In Tuesday morning's finale of the Americas Group C, the hosts, the United States, were unlucky to continue their slump, losing 0-1 to Uruguay and finishing third in the group without a place in the last eight. On the other hand, Panama, in a key battle to 3-1 reversal of the defeat of Weah, honored the second group, successfully advanced to the last eight. With this loss, rumors are swirling that the team leader, Beheda, may face the fate of being removed from the team.
Uruguay topped the group, but fielded an overmatched lineup, led by D'Avignonis up front, that was far more potent than the victory-hungry U.S. team. The U.S. disappointed fans by hitting only three shots on goal the entire game, with a projected goals against (xG) of just 0.29. In particular, Mateusz Olivara scored a goal in the 66th minute of the match to seal the 0-1 loss.
Looking back at this year's CONCACAF Champions League, the U.S. team had full confidence going into the knockout stage. With many stars playing in Europe's top leagues and the advantage of home field, the team was expected to go far. However, the fate of the group stage sealed the deal. It is rumored that although the Beheda leader is still supported by most of the players, the U.S. team is in dire need of a proper leader given that they will host the World Cup in two years' time as hosts. Beheda's performance this campaign may hardly inspire confidence in the federation.
It is worth mentioning that the Group C tournament has set off another climax. Panama beat the United States, followed by a 3-1 victory over Bolivia, and advanced to second place in the group with six points from three matches, marking the first time in its history that Panama has made it to the Copa America's round of eight.
