On June 28th, all 2 matches in Group C of the Copa America concluded. Uruguay leads the group with 2 wins. The host team, the USA, and Panama are both 1 win and 1 loss. In the last round, the matchup between Uruguay and the USA is highly likely to result in the host team failing to qualify.
After 2 rounds, Uruguay has secured 6 points with a goal difference of 8-1. Both the USA and Panama have 1 win and 1 loss, but the USA is currently ranked 2nd in terms of goal difference. Bolivia, on the other hand, suffered 2 consecutive losses, conceding 7 goals. Although theoretically, they still have a chance to qualify, their chances are extremely slim.
In the final round, the host team, the USA, will face Uruguay, while Bolivia will face Panama. Playing on a neutral ground, Bolivia, deprived of their home advantage, will face Panama, who has defeated them for 4 consecutive times, which makes their chances of winning very low. Therefore, the host team, the USA, faces a precarious qualification scenario.
Uruguay only needs 1 point to secure top spot in the group. However, judging by their performance in the first 2 rounds, Uruguay has seen goals from various players. Even if Nunez and other key players are rested for the knockout stages, Uruguay still has reliable offensive options. If the USA fails to defeat Uruguay, they will most likely miss out on the knockout stage.
Of course, the two teams had two friendly encounters in 2019 and 2022, both ending in a draw. Back in 2002, the USA won 2-1 in a friendly match.
For Uruguay, even a small loss won’t affect their advancement. The possibility of manipulating the game is very high. However, after being overturned and defeated by Panama, the USA’s qualification destiny is truly not in their own hands.
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