PREVIEW – It’s the final match day of Group C of the Copa America. The United States play group leaders Uruguay in Kanas City, while Panama play Bolivia in Orlando. It’s effectively a must win for the United States Men’s National Team after a devastating red card against Panama. With some injuries to consider, let’s take a look at a USMNT Uruguay lineup prediction.
USMNT Uruguay Lineup Prediction: A Must Win for the Yanks
LISTEN MORE: LWSC Radio: USMNT Panama Loss Instant Reaction
First, here’s why Gregg Berhalter has to go for the win. The USA and Panama are are tied on three points. Bolivia is clearly the weakest team in this group. Panama will certainly get a win in that game. It could easily be a blowout win. Uruguay are on six points. The Yanks would be out with a draw and a Panama win.
Even with a U.S. and Panama win, advancing is not guaranteed. The first tie breaker is goal difference. The Yanks have a +2 advantage there but a narrow win against Uruguay with Panama putting a bunch of goals past Bolivia will change that. USMNT fans have bad memories of the last time the team thought another game was going their way and they were fighting for a draw. Still, start by taking and protecting a lead against La Celeste.
It is worth noting that Uruguay will be without their manager. Marcelo Bielsa has a touchline ban for his team being late out of the locker room for halftime in the previous game.
Bielsa, like Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, has been suspended because Uruguay arrived late for a second half kickoff.
CONMEBOL’s explanation: https://t.co/JB2jxbQVHV
Wrote about this issue earlier in the Copa America: https://t.co/fto1npUQeA
— Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) June 30, 2024
Tim Weah is suspended for this game due to the red card on Thursday. We’ll see what Berhalter does at the right wing position. General consensus is Haji Wright players there or possibly Gio Reyna moving up from midfield. The defense is unlikely to change as they did well even when down a man. Berhalter’s halftime change to a back five was ultimately unsuccessful.
Tyler Adams was again a halftime sub as he works his way back to fitness. Goalkeeper Matt Turner has been described as day-to-day and limited in training after taking a hit in the air against Panama. If ever there was a match for Berhalter to let Adams go until his legs give out, it would be a must win match. The same could be said for Turner. If he’s healthy enough to be a better shot stopper than Ethan Horvath, who was fine in the second half last match but is clearly Turner’s backup.
USMNT Panama Lineup Prediction:
GK – Matt Turner
RB – Joe Scally
CB – Chris Richards
CB – Tim Ream
LB – Antonee Robinson
RM – Weston McKennie
CM – Tyler Adams
LM – Giovanni Reyna
LW – Haji Wright
CF – Folarin Balogun
RW – Christian Pulisic
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Fans will see what happens. Berhalter does not like change especially in his formation. He’ll stick with Wright. Turner will find a way to play hurt. Adams will start but is unlikely to go 90 minutes.
Jun 27, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; United States forward Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball past Panama defender Edgardo Farina (24) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
