Copa America 2024 in america is on the horizon with the USMNT, Bolivia, Panama and Uruguay in Group C.
When in comparison with Teams A and B, Group C — on paper — seems to be one of many 4 teams that could possibly be wrapped up earlier than the primary kick of the event in late June. The USMNT and Uruguay might be favorites to advance out of the group and seal secure passage to the quarter-finals, whereas Bolivia and Panama might discover it troublesome to generate any momentum within the group stage.
Despite the fact that Panama are underdogs, they’re nonetheless able to severely testing the USMNT’s resolve — simply look again final summer time within the workforce’s slender defeat to Panama within the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals in penalty kicks. However, as we all know, something can occur in soccer, particularly with Gregg Berhalter on the helm for the Stars and Stripes.
Here is 90min‘s preview of Group C at this summer time’s Copa America.
As if it wasn’t already going to be troublesome, issues obtained much more difficult for Bolivia when Marcelo Moreno hung up his boots. The veteran ahead might be solely missed as he managed 31 objectives in 104 appearances for Bolivia.
Nonetheless, that is to not say that Bolivia do not have a number of first rate gamers right here and there. It will be robust, but when Bolivia are to get something out of the group stage, you may count on Miguel Terceros, Carmelo Algaranaz and Rodrigo Ramallo to have some kind of impression in Group C.
Panama have made strides over the previous couple of years after qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Despite the fact that they fell simply quick, Head coach Thomas Christiansen guided Panama to the Gold Cup remaining in opposition to Mexico after their stunning upset over the USMNT within the earlier spherical of the event.
Regardless of falling to Mexico late on, Panama have a number of high quality gamers that would make issues troublesome for each Uruguay and the USMNT. MLS duo Anibal Godoy and Adalberto ‘Coco’ Carrasquilla might be two gamers to observe in the midst of the park and assault, respectively. Andres Andrade seems to be to deliver his stable kind from Austrian outfit LASK into the competitors, whereas Ismael Diaz is at all times a risk on the wing for the Central American nation.
The Stars and Stripes head into Copa America 2024 not precisely as favorites however maybe dark-horse candidates underneath Berhalter. The US have loads of expertise to no less than attain the quarter-finals and possibly even make it to the semi-finals, however that every one depends upon how they navigate Group C.
In fact, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna might be key for the USMNT if they’re to make a deep run on dwelling soil. Strain might be on Berhalter to do nicely this summer time with the 2026 World Cup approaching quick, and a group-stage exit would ship shockwaves across the soccer world.
Just like the USMNT, Uruguay even have a reasonably proficient squad that can look to uproot South American giants Brazil and Argentina of their seek for glory. It is a shut name, however Uruguay would possibly simply have a greater squad on paper when in comparison with the US — particularly with the likes of Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez in entrance of objective.
Uruguay have what it takes for a deep run within the competitors. Suarez will wish to exit with a bang in his worldwide profession and Copa America 2024 could possibly be the final time we see El Pistolero at a serious event for Uruguay.
Matchday 1
|
Place |
Nation |
Predicted Factors |
|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Uruguay |
7 |
|
2. |
USMNT |
7 |
|
3. |
Panama |
3 |
|
4. |
Bolivia |
0 |
