Copa America: Uruguay to Flex Their Winning Pedigree Over Panama

Uruguay vs Panama

Uruguay’s quest to claim a record 16^th Copa America crown starts with a match against Panama at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Sunday night.

La Celeste have been a staple in this competition for as long as we can remember, while Los Canaleros are back here after the committee decided to expand from 10 to 16 participants.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men come into this game in good form, as they are undefeated in their last two international friendlies. On the other hand, Thomas Christiansen’s side won twice and lost once in their games last month.

Uruguay are one of the favourites to come out of Group C alongside the USA. However, for sure, Panama will have something to say about that, as they aim to make a noise in the continental tournament.

 

Talking Points

Nunez and Valverde to lead Uruguay’s new generation

With Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez no longer part of Marcelo Bielsa’s long-term plans, Uruguay are going to be led by the dynamic duo of Darwin Nunez and Fede Valverde.

Nunez will play the central striker role, while Valverde will be at the heart of Uruguay’s midfield, setting the tempo with his brilliant ball control.

Despite his rough stretches this year, Darwin Nunez remains lethal in the final third, and Arne Slot should take notes from Marcelo Bielsa on how to manage him next season.

The 24-year-old forward was Liverpool’s second-leading scorer in the 2023-24 campaign with 18 goals and 13 assists, and he is coming off a hat-trick performance in their 4-0 tune-up victory against Mexico two weeks ago.

As for Valverde, he is the ideal midfielder for Bielsa because of his high motor and technical skills. The 25-year-old was one of Real Madrid’s top playmakers in 2023-24, with three goals and seven assists.

While all eyes are going to be on Uruguay’s young stars, let’s not forget their veterans that can make their mark here in this tournament, as Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Jose Gimenez are about to make their 47^th, 60^th, and 86^th appearances with the national team on Sunday.

 

Will Panama’s defence hold up?

Panama can get a positive result against Uruguay if they play out of their minds on the defencive end, which is easier said than done because they won’t have some of their best defenders.

Team captain and defencive midfielder Anibal Godoy, with four goals in 140 caps, is ruled out of this tournament due to a thigh injury, while centre-back Harold Cummings begged off from a call-up because he said he isn’t feeling well.

With the two of them out, head coach Thomas Christiansen will need Michael Amir Murillo and Coco Carrasquilla to step up big time.

Carrasquilla was named the best player of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup for leading Los Canaleros to the final, becoming the second Panamanian to earn this recognition.

 

History

Sunday marks the fourth-ever meeting between Uruguay and Panama in a competitive setting. Uruguay have won all three of their previous encounters so far, with the last one a 3-0 result in an international friendly back in June 2019.

In the said exhibition match, Maxi Gomez, Luis Suarez, and vice-captain Fede Valverde found the back of the net for Uruguay.

As mentioned, Uruguay are the joint-winningest team in the Copa America alongside Argentina, with 15 trophies apiece. However, their last triumph was in 2011, while La Albiceleste are the defending champions.

As for Panama, this is only their second participation in the Copa America after first appearing in 2016. Los Canaleros didn’t make it out of the group stage at the time.

 

Betting Tip

The Copa America 2024 odds expect Uruguay to have no problems dismantling Panama this weekend. La Celeste are 1.30 favourites, whereas Los Canaleros are 8.80 underdogs, and a draw is valued at 5.00 in the 1X2 market.

With a rejuvenated frontline managed by an attack-minded coach in Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay should have a field day against Panama, so SBOTOP football fans can expect a healthy dose of Copa America 2024 highlights in South Beach.

So, other than our recommended bet above, you may want to think about going for alternative bets like Over 2.50 at 1.80, Over 2.75 at 2.04, Total Goal 2-3 at 1.94, or even Total Goal 4-6 at 3.02.

Meanwhile, those who have faith in Panama can potentially win a substantial amount of money, with bets like Correct Score 1-0 and 2-1 on offer at 21.00 and 32.00, respectively.

   

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