Maximilian Araujo, Darwin Nunez, and Matias Vina each found the back of the net as Uruguay secured a 3-1 victory against Panama in their Copa America Group C match in Florida on Sunday. This win places Uruguay level with the United States at three points, following the U.S.’s 2-0 win over Bolivia earlier in the day.
Under the guidance of coach Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay, who share the record for most Copa America titles with 15, started strong. Araujo opened the scoring with a stunning curling shot from the edge of the area in the 16th minute, showcasing their early dominance.
Panama, however, grew into the game after halftime and created several chances to equalize. Jose Fajardo missed a critical opportunity in the 52nd minute following a defensive error by Mathias Olivera. Jose Rodriguez also came close, forcing Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet to make a crucial save with a powerful long-range shot.
Reflecting on his team’s halftime adjustments, Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said, “I told them they have to be fearless. They need to increase their confidence. They are capable of performing as they did in the second half. After the goal, like Uruguay, we generated opportunities.”
Despite being under pressure for much of the second half, Uruguay found relief in the 85th minute when Nunez, who had missed several earlier chances, calmly volleyed a rebound into the bottom corner. In stoppage time, Vina secured the win by heading in Uruguay’s third goal from a set-piece. Michael Amir Murillo scored a consolation goal for Panama, curling his shot past Rochet after a skillful cutback onto his left foot.
Notably, Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer Luis Suarez, 37, remained on the bench throughout the match.
Uruguay will next face Bolivia in New Jersey on Thursday, while Panama is set to take on the United States in Atlanta.
