Match Preview
USMNT faces a critical challenge in their final Group C match against Uruguay on Monday. Following a setback against Panama, the USA must secure a victory against a strong Uruguay side to stay in the Copa America 2024 and avoid an early exit on home turf.
While a win is the safest route to the quarterfinals, the USA might still advance if Panama falters against Bolivia, but this scenario is unlikely given Bolivia’s poor performance so far. Therefore, the Americans need to focus on their own game to ensure a win.
Coach Gregg Berhalter has several pressing decisions to make ahead of this must-win clash. His strategic choices will be crucial to the USMNT’s success.
Team News
- USA: Tim Weah will be unavailable due to a red card in the Panama match. Goalkeeper Matt Turner, substituted for Ethan Horvath due to a leg injury, remains uncertain. Tim Ream, marking his 50th start, and Cameron Carter-Vickers, debuting in Copa America 2024, add experience. Josh Sargent also returned after a hiatus since November 2022. Folarin Balogun, the lone goal scorer in the previous game, joined Clint Dempsey in scoring consecutively in Copa America, with Dempsey achieving it thrice in 2016.
- Uruguay: Ronald Araujo, despite an injury scare in the opener, played a full match against Bolivia. Nicolas de la Cruz started for the 1st time, replacing Giorgian de Arrascaeta, while Luis Suarez, Lucas Olaza, and Cristian Olivera made their tournament debuts. Maximiliano Araujo and Darwin Nunez scored again, tying with Balogun and Lautaro Martinez for the Golden Boot. Uruguay also saw goals from Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde, and Facundo Pellistri.
Predicted Lineups
USA (4-3-3): Â Ethan Horvath, Joe Scally, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Â Gio Reyna, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Â Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright
Uruguay (4-2-3-1): Sergio Rochet,  Nahitan Nandez, Jose Gimenez, Mathias Olivera, Matias Vina,  Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur,  Facundo Pellistri, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Maximiliano Araujo, Luis Suarez
Leave a comment