USA vs Uruguay | Copa America 2024 | Pre Match
USA vs Uruguay
The United States face undefeated Uruguay on Monday with their backs to the wall and may well need a victory to avoid an embarrassing Copa America group stage elimination on home soil.
A loss or draw against the 15-times Copa America champions in Kansas City, Missouri, would leave Gregg Berhalter's U.S. side requiring help from the result in the other Group C match between Bolivia and Panama to reach the quarter-finals.
"We believe in this group," said Berhalter. "It's a strong team. I think if we stay focused and stick to and execute a game plan, we'll be OK."
After two games the U.S., who have reached the knockout stage twice in four Copa America appearances, are level on three points with Panama, but ahead of them on goal difference.
The U.S. result against Uruguay in their final group game must match or better Panama's result against Bolivia.
For the Americans anything short of making the knockout stage two years before they co-host the World Cup with Mexico and Canada would not only put pressure on Berhalter but likely prompt an evaluation of the entire U.S. men's programme.
"We have to go and play the best game of our lives, and that's it. We want to go, we want to win, and we want to continue in the competition," said U.S. forward Christian Pulisic.
