Uruguay has virtually secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 48th Copa América after a 5-0 victory over Bolivia in East Rutherford, United States. Facundo Pellistri, Darwin Núñez, Maximiliano Araújo, Federico Valverde, and Rodrigo Bentancur scored the goals, sealing the win for Marcelo Bielsa's team.
Uruguay has virtually secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 48th edition of the Copa América, following a 5-0 thrashing of a fragile Bolivia in East Rutherford, United States.
Facundo Pellistri opened the scoring at eight minutes, followed by former Benfica player Darwin Núñez at 21 minutes, Maximiliano Araújo at 77 minutes, Federico Valverde at 81 minutes, and Rodrigo Bentancur at 89 minutes, sealing the victory for the team led by Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa in a match with little competition.
The Uruguayans started very strong, resolved the game early, and then managed their lead, only to reignite their efforts in the final stages to complete the rout, taking advantage of the ease against the current weakest team in South America.
Despite having six points and a 7-1 goal difference, Uruguay is not yet in the quarterfinals but has three more points than the United States (3-2) and Panama (3-4), whom they still face, and will certainly advance as the winner of Group C. Bolivia will remain in fourth place.
The Uruguayan team came out full throttle in the match and, after an initial miss by Darwin at two minutes, took the lead at eight minutes with a header by Pellistri right in front of the goal, following a free-kick by De la Cruz and an initial header by Ronald Araújo.
The team, led by Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, immediately went in search of a second goal, which Darwin missed at 12 and 19 minutes, before finally scoring at 21 minutes with a good left-footed shot after an assist from Maximiliano Araújo.
Until halftime, with the exception of a shot from before midfield by Bolivia's Algaranaz at 39 minutes, the story was more missed goals by Darwin, at 28, 37, and 45 minutes.
With a two-goal advantage, Uruguay started the second half much slower, facing a Bolivia unable to cause any trouble. The game dragged on, with excitement returning only at 72 minutes, in a play that Pellistri couldn't finish.
This play seemed to awaken the Uruguayans, who picked up the pace again and scored the third goal at 77 minutes through Maximiliano Araújo, who finished with a curled shot after a play involving Darwin and De la Cruz.
The Celeste team accelerated once more and netted the fourth goal shortly after, at 81 minutes, this time by Valverde, following a triangulated move with Pellistri.
The Uruguayan fans exulted when Luis Suárez entered the game at 83 minutes, and it was two other substitutes, brought on later, who sealed the final 5-0: at 89 minutes, De Arrascaeta took a free-kick from the left, and Bentancur headed it in at the far post.
Uruguay's dominant performance in this match demonstrated their offensive strength and tactical discipline, hallmarks of Bielsa's coaching style. The early goals set the tone, allowing the team to control the tempo and manage their energy throughout the game. Bolivia, on the other hand, struggled to keep pace and failed to pose any significant threat to Uruguay's defense.
As the game progressed, Uruguay's ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on their scoring opportunities highlighted the depth and versatility of their squad. The introduction of experienced players like Luis Suárez provided an additional boost, while the contributions from the bench underscored the team's overall quality and readiness to compete at the highest level.
Looking ahead, Uruguay's focus will shift to their remaining group stage matches, where they aim to secure the top spot in Group C. With their current form and confidence, they are well-positioned to advance deep into the tournament and contend for the Copa América title. The blend of youthful exuberance and veteran experience in the squad makes them a formidable opponent for any team they may face in the knockout stages.
