By Braden Chalker
Copa America 2024 in the United States is on the horizon with the USMNT, Bolivia, Panama and Uruguay in Group C.
When compared to Groups A and B, Group C -- on paper -- appears to be one of the four groups that could be wrapped up before the first kick of the tournament in late June. The USMNT and Uruguay will be favorites to advance out of the group and seal safe passage to the quarter-finals, while Bolivia and Panama could find it difficult to generate any momentum in the group stage.
Even though Panama are underdogs, they are still capable of seriously testing the USMNT's resolve -- just look back last summer in the team's narrow defeat to Panama in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals in penalty kicks. But, as we know, anything can happen in football, especially with Gregg Berhalter at the helm for the Stars and Stripes.
Here's 90min's preview of Group C at this summer's Copa America.
Bolivia
As if it wasn't already going to be difficult, things got even more challenging for Bolivia when Marcelo Moreno hung up his boots. The veteran forward will be solely missed as he managed 31 goals in 104 appearances for Bolivia.
However, that's not to say that Bolivia don't have a few decent players here and there. It'll be tough, but if Bolivia are to get anything out of the group stage, you can expect Miguel Terceros, Carmelo Algaranaz and Rodrigo Ramallo to have some sort of impact in Group C.
Panama
Panama have made strides over the last few years after qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Even though they fell just short, Head coach Thomas Christiansen guided Panama to the Gold Cup final against Mexico after their shocking upset over the USMNT in the previous round of the tournament.
Despite falling to Mexico late on, Panama have several quality players that could make things difficult for both Uruguay and the USMNT. MLS duo Anibal Godoy and Adalberto 'Coco' Carrasquilla will be two players to watch in the middle of the park and attack, respectively. Andres Andrade looks to bring his solid form from Austrian outfit LASK into the competition, while Ismael Diaz is always a threat on the wing for the Central American nation.
USMNT
The Stars and Stripes head into Copa America 2024 not exactly as favorites but perhaps dark-horse candidates under Berhalter. The US have plenty of talent to at least reach the quarter-finals and maybe even make it to the semi-finals, but that all depends on how they navigate Group C.
Of course, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna will be key for the USMNT if they are to make a deep run on home soil. Pressure will be on Berhalter to do well this summer with the 2026 World Cup approaching fast, and a group-stage exit would send shockwaves around the soccer world.
Uruguay
Like the USMNT, Uruguay also have a fairly talented squad that will look to uproot South American giants Brazil and Argentina in their search for glory. It's a close call, but Uruguay might just have a better squad on paper when compared to the US -- especially with the likes of Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez in front of goal.
Uruguay have what it takes for a deep run in the competition. Suarez will want to go out with a bang in his international career and Copa America 2024 could be the last time we see El Pistolero at a major tournament for Uruguay.
Copa America 2024 Group C schedule
Matchday 1
- 23/06/2024 - USMNT vs Bolivia - 6:00 p.m. EST
- 23/06/2024 - Uruguay vs Panama - 9:00 p.m. EST
- 27/06/2024 - Panama vs USMNT - 6:00 p.m. EST
- 27/06/2024 - Uruguay vs Bolivia - 9:00 p.m. EST
- 01/07/2024 - Bolivia vs Panama - 9:00 p.m. EST
- 01/07/2024 - USMNT vs Uruguay - 9:00 p.m. EST
Copa America 2024 Group C match predictions
- 23/06/2024 - USMNT 3-0 Bolivia
- 23/06/2024 - Uruguay 3-1 Panama
- 27/06/2024 - Panama 1-2 USMNT
- 27/06/2024 - Uruguay 4-0 Bolivia
- 01/07/2024 - Bolivia 0-2 Panama
- 01/07/2024 - USMNT 1-1 Uruguay
Copa America 2024 Group C predicted table
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Copa America 2024 Group C Preview.
