The United States of America Men’s National Team (USMNT) have been kicked out of the ongoing 2024 Copa America after suffering a 1-0 defeat against 15-time Champions Uruguay in the final group stage game on Monday night at the Arrowhead Stadium.
The game was intensified in the opening minutes as the host Nation, USA, needed at least a draw to survive in the Group, after winning a game against Bolivia and suffering a defeat against Panama in the second group game.
The Uruguayan team looked stronger than their opponents. Before this game, Uruguay had maintained a 100% group stage record, winning against Panama and Bolivia, scoring 8 goals in the process.
Interestingly, they played without head coach Marcelo Bielsa, who has been with the team for more than three years but still managed to pull off a 1-0 victory against the host.
USA’s Road to Elimination
The United States of America started the tournament with many positives when they won their first group game 2-0 against Bolivia.
The second game against Panama was better in the beginning, but things became worse when they had a goal from Weston Mckennie ruled out for offside and a red card shown to Timothy Weah just in the space of 13 minutes.
Even after all their misfortunes, the USMNT scored the first goal but failed in the dying embers of the game as Panama turned things around to win 2-1.
Gregg Behalter’s men showed plenty of intensity in the final group game as they needed just a win to survive in the group. They managed to hold the Group leaders, Uruguay, to a 0-0 draw in the first half, but a controversial goal from Mathias Olivera in the 66th minute broke the hearts of the Americans. Panama had also recorded a 3-1 victory against Bolivia, which meant there was no chance for the host nation.
Uruguay – The Invincible Force
The La Celeste of Uruguay are on course to win their 16th Copa America title. With 3 wins from 3 games in the 2024 Copa America, Uruguay have accumulated 9 points with 9 goals scored and 1 goal conceded. The Sky Blue team will face either Brazil or Colombia, depending on which team place’s second in Group D.
Group C after 3 games
1. Uruguay – 9 points
2. Panama – 6 points
3. USA – 3 points
4. Bolivia – 0 point
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Story by: David Kwaku Dzaku| univers.ug.edu.gh
