(Kansas City) Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay beat the United States (1-0) on Monday in Kansas City (Missouri), eliminating the host country from the Copa America to qualify for the quarter-finals alongside Panama, winner of Bolivia (3-1).
The United States, although protected as the top seed during the draw, were eliminated in the first round on home soil, a bad signal two years before the World Cup that they will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
A goal from Mathias Olivera, opportunistic after an initial save from goalkeeper Matt Turner (66e) was enough for the Uruguayans, who finished top of Group B with 9 points.
The team led by Marcelo Bielsa, who was suspended on Monday, finished top of Group C with three wins in three games and will play in the quarter-finals on Saturday against the second team in Group D, most likely Brazil or Colombia, who face each other on Tuesday, or in a less likely scenario Costa Rica.
Panama defeated Bolivia (3-1) in Orlando, a second success which gives them a place in the quarter-finals.