Uruguay triumphs over Panama, ties U.S. goal differential

MIAMI GARDENS — In the opener of a three-match Copa America slate to be played at Hard Rock Stadium, including the tournament final, the Uruguayan national team got its tournament run started on the right foot.

Uruguay (1-0-0) defeated Panama (0-0-1) 3-1 on Saturday in both teams’ first group stage match of the tournament. With the United States toppling Bolivia 2-0 earlier in the evening, Uruguay and Panama are placed 1st and 3rd respectively in the Group C standings.

The offensive pressure from Uruguay began early, starting the match with its first chance in front of the net within the opening minute. Midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta narrowly missed wide left from outside the box. Uruguay would attempt the first four shots of the game before Panama had its first, a shot from midfielder Adalberto Carasquilla saved by Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

Uruguay relentlessly made runs toward the goal, taking advantage of Panama team captain and defender Anibal Godoy’s absence due to injury. The onslaught would pay off in the 16th minute as left winger Maximiliano Araujo found the top-right corner from outside the box and put Uruguay up 1-0.

Araujo found midfielder David Nunez on a cross which nearly made it a 2-0 Uruguay lead, but Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera made an impressive save up close. Mosquera finished with four saves in a solid performance.

“The first half allowed us to deliver with superiority over our opponent,” Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said. “We should have scored more.”

Panama had its first dangerous chance in the 37th minute. Striker Jose Fajardo had an clear opening, with only Rochet in front of him, but missed to the right. Both teams endured the other’s attacking chances before the whistle blew for halftime and Uruguay led 1-0 at the intermission.

After halftime, Panama was the aggressor offensively. It had multiple scoring chances, the most dangerous coming on an outside shot from right wing Luis Jose Rodriguez which narrowly missed to the left. Uruguay kept a steady counter-attack, and eventually added to its lead on a rebound volley from Nunez in the 85th minute.

“I think the second half was a different match,” Panama manager Thomas Christiansen said. “I think we were too cautious against this team, and at some points had a certain level of fear. The second half was different.”

With the win secured, Uruguay added another from defender Matias Vina and looked as if it would leapfrog the U.S. in goal differential. However, Panama scored its only goal thanks to right back Amir Murillo in added time to keep the leading goal differential tied at +2.

“We were able to set the tone during 70 or 75 minutes; it is a good ratio,” Bielsa said. “I am not overlooking there were 15 minutes where the opponent had ball domination and they created opportunities. If you look at the match as a whole, you can draw different conclusions.”

Up next, Hard Rock Stadium will host a group stage match on Saturday between Argentina and Peru featuring Inter Miami and international soccer superstar Lionel Messi.