In the 2024 Copa America, the United States team met a strong opponent Uruguay in the group stage, and finally lost 0-1 and unfortunately went out. The match was destined to be a tough one, with a goal from Uruguayan defender Matthias Oliveira depriving the United States of their chance of promotion at home.
Having said that, this game really broke the hearts of American fans. The game was played at Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri, and it was well known that the U.S. team needed a win to advance. The start was not bad, and the U.S. team was very energetic, even making people feel that there was still a play. As the game progressed, the Uruguayan team gradually found its rhythm and broke free from the pressure of the American team.
In the second half of the game, the atmosphere on the field can be described as tense to the extreme. Especially when Bolivia equalized in another game, the U.S. team briefly moved up to second place. That joy was soon shattered by a goal from Uruguay. Uruguayan defender Matthias Oliveira seized the opportunity and scored from the spot.
U.S. goalkeeper Matthew Turner was doing pretty well, and he blocked Uruguay's attacks on several occasions. The Uruguayan team's attack was too fierce and finally broke through the defense of the American team. The U.S. team's defense broke at the last minute. At the end of the game, the United States lost 0-1 to Uruguay and completely missed the Copa America.
The referee of this game has also become the target of everyone's complaints. Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega's decision was puzzling, especially when he also showed Chris Richards a yellow card, and the game seemed to be moving in Uruguay's favor from this point on. Uruguay could have scored, but Tim Reem made the crucial clearance. Christian Pulisic had a great chance on the right flank, but the referee awarded Uruguay a handball, which made the advantage of the United States disappear in an instant.
The last time the U.S. played in the Copa America was in 2016, when they lost 4-0 to Argentina in the semi-finals and finished fourth, before losing 0-1 to Colombia in the third-place match.
The U.S. got off to a good start with a 2-0 win over Bolivia in their opening game of the Copa America, but Weah received an early red card against Panama that led to a 2-1 defeat and a decisive match against Uruguay. The U.S. wasn't the only team to go out early, with fellow CONCACAF side Mexico also failing to qualify from a group of Venezuela, Ecuador and Jamaica. Mexico finished third.
It was Berhalt's first major tournament since his controversial re-hire in June 2023. The U.S. Soccer Federation hopes Berhalter can lead the team to new heights, especially before the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be held on home soil. The situation hasn't changed much. Berhalter has struggled to lead the U.S. team to wins against top teams, with most victories coming against smaller teams. It was the best team the U.S. had ever made, and failing to make it out of the Copa America group was a failure.
The match was a disappointment for both the U.S. team and the fans, but it also provided valuable lessons for the future. Hopefully, in future games, the U.S. team can learn their lesson and go further.