The best team in Concacaf, the United States, failed miserably in the 2024 Copa America, being eliminated in the group stage; while the Panama National Team managed to qualify for the quarterfinals.
The Americans needed the victory; however, they were never able to impose their conditions on Uruguay, who, knowing they were already qualified, played with some substitutes and managed the game at their own pace.
The charrúas ended up prevailing with a goal from Mathías Olivera in the 66th minute, which was reviewed by VAR due to a possible offside, although in the end it was validated.
Even when being down on the scoreboard, the team of the stars and stripes was able to put the Uruguayans in predicaments at the Arrowhead Stadium, so in the end, the South Americans took the victory and closed the group stage with a perfect record, adding nine points and being leaders of Group C; while the United States finished third with three points.
The Canaleros are doing the deed
At Exploria Stadium in Orlando, the Panama national team faced Bolivia, and ended up winning 3-0, securing their spot in the next round.
José Fajardo put the Central Americans ahead at the 22nd minute. Bruno Miranda equalized at the 69th minute. However, the Panamanians showed their superiority and sealed the match with goals from Eduardo Guerrero (79′) and César Yanis (91′).
With this result, Panama finished second in Group C with six points, while Bolivia did not earn any points. The Panamanian team joins Canada as the CONCACAF teams that will compete in the quarterfinals of the Copa America.
On the other hand, the United States joins the Mexican national team as the teams from the region that failed in their attempt to advance past the group stage of the continental tournament.