EPL Players at Copa America 2024 – Day 8
Two more games took place in group C, with a shock win for Panama against USA and a thumping victory for Uruguay against Bolivia. As part of our EPLNews Copa America report, here is how Premier League players involved in the tournament performed.
Panama 2-1 USA
A late Jose Fajardo goal in Atlanta blew group C wide open in a contest that saw USA’s Timothy Weah receive a red card in the 18th minute for violent conduct.
The sending off triggered an eventful 10 minutes or so that brought about an unexpected opening goal from Folarin Balogun to put the hosts in front. However, Panama’s Cesar Blackman equalised shortly after with a clinical finish.
As they sometimes say, it is harder playing against 10 men. This proved true here, as Panama struggled to break down the USA defence in the second half. In the end they did, as an 83rd minute goal from Fajardo downed the favourites. There was also a late red card for Panama, with Adalberto Carrasquilla receiving his marching orders with two minutes remaining.
There were six Premier League players on show in this game, all for the USA and all in the starting XI, but their performances were below par. The only one who would come away with some credit was Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, who assisted his team’s only goal. At the other end, goalkeeper Matt Turner had to come off at half time due to an injury after a shaky performance.
Ratings
Panama: N/A
USA: Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest) – 4.5; Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) – 6; Tim Ream (Fulham) – 5.5; Antonee Robinson (Fulham) – 7; Giovanni Reyna (Nottingham Forest) – 5.5; Tyler Adams (Bournemouth) – 6
Uruguay 5-0 Bolivia
The second victory in two games for Uruguay means that they are all but through to the knockouts after an emphatic win against Bolivia.
The game in New Jersey was dominated by the Celeste from start to finish, as they scored five times from 11 shots on goal while restricting their opponents to an xG of only 0.19.
Uruguay’s goals came from Facundo Pellistri and Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez in the first half, and Maximiliano Araujo, Fede Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur in the second.
In terms of EPL players, only two Uruguayans were involved, with Núñez starting and Tottenham’s Bentancur coming off the bench in the 86th minute. Both players managed to get on the scoresheet. The Liverpool hitman now has seven goals in his last 10 games for his country, contrasting the shaky form in front of goal that he has shown for his club.
Ratings
Uruguay: Darwin Núñez (Liverpool) – 7.5; Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham) – N/A
Bolivia: N/A