The United States Men’s National Team lost its cool — and the match — against Panama last week and now finds itself in a precarious position at the 2024 Copa America.
The U.S. can still advance to the quarterfinals, but it will require some help.
The Yanks will move on if they do better against Uruguay than Panama does against Bolívia (i.e. USMNT wins and Panama draws or loses) or if both matches end in a draw.
However, Panama is a big favorite over Bolivia, so the likeliest situation would require the U.S. to upset Uruguay and then it would come down to goal difference (USA currently sits at +1, Panama is at -1).
USA vs. Uruguay pick
It’s essentially a must-win for the Americans, and that has clearly been baked into the price, as the Americans are slightly +145 favorites over Uruguay on Monday night.
Adding to the drama is the fact that the USMNT had some serious expectations in this tournament. An early exit would be a massive disappointment given that this is arguably the most talented side in the history of the USMNT.
But talent can only get you so far and in a tournament like the Copa America, where teams are happy to turn matches into rock fights. You need to be able to adapt and keep your composure.
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That did not happen against Panama and it’s hard to be confident it will against Uruguay, who have taken to Marcelo Bielsa’s all-action style of football like a moth to a flame.
There’s way too much of a “must-win tax” on the USMNT on Monday night.
THE PLAY: Uruguay (+195, BetMGM)
