 defeat to 15-time winners Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. This loss, coupled with a previous defeat to Panama, sealed their fate, leaving the tournament’s hosts out of the quarter-finals.
Precarious Position Before the Match
The USA’s shock 2-1 defeat to Panama in their second group game left them in a precarious position. Facing the group leaders, Uruguay, Gregg Berhalter’s team needed at least a draw to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. However, with Panama playing against Bolivia at the same time, only a win would ensure their progression if Panama secured a victory.
First-Half Struggles
The US team showed plenty of intensity and endeavor before the break, but their efforts rarely translated into significant goal attempts. Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, characterized by high energy both on and off the ball, also struggled to pose a threat to the opposition’s goalkeeper. Despite efforts from Darwin Núñez and Matías Viña, Matt Turner remained untroubled in the US goal.
As halftime approached, news broke that Panama had taken the lead in their match, intensifying the pressure on the USA to find a goal.
Second-Half Twists
The second half began with the US still unable to break through Uruguay’s defense. Their task became even harder when Folarin Balogun had to be substituted following a collision with Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet. A glimmer of hope appeared when Bolivia temporarily leveled their game against Panama, but it was short-lived. Mathías Oliveira scored from close range after Ronald Araújo’s header was initially saved, though there were significant complaints from the US side about a possible offside.
As Panama scored again, the USA’s hopes dwindled further. Despite their desperate need for goals, it was Uruguay who registered the next shot on target, with Nicolás de la Cruz being denied by Turner. Panama’s additional goals cemented the US’s elimination from the tournament.
Underwhelming Performance and Future Implications
The USA started the tournament strong with a victory over Bolivia but were ultimately underwhelming in subsequent matches. This early exit highlights significant areas for improvement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will also be hosted on home soil. Berhalter and his team have a lot of work to do to ensure better performances in future international competitions.
Meanwhile, Uruguay’s victory ensured their progression with a perfect record. Marcelo Bielsa’s team will face either Brazil or Colombia in the quarter-finals, promising a challenging yet exciting match.
Conclusion
The USA’s disappointing Copa América campaign ended with a tough loss to Uruguay. As they look towards future tournaments, particularly the 2026 World Cup, significant improvements will be necessary. Uruguay, under Bielsa’s guidance, continues to show promise and will be a formidable opponent in the quarter-finals.