- Panama makes history with its first qualification to the Quarterfinals of CONMEBOL Copa América™.
- The Central American team overtakes the tournament hosts, the United States, in the standings.
Highlights
- Fajardo opened the scoring in the first half with a powerful shot.
- Bolivia grew in the second half, equalized through Bruno Miranda and seemed close to the comeback.
- Guerrero and Yanis sealed the victory for Panama in a dramatic finale.
Match recap
On the field, Panama, who had a better chance of qualifying, took a while to try to impose themselves, while Bolivia tried to exploit direct attacks and shots from distance. In the 15th minute, a free-kick from Bárcenas found Córdoba, who failed to direct the header on goal. Then with the through ball, Algaranaz got in behind the defense and tried to beat Mosquera, but the move was disallowed for offside
When the Canaleros got the passing right, the goal finally came: after a throw-in cleared by the Bolivian defense, Martínez found Fajardo free with a first-time touch; the striker controlled with his chest and unleashed a strong shot, with no chance for Viscarra to stop. Bolivia tried to respond with headers from Terceros and Villamil, but could do little to threaten the Panamanian goal until halftime.
The second half seemed to be under the control of the Panamanians, who continued to attack and tested Viscarra frequently. Perhaps motivated by the performance of their goalkeeper, the Bolivians were enthusiastic and created their best opportunity, which culminated in the equalizer: Vaca found Bruno Miranda in the area with a beautiful pass, and the striker shot low to make it 1-1.
Bolivia grew and seemed destined to turn the score around, especially when Mosquera hurriedly came out and left Tercero with the goal open, but Córdoba was able to block the shot and avoid the worst. In the next play, Davies connected with a beautiful cross for Guerrero to dive and head in to make it 2-1.
Panama's substitutes' bench was still ready to make the opportunity count on the field and, in stoppage time, Yanis took advantage of an overflow on the edge of the area, beat his marker and shot for a corner to seal his country's historic qualification.
What's next?
Panama is 6 points behind and advances in second place in Group C, waiting for the definition of the winner of Group D to know its rival in the Quarterfinals: the match will take place on Saturday, July 6 at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Bolivia says goodbye to the 2024 edition.
Lineups and match information
Bolivia: Guillermo Viscarra; Héctor Cuellar, Luis Haquin, Marcelo Suárez; Yomar Rocha, Boris Céspedes, Gabriel Villamil, José Sagredo, Miguel Terceros, Ramiro Vaca; Carmelo Algarañaz.
Substitutes used: Leonel Justiniano, Adalid Terrazas, Bruno Miranda, Fernando Saucedo, Lucas Chávez.
Cards: Villamil (yellow), Terrazas (yellow)
Coach: Antônio Carlos Zago
Panama: Orlando Mosquera; Michael Murillo, Edgardo Fariña, José Córdoba, Carlos Harvey, Eric Davis; César Blackman, Cristian Martínez, Jovani Welch, Yoel Bárcenas; José Fajardo.
Substitutes used: Kahiser Lenis, Abdiel Ayarza, Eduardo Guerrero, Freddy Góndola, César Yanis.
Cards: Murillo (yellow)
Coach: Thomas Christiansen
Superior Player of the Match Michelob ULTRA: Cristián Martínez (Panamá)
Goals: 22’ – J. Fajardo (Panama), 69’ – B. Miranda (Bolivia), 79’ – E. Guerrero (Panama), 90+1’ C. Yanis (Panama)
Referee: Édina Alves (Brazil)
Venue: Inter&Co Stadium – Orlando, Florida
