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The Beautiful Game’s Bitter End: USA’s Copa America Journey Ends with a 1-0 Loss to Uruguay

KANSAS CITY, Missouri -- The United States' hopes of progressing in the Copa America were dashed on Monday as they suffered a 1-0 loss to Group C winners Uruguay. This defeat, the hosts' second of the tournament, saw them finish third in the group, allowing Panama to advance as runners-up and leaving the Americans to bundle out at the first hurdle.

Administrator

8 July, 2024

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Mathias Olivera, a defender for Uruguay, emerged as the hero as his winning goal propelled his team to the quarter-finals as group leaders. This marks a historic feat for Uruguay, as they triumph in three out of their initial four matches for the first time since 1959.

Panama secured the second spot with a convincing 3-1 victory over Bolivia, finishing with six points, leaving the U.S. trailing by three.

The U.S. entered the game knowing that only a win would suffice to boost their chances of progressing. They started brightly but gradually lost their momentum as Uruguay grew into the game, turning it into a fiercely contested affair.

The game took a worrying turn in the 27th minute when a collision between U.S. defender Tim Ream and Uruguay’s Maximiliano Araujo saw the forward requiring medical attention. Araujo was fitted with a neck brace and replaced by Cristian Olivera, who would later play a pivotal role in the game.

Jul 1, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A tense moment as Uruguay’s Maximiliano Araujo is attended to after a collision with US defender Joe Scally during their Copa America encounter. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

Another casualty of the physical nature of the game was U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who had to be substituted due to an injury sustained in a collision with Uruguay’s goalkeeper, Sergio Rochet.

Despite the U.S.’s energetic start, Uruguay crafted the more clear-cut chances in the first half. They came close to breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute when a dangerous cross from Olivera found Darwin Nunez, but his shot narrowly missed the target.

The turning point of the night came in the second half when Bolivia equalized against Panama in the other Group C fixture, momentarily elevating the U.S. to second place. However, their hopes were soon dashed.

In the 66th minute, Olivera, who had come on as a substitute, pounced on a rebound after U.S. goalkeeper Matthew Turner parried Ronald Araujo’s header. The goal, confirmed after a lengthy VAR review for offside, gave Uruguay the lead.

The U.S. had a golden opportunity to level the scores in the 75th minute when Rochet fumbled the ball and found himself stranded. However, Christian Pulisic’s deflected shot was brilliantly cleared off the line by Manuel Ugarte, keeping Uruguay’s lead intact.

Despite their valiant efforts deep into stoppage time, the U.S. couldn’t find a way past Uruguay’s resilient defense, who held on for a famous win, their first against the U.S. since the 1993 Copa America.