Christian Pulisic played a pivotal role as the United States kicked off their Copa America campaign with a 2-0 win over Bolivia on Sunday. Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez scored to help 15-time champions Uruguay secure a 3-1 victory over Panama.
Pulisic, the US captain, scored an early goal and assisted another at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. His curling shot in the third minute set the tone, followed by a precise assist to Folarin Balogun just before halftime.
“We came out flying with a lot of intensity,” Pulisic said. “An early goal helped us a lot, but overall it was a dominant performance.”
US coach Gregg Berhalter had cautioned his team against complacency, given Bolivia’s poor historical performance in the Copa America. Pulisic’s early strike ensured there was no upset, though the US faced a physical Bolivian side that saw three players booked within the first 31 minutes.
The second goal came in the 44th minute, with Pulisic driving forward from midfield before setting up Balogun, who finished clinically.
In the second half, the US continued to create chances, with Tim Weah and substitute Ricardo Pepi both coming close. Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made several crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
In Miami, Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay demonstrated their relentless pressing style in their win over Panama at Hard Rock Stadium. Maximiliano Araujo opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a left-footed shot into the top corner.
Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera made several impressive saves, including stopping efforts from Nunez and Giorgian de Arrascaeta. Despite Panama’s pressure in the second half, Nunez extended Uruguay’s lead in the 85th minute with a well-taken volley, and Matias Vina sealed the win with a header from a free-kick.
Panama managed a late consolation goal through Michael Amir Murillo, but Nunez was satisfied with Uruguay’s overall performance. “We missed a lot of chances, but we never gave up,” he said. “You learn from mistakes, and the second goal helped us regain control.”
Both teams will be looking to build on these strong starts as the tournament progresses.
