USA crash out of Copa America 2024 following 1-0 defeat to Uruguay

Mathías Olivera headed a rebound to give La Celeste victory.

After a stunning defeat to Panama in their previous game, the USA faced Group C table-toppers Uruguay in a do-or-die contest at Arrowhead Stadium, hoping to secure their place in the quarterfinals of Copa America 2024.

The United States got off to a lively start, with their midfield being combative, their wing play active, and their solid defense limiting Uruguay’s counterattacks early in the game. The USMNT tried to impose themselves on Uruguay through their positive attacking approach coupled with dangerous set-piece routines.

However, there was an immediate halt in play as Uruguayan winger Maximiliano Araujo was stretchered off after a scary head collision with USA defender Tim Ream. Given the magnitude of the game, the match proved to be a wild contest between the two sides, with crunching tackles, curious refereeing, and general chaos dictating the overall tempo of play.

As the first half drew to a close, the USMNT’s top scorer this tournament, Folarin Balogun, also had to be substituted due to an injury concern. With Panama already taking the lead against Bolivia, Gregg Berhalter’s side had to break the deadlock in the second half to qualify for the knockout rounds.

However, it was La Celeste controlling the proceedings at the start of the second half, with some early chances. The persistence finally paid off for Uruguay, as they took a 1-0 lead in the 66th minute through defender Mathías Olivera, who headed in a rebound.

With time running out, the USMNT needed two goals to beat Uruguay to overtake Panama in the points table and be in the driving seat for qualification. The United States came close to finding a late equalizer when substitute Haji Wright’s shot went just wide.

USA kept knocking on the door through a late flurry of chances, hoping for a miraculous turnaround, but La Celeste held onto the narrow 1-0 lead to end their group stage as Group C table toppers with a perfect record of three wins. On the other hand, the USMNT crashed out of Copa America 2024, with Panama finishing second in the table and booking their place in the quarterfinals of the competition after a 3-1 win over Bolivia

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