After a nerve-wracking 2-2 draw against Canada, with Luis Suárez scoring in injury time, the Celeste won the penalty shootout by 12 shots (4-3) to take third place in the competition.
The penultimate match of the 2024 Copa América is the one that apparently no one wants to play: the definition of the third place . Tonight at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Uruguay reached bronze in the competition after beating Canada on penalties (4-3), after a nerve-wracking 2-2 draw.
It is always important to try to finish as high as possible in a competition of this magnitude. The moment was not the most promising for Celeste: after the elimination in the semi-final against Colombia, including the incidents that occurred due to the fight between players and fans of the coffee plantations, and after Marcelo Bielsa’s acidic statements . The man from Rosario brought out the big guns at Friday’s press conference, criticizing the United States and the organization of the event without filter, for aspects such as the poor condition of the grounds.
Trying to put that aside, the Uruguayan team faced the Americans by maintaining the starting base they have used throughout the championship. Loco Bielsa did not opt to enter rotations and give minutes to substitutes from the beginning. For Canada, everything was profit. Even if coach Jesse Marsch complemented the criticism emanating from his trans-Andean colleague, finishing at least in fourth place was commendable for a team that debuted in a Copa América.
From his first arrival in the opposing goal, Uruguay found the opening. In the eight minutes, Rodrigo Bentancur made it 1-0, with a half-turn inside the area, after a corner. The midfielder, who played a key role when he was on the pitch against Colombia in the semi-final, turns and finishes with his left foot to beat goalkeeper St. Clair. Despite taking an early lead, the game was not at all easy for the Orientals. Quite the opposite. Canada played well and earned some credit for tying the game.
In the 22nd minute, midfielder Ismael Koné made it 1-1 with a pirouette in the box, with which he executed a shot that went past goalkeeper Rochet. This happened after a pivot by Bombito (the same as the missed shot against Rodrigo Echeverría in the group stage) on a set piece. The Maple Leaf’s painting showed interesting things. It was more than Uruguay, but it was naive behind and imprecise in front, to better define.
The situation clearly enters into the analysis of La Céleste’s performance this Saturday. A tired team was seen, physically and mentally, even though they fought until the end. Although he generated a few chances in the second half, nothing concrete. They did not control the game against a bold Canada. In fact, Marsch called on Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich left-footer fired a shot in the 70th minute that went narrowly wide. Seven minutes later, a shot from Fede Valverde hit the crossbar.
The end of the match was as intense as it was changeable. With 10 minutes to go, Jonathan David gives the Canadians the lead, bringing his team closer to a historic podium. That wasn’t the only thing. In added time, Celeste equalized again thanks to the incombustible Luis Suárez. Giménez, up front, assists the Pistolero who defines with quality to make it 2-2, extending the definition to penalties (only the final has extra time).
On the 12 steps, the Uruguayans were more precise, succeeding in their four shots. While Koné, the best of the 90s, and Davies failed. Since Argentina 2011, where they were champions, the team from the East had not been on the podium of a Copa América. Previously, he had finished third in Peru 2004. A small consolation for Bielsa and company.
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Source: Latercera
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
