Uruguay have nailed the third place in this year’s edition of the Copa America, beating Canada on penalties after a lively affair in the consolation prize showdown.
Uruguay were ahead less than eight minutes in through Rodrigo Bentacur. Ismael Kone equalized in the 22nd and Jonathan David turned the game around with around 10 minutes left to go, but a late goal from Luis Suarez took the match into a penalty shootout, where misses from Canada’s Kone and Alphonso Davies helped Marcelo Bielsa’s team land the bronze.
The teams
Unlike in the semifinal loss to Argentina, Canada manager Jesse Marsch went with a 4-2-3-1 setup for this historic clash. With Dayne St. Clair in goal, the back-four line comprised of Alistair Johnson, Luc de Fougerolles, Moise Bombito and Richie Laryea. Ismael Kone and Mathieu Choiniere paired up in the middle of the park, while the trio of Ali Ahmed, Jonathan Osorio and Jacob Shaffelburg supported Tani Oluwaseyi in attack.
One couldn’t help notice that Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Lille’s Jonathan David, two surely most eye-catching Canadian players in Europe, were both left on the bench, though they did get their chance in the final third of the match and made an impact.
Meanwhile, Bielsa in the Uruguay dugout went with 4-3-3. Sergio Rochet was in goal. Sebastian Caceres and Jose Maria Gimenez formed the heart of defence, with Matias Vina and Nahitan Nandez on the defensive flanks. Manuel Ugarte anchored the midfield, playing slightly behind Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentacur. Despite some concerns over a potential ban before the match, Darwin Nunez started up front, with Maximiliano Araujo and Facundo Pellistri attacking from wide positions.
The game
With both teams clearly determined to put the sorrow of the semifinals behind them, they put on a good show for the crowd at the Bank America Stadium in Charlotte. There were plenty of chances at both ends and all four goals were scored with plenty…
Author : Veselin Trajkovic
Publish date : 2024-07-14 10:41:09
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Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-07-14 12:19:25
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.