Copa America 2024: Uruguay notches 3-1 win against a resolute Panama side

Uruguay clinched a 3-1 win against a resolute Panama side in their opening Copa America 2024 Group C clash at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday.

Uruguay’s Maximiliano Araujo, bottom center celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s opening goal. | Photo Credit: AP

Maximilian Araujo, Darwin Nunez and Matias Vina scored as Uruguay beat Panama 3-1 in their Copa America Group C match in Florida on Sunday.

Uruguay’s win saw it move level with the United States on three points. The U.S. beat Bolivia 2-0 in the day’s other Group C match.

Uruguay, which has won the Copa America a joint record 15 times, was rewarded for its blistering early pace when Araujo fired home a sublime curling effort from the edge of the area in the 16th minute.

AS IT HAPPENED: Uruguay vs Panama HIGHLIGHTS

Panama grew into the match after the break and wasted several chances to get itself back into the contest before Nunez settled Uruguay’s nerves in the 85th minute with a coolly-taken volley into the bottom corner.

Jose Fajardo blasted an effort wide in the 52nd minute after a defensive error by Mathias Olivera, while Jose Rodriguez tested Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet with a ferocious shot from range.

Uruguay was on the ropes for much of the second half but Nunez, who had already missed a string of chances, settled its nerves in the 85th minute with a coolly-taken volley into the bottom corner after a rebound dropped kindly for him.

In a frenetic spell during stoppage time, Vina rose highest to head home Uruguay’s third from a set-piece before Michael Amir Murillo netted a consolation goal for Panama after cutting back onto his left foot and curling his shot past Rochet.

Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer Luis Suarez, 37, was an unused sub.

Uruguay next faces Bolivia in New Jersey on Thursday, while Panama takes on the United States in Atlanta.