The United States was eliminated from the Copa America with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay on a Mathias Olivera’s questionable second-half goal on Monday night, a defeat that will increase pressure on the U.S. Soccer Federation to remove coach Gregg Berhalter before the 2026 World Cup.
Uruguay scored when Nicolas De La Cruz swung a free kick in front of the U.S. goal. Matt Turner parried a header by Ronald Araujo, who outjumped defender Tim Ream, but the rebound went right to Mathias Olivera and he tapped the ball in with his left foot.
Olivera appeared to be offside on the initial header but the goal stood after a video review.
Olivera bundled in a rebound after U.S. goalkeeper Matthew Turner could only parry Ronald Araujo’s header back into the box. The goal was given after a lengthy VAR review for offside.
Panama beats Bolivia
Panama beat Bolivia 3-1 on Monday to finish second in Group C and qualify for the Copa America quarterfinals after tournament hosts United States were eliminated following a 1-0 loss to group winners Uruguay.
Panama are playing in only their second Copa America and the victory moved them up to second with six points, three points above the U.S., as the central American side reached the knockout stage for the first time.
Uruguay finished with nine points.
Bolivia equalized in the 69th minute when they cut through Panama’s midfield and defence, with Ramiro Vaca finding Bruno Miranda, who slipped his shot past the keeper.
But Panama wrested back control of qualification 10 minutes later when Eric Davis curled in a cross from the left and Eduardo Guerrero connected with a glancing header.
Panama scored again in added time when Cesar Yanis was put through on goal and he volleyed the ball into the top corner to give them a two-goal cushion, sparking wild celebrations at the Inter&Co Stadium.
Source Agencies
