Darwin Núñez scored in Uruguay’s win over Bolivia (5-0).
Photo: EFE – JUSTIN LANE
With Uruguay’s crushing victory (5-0) over Bolivia, the second date of Group C of the 2024 Copa América concluded this Thursday. Despite reaching six points and being the absolute leader of its zone, the Uruguayan team has not yet mathematically secured its qualification for the quarterfinals.
Facundo Pellistri, Darwin Núñez, Maximiliano Araújo, Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur were on the scoresheet for the team led by Marcelo Bielsa. La Celeste is clearly emerging as a serious contender to fight for the continental title.
The win in favor allows the Uruguayans to face the last day with greater peace of mind. With a draw against the United States on the next day they will be able to qualify as first. Even if they lose they have a chance to advance thanks to their favorable goal difference. Only an unprecedented football catastrophe would leave them out.
Panama had the first upset of the day and turned around (2-1) its clash with the United States. The hosts took the lead thanks to a goal by Folarin Balogun, but with goals by César Blackman and José Fajardo, the Panamanians turned the story around and kept the three points.
Both the Americans and Panamanians have three points, but the home team has a better goal difference. With that scenario, the Central Americans need to beat Bolivia and for Uruguay to give them a hand with the USA.
To date, only Argentina and Venezuela have secured their qualification for the quarterfinals. The Albicelestecurrent champion, has just defeated Canada and Chile, while the Red wine took six points after beating Ecuador and Mexico.
This is how the Group C table looks like
| Equipment | PJ | +/- | Pts. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Uruguay | 2 | 7 | 6 |
| 2. USA | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 3. Panama | 2 | -1 | 3 |
| 4. Bolivia | 2 | -7 | 0 |
When will the next Group C matches be?
Monday July 1
– United States vs. Uruguay (7:00 pm), in Kansas City
– Bolivia vs. Panama (7:00 pm), in Orlando
