Mathias Olivera Powers Uruguay into Copa America Quarter-Finals

Uruguay defender Mathias Olivera scored a crucial goal to secure a 1-0 victory over the United States, leading his team into the Copa America quarter-finals. The U.S., needing a win to advance, were eliminated after finishing third in Group C. Uruguay topped the group by winning all their matches.

Uruguay defender Mathias Olivera scored to steer his side into the Copa America quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over hosts United States, who were knocked out after finishing third in Group C. Uruguay finished as group winners after winning all three matches, with Panama beating Bolivia 3-1 to finish second on six points, three ahead of the U.S.

The U.S. needed a win in Missouri on Monday to give themselves the best chance of progression and started the match well but the South Americans grew into the game as the first half wore on and went close to scoring through Darwin Nunez. The biggest cheer of the night from the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium came in the second half when Bolivia scored an equaliser against Panama in the other Group C match, briefly moving the U.S. up to second place, but their joy was short-lived.

Uruguay took the lead as Olivera bundled in a rebound after U.S. goalkeeper Matthew Turner could only parry Ronald Araujo's header back into the box. The goal was given after a lengthy VAR review for offside.

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