Tournament hosts, USA, have crashed out of Copa America 2024 after losing by a lone goal to Uruguay, MySportDab reports.
After defeating Bolivia and settling for a defeat against Panama, the Stripes and Stars needed victory against Uruguay to qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament.
It was a nervy clash as the two teams locked horns in a cracker. Meanwhile, Uruguay had booked their place in the knockouts after winning their two opening matches in the group.
In contention with USA for a place in the knockouts was Panama who also went into the final round of group matches with three points.
It was a narrow escape route for the tournament hosts as they took on one of the strongest sides in the group.
The first half saw the two sides draw blank unable to find the back of the net. While it was a tight affair, the USA slightly dominated proceedings, wielding 51% of the ball possession but they were not as terrific on the attack as the Uruguayans. They managed 8 attempts with 2 on target while Uruguay recorded 12 shots with 6 on target.
After a barren first half, Uruguay finally had the better of the hosts. Six minutes after the hour-mark, Olivera scored to give the team the lead.
The Greg Berhalter-led side had enough time in their hands to find an equaliser but could not break through the sturdy Uruguay defence.
Meanwhile, Panama were leading Bolivia in the other group match. Hence, the pressure tanked up on the hosts to weather the challenge to avoid group-stage elimination.
Uruguay held on to the narrow 1-0 lead till the final whistle to win the group with maximum 9 points as the USA crashed out of the tournament with the loss.
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