3️⃣ things we learned as Panama make history and Uruguay march on | OneFootball

Copa América Group C was wrapped up Monday evening as Panama completed historic qualification and Uruguay impressed with a first-place finish.

Here is our main takeaways from the night that was.

Total disaster for the United States

It may not be as bad as that fateful night in Trinidad and Tobago, but the United States' elimination from Copa América at the group stage is a total disaster.

However, it must be mentioned that the calls on the night did not seem to go the way of the Stars and Stripes, most notably Uruguay's winning goal which some believe was offside, even after a VAR check.

But despite any future altered by referee decisions, the United States were simply not good enough to even sneak in through the back door on the night.

Gregg Berhalter's men accumulated less than 0.6 xG against Uruguay Monday evening, and rarely looked threatening in the box despite some slick passing moves.

Yet, you can't help but feel like the plot was lost in Atlanta when the U.S. fell to Panama.

Zooming out, U.S. Soccer will more than likely begin the search for a new manager to lead them towards the 2026 World Cup.

History for Panama

Enough about the underwhelming hosts, Panama's historic night needs contextualizing.

Los Canaleros made their nation proud by qualifying for the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time in their footballing history.

Thanks to Uruguay's victory in Kansas City, Panama would have advanced with only a draw against Bolivia, but that didn't stop them from impressing with a 3-1 victory.

After scoring the dramatic winner against the United States in Atlanta, José Fajardo opened the scoring Monday evening and is quickly becoming Mr. Clutch for his nation.

In a region like CONCACAF, Panama have learned how to grind through games and get results with their backs up against the walls, and they will need to do exactly that during their historic foray into the knockout rounds.

Comfortable, if not easy

Uruguay should easily be considered one of the tournament favourites after their impressive group stage showing.

While they boast stars from the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, La Celeste actually had more MLS players on the pitch against the United States Monday evening than the hosts themselves.

Despite that mix of superstars and role players, Marcelo Bielsa's side feel dominant in any type of game they've been required to play so far through the early weeks of the tournament.

They were under the cosh for large stretches against the Stars and Stripes but never seemed to buckle, and they found the goal they needed, albeit with some help from the VAR.

Bielsa's boys won all three of their group stage games in Copa América for the first time since 1935 when they defeated Peru, Chile and Argentina on their way to the title, and will be a tough out for any side once again.