Match Preview
USA head into their final Group C game at the Copa America against Uruguay knowing they must at least match Panama’s result against Bolivia if they are to advance to the quarterfinals.
It’s a far from ideal scenario for Gregg Berhalter’s side given Uruguay have looked ominously good in their two games so far – a 3-1 win against Panama and a 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia.
And with obsessive Marcelo Bielsa in charge it is unlikely they will take their foot off the gas.
Speaking after Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to Panama, Berhalter said: “Pressure is part of what we sign up for.
“That’s part of this job; representing the national team is a tremendous honor and you know there’s a lot of expectations that come along with it. Today, it was an extremely disappointing result, but the effort was there. If we put in the same type of effort in this game, we’ll have a shot to beat Uruguay.”
Uruguay need a point to guarantee top spot but Bielsa is not getting carried away.
He said: “Without underestimating the strengths of the two teams we faced, those teams are not among the main competitors for the title.
“Respectfully, I think that there are some very significant steps to be taken. Drawing conclusions today would be incorrect.
“Winning two games without facing the best teams in the competition does not allow us to define ourselves as one of the most important teams, that is a long way from being confirmed.”