Early on July 2nd, the 2024 Copa America group stage continued with the host team, the USA, unfortunately being eliminated. Uruguay, with an impressive record of three wins in three games, strongly secured their position as group leaders.
The US team started off smoothly, defeating Bolivia 2-0 in their first group stage match. However, in their second round match against Panama, they were reduced to ten men due to a red card in the first half and ultimately lost 1-2. To keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive, the US team needed to win against Uruguay in their final group stage match.
The final match against Uruguay was intense throughout, with both teams playing with relentless energy, resulting in multiple injuries on the field. Facing Uruguay’s strong defense, the US team struggled to find solutions and their attacking attempts were stifled. The key turning point came in the 66th minute when Uruguay scored through a precise set piece, with Matias Oliveira breaking the deadlock.
Trailing, the US team launched a full-scale attack, increasing their pressure, especially during set pieces, attempting to equalize with a heavy deployment of players but ultimately failed to penetrate the Uruguayan defense, eventually losing 0-1.
In another group match played at the same time, Panama secured their path to the knockout stage by defeating Bolivia 3-1.
After the group stage, Uruguay topped the group with a perfect record of three wins, Panama came in second with 6 points, while the US team unfortunately faced elimination after the group stage.
It’s important to note that Mexico also suffered a group stage exit, marking the first time in 74 years that both North American football powerhouses have been eliminated from the group stage of a major tournament. The last time such a scenario occurred was at the 1950 World Cup.
In a fierce competition within their group that included Venezuela, Ecuador, and Jamaica, Mexico finished third, failing to reach the quarter-finals, while Venezuela and Ecuador advanced.
Uruguay’s three consecutive victories in the group stage are a historic feat, marking the first time they’ve achieved this since the 1935 Copa America.
Argentina, Venezuela, and Uruguay all achieved perfect records in the group stage, making it the first time in Copa America history that three teams have achieved this feat. If Colombia manages to defeat Brazil in the next round, this record will further extend to four teams.
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