USA vs Uruguay Highlights: USA 0-1 URU, Copa America 2024 - Host Crashes Out, La Celeste Tops Group C
USA vs Uruguay Highlights: USA 0-1 URU, Copa America 2024 - Host Crashes Out, La Celeste Tops Group C
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2024 Copa América, the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) saw their campaign come to a disappointing end with a 1-0 defeat against Uruguay. The match, held at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., was a must-win for the hosts, but they failed to find the back of the net, leading to their elimination from the group stage.
Pre-Game Build-Up
The anticipation was palpable as the USMNT prepared to face Uruguay in their third and final group stage match. With coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, Univision, and TUDN, fans across the nation tuned in to see if the home team could secure their place in the quarterfinals.
Starting XI for the USMNT:
1-Matt Turner
3-Chris Richards
4-Tyler Adams
5-Antonee Robinson
6-Yunus Musah
7-Gio Reyna
8-Weston McKennie
10-Christian Pulisic (Capt.)
13-Tim Ream
20-Folarin Balogun
22-Joe Scally
Key Lineup Notes
Yunus Musah replaced the suspended Tim Weah, making his first start of the tournament.
Christian Pulisic earned his 50th competitive appearance, becoming the second youngest to achieve this milestone for the USMNT.
Matt Turner made his 33rd competitive cap, tying Brad Guzan for third-most among USMNT goalkeepers.
Match Highlights
First Half
The match kicked off at 9 p.m. ET, and both teams showed early promise. The USMNT, backed by a boisterous home crowd, started strong with several promising attacks. However, Uruguay's defense, led by experienced players like Diego Godín, remained resolute.
The first half saw a few close chances for the USMNT, with Folarin Balogun and Gio Reyna testing Uruguay's goalkeeper Sergio Rochet. Despite the pressure, the USMNT couldn't break through, and the first half ended 0-0.
Second Half
The second half began with Uruguay taking a more aggressive approach. In the 57th minute, a swift counter-attack saw Facundo Pellistri delivering a precise cross to Darwin Núñez, who headed the ball past Matt Turner, giving Uruguay a crucial 1-0 lead.
The USMNT responded by making several substitutions, bringing in Brenden Aaronson and Ricardo Pepi to bolster their attack. Despite increased possession and several attempts on goal, the USMNT struggled to break down Uruguay's disciplined defense.
Final Whistle
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 1-0 in favor of Uruguay. The USMNT's defeat, coupled with Panama's 3-1 victory over Bolivia, sealed their fate. This marked the first time the USMNT was eliminated from the group stage of a major tournament after winning their opening game, and the first time they failed to progress on home soil.
Post-Match Analysis
Tactical Observations
Gregg Berhalter's tactical decisions will undoubtedly be scrutinized in the aftermath of this defeat. The decision to start Yunus Musah in place of the suspended Tim Weah added fresh legs to the midfield but failed to yield the desired results.
The USMNT's defense, led by veterans Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson, held firm for most of the match but was ultimately undone by a moment of brilliance from Uruguay.
Player Performances
Christian Pulisic: As captain, Pulisic tried to inspire his team but found himself heavily marked throughout the match. His leadership, however, remained evident.
Matt Turner: The goalkeeper made several crucial saves to keep the USMNT in the game but couldn't prevent Núñez's decisive header.
Folarin Balogun: Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Balogun couldn't replicate his goal-scoring form from the previous match against Panama.
Looking Ahead
The USMNT's early exit from the 2024 Copa América is a significant setback. As the team and fans alike reflect on what went wrong, there will be calls for introspection and potential changes ahead of future competitions.
Uruguay, meanwhile, advances to the quarterfinals as the top team in Group C, showcasing their status as a formidable force in South American football.
Conclusion
The USMNT's journey in the 2024 Copa América ended in disappointment with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay. While the team showed promise, they ultimately fell short in a crucial match. As the dust settles, the focus will shift to rebuilding and preparing for future challenges.
Reference
- USA vs. Uruguay Live Score and Match Updates - Sportstar
- USMNT vs. Uruguay Lineup and Updates - US Soccer
- USA vs. Uruguay Live Updates and Highlights - Fox Sports
- USMNT vs. Uruguay Live Updates - New York Times
Check out the above links for more details