Copa America hosts the United States were bundled out of the tournament at the first hurdle on Monday (Jul 1) after a 1-0 defeat by Group C winners Uruguay consigned them to third place and allowed Panama to advance as runners-up. Defender Mathias Olivera scored to give Uruguay the win that sees them advance to the quarter-finals as group winners, with the South Americans winning three of their first-round matches for the first time since 1959. Panama's 3-1 win over Bolivia saw them finish second on six points, three ahead of the United States.
The United States saw their Copa America come to an end after suffering defeat to Group C winners Uruguay. The hosts had the better of the play, and comfortably, through the opening exchanges at Arrowhead Stadium.
Uruguay continued to weather the storm as the clock ticked past 20 minutes however, breaking up play with fouls stop the U.S. momentum.
The momentum continued to stutter after the break but the clash was given life when Mathías Olivera tapped home from a recycled set-piece, giving Uruguay a lead that would send the United States crashing out.
Panama beat Bolivia 3-1
Panama capped off a historic group stage performance with a win against Bolivia to book a spot in the quarter-final.
Despite having little to play, Bolivia had the better of the chances in the opening 20 minutes, the best of which fell to Carmelo Algarañaz, but the striker just poked his shot wide of the post.
After that early spell of pressure, Panama punished their rivals on the night for a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, taking the lead through Jose Fajardo to make the leap up into second on the live standings.
The tie took a dramatic turn past the hour mark when Bruno Miranda came off the bench to equalize for Bolivia and make it nervy for Panama.
Those nerves subsided just 10 minutes later thanks to Eduardo Guerrero, who reclaimed the lead for Panama to bolster their position in the group standings.
The final nail was driven into the Bolivia coffin when Panama bagged one more in stoppage-time to ensure their historic second-place finish.
