However, after an unexpected loss to Panama last week, the U. S. came into Monday night’s game at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium with some scenarios in which they could come out on top.
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Tyler Adams of the United States reacts to the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between the United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field, Arrowhead Stadium, on July 1, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
The first, of course, to win the match against Uruguay, which would have allowed Panama to overcome the goal difference had they not demolished Bolivia in their last match at the organizational level. The second option was a draw in the Panama-Bolivia match, which once back, would have allowed the United States to advance in the target differential.
Things were looking good, with Bolivia scoring their first goal of the entire tournament in the second half to make the game 1-1, while the United States and Uruguay were stuck at 0-0.
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However, everything changed when a free kick saw Mathias Olivera deflect a deflection by U. S. goalkeeper Matt Turner, who saved an early header into the net. The referees were checking if Olivera was offside, but the goal was finally confirmed.
Then, as Panama began to score more goals, the U. S. found itself in desperate mode, needing a 2-1 win to get out of the stage stage.
Uruguay’s Mathias Olivera celebrates with his teammates after scoring the team’s first goal in the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between the United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 1, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images )
Uruguay, which forged the game defensively, gave the U. S. a moment when replacement Haji Wright gave the impression of having a shot, but two defenders crashed in stoppage time to deflect it.
Ricardo Pepi claimed the ball from Wright and it went wide but never won the pass.
In the end, the United States controlled only 3 shots on purpose and 8 shots in total, while Uruguay gained a margin of possession of 51% to 49%.
USA’s Christian Pulisic reacts as he leaves the box after squandering the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 Group C match between Panama and the United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images )
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Instead of wondering who the U. S. would see in the knockout stage, the U. S. Soccer Federation will now have to wonder if head coach Gregg Berhalter, who was already put on the spot by some before this all-important summer, deserves to stay in his job for the 2026 World Cup. Cup. that is coming in the future.
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Scott Thompson is an athlete for Fox News Digital.