The US, who are +150 in the match, will battle for a place in the Copa America quarterfinals when it takes on Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday. Gregg Berhalter’s team began the tournament with a routine 2-0 win against Bolivia, but it then suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat to Panama. A loss to Uruguay would eliminate the US from the competition, so it promises to be a tense occasion.
Uruguay has already clinched a place in the quarterfinals. La Celeste beat Panama 3-1 before easing to a 5-0 victory over Bolivia on Thursday. They are also highly likely to finish first in Group C, as they have a vastly superior goal differential to the US and Panama. That may encourage manager Marcelo Bielsa to rest a few key players for this game, so Uruguay is a +200 underdog in Copa America betting at some sportsbooks.
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Team USA might have to avoid making reckless decisions to win
The USMNT delivered a composed performance in its 2-0 win against Bolivia at the start of the tournament. However, its game plan against Panama came unraveled after winger Tim Weah was sent off after just 18 minutes for punching an opponent in the back of the head. “I let my team and my country down,” Weah wrote on Instagram after the game. “A moment of frustration led to an irreversible consequence, and for that, I am deeply sorry.”
His red card meant that the US had to play most of the game with 10 men. The team battled bravely and even took the lead via Folarin Balogun’s strike, but goals from Cesar Blackman and José Fajardo ultimately broke the US resistance. Weah will now also have to sit out Sunday’s showdown with Uruguay, but his teammates cannot afford to make any similarly reckless moves on the pitch if they are to win this game.
Uruguay will likely need to avoid complacency
Uruguay has already secured a place in the quarterfinals, so the players may lack motivation when they face the US in Kansas City. There is a danger of complacency creeping in, as it can be hard for players to perform at their peak when there is no urgent need to win a game. The manager may also give some key players a breather, which could impact the team’s chances of success on Monday.
If they take this game seriously, La Celeste stand an excellent chance of beating Team USA. After all, they have scored eight goals in two games so far at this tournament, and they are currently on an eight-game unbeaten streak, which includes victories over Brazil and Argentina. Striker Darwin Núñez is in fine form, the midfield looks full of energy, and the defense has been solid. However, it remains to be seen if the players will display the same level of intensity now that they are already assured of a place in the knockout stage.
USMNT expected starting 11
Matt Turner is firmly established as the US’s No. 1 goalkeeper. The defense was not really at fault in the 2-1 defeat to Panama on Thursday, as it was under intense pressure following Weah’s red card. The manager is unlikely to make any changes, so we should see Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and Joe Scally at the back.
Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie have formed a midfield trio in both of the US games so far. They appear likely to start on Monday, although Yunus Musah offers a more defensive option if manager Gregg Berhalter is feeling cautious. Captain Christian Pulisic will start on the left of the attack, with Folarin Balogun in the middle. Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi are among the candidates to replace the suspended Weah.
Uruguay expected starting 11
Uruguay’s starting lineup is settled: Sergio Rochet in goal, a back four of Matías Viña, Mathías Olivera, Ronald Araújo, and Natihan Nández, Manuel Ugarte and Federico Valverde in midfield, and either Giorgian de Arrascaeta or Nicolás de la Cruz in the No. 10 role. Darwin Núñez spearheads the attack, flanked by Maximiliano Araújo and Facundo Pellistri.
However, Marcelo Bielsa may decide to make a few changes on Matchday 3, now that his team has already sewn up qualification for the quarterfinals. Captain José Giménez, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, and record goalscorer Luis Suárez have only made brief cameos so far, and they may get the chance to prove their worth against the US. Defender Sebstián Cáceres and winger Brian Rodríguez are also pushing to start on Monday.
