06/27/2024
Uruguay was unstoppable in its confrontation against Bolivia in the Copa América, ensuring its qualification for the quarterfinals with a resounding 5-0 victory. Goals from Facundo Pellistri, Darwin Núñez, Maximiliano Araújo, Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur sealed the victory for those led by Marcelo Bielsa in a match played in New Jersey.
From the start of the match, Uruguay made its dominance clear. In the 7th minute, Nicolás de la Cruz crossed the ball to Darwin Núñez, who with a precise header assisted Facundo Pellistri who opened the scoring with a powerful shot at the Bolivian goal.
The Uruguayan pressure continued, and in the 20th minute, Maximiliano Araújo entered the area and assisted Núñez, who finished with his left foot to increase the lead to 2-0. Just seven minutes later, Núñez had another clear chance with a header after an excellent cross from De la Cruz, but the ball crashed into the crossbar of Guillermo Viscarra’s goal.
After this chance, Uruguay eased the pressure, allowing the match to go into the break with no further changes in the score. However, in the second half, the Charrúas regained their offensive intensity. In the 70th minute, Federico Valverde tried a left-footed shot that was saved by Viscarra. Pellistri had a chance on the rebound, but missed inside the area.
A few minutes later, Maximiliano Araújo scored the third Uruguayan goal. He received a pass from De la Cruz and with a soft shot he beat Viscarra, who could not hold the ball. The fourth goal came shortly after, when Pellistri assisted Valverde inside the area and he scored with a low right hand to the far post.
In the final minutes of the match, Rodrigo Bentancur closed the score with the fifth goal. Giorgian De Arrascaeta crossed the ball into the area and Betancur, with a precise definition, sealed the Uruguayan victory.
With this victory, Uruguay leads Group C with six points and secures its place in the quarterfinals. Its next challenge will be to face the United States. On the other hand, Bolivia, already eliminated from the tournament, will close its participation against Panama.
