Uruguay Bielsa Copa America win Panama

Uruguay wins Copa America opener but coach Bielsa says team must improve. Record 16th title hopes high, taking it game by game.

Uruguay kicked off their Copa America journey with an impressive 3-1 victory over Panama on Sunday. Despite the win, head coach Marcelo Bielsa remains cautious about their prospects and emphasizes the need for continuous improvement.

Bielsa took the reins of the Uruguayan team last year during a period of transition, marked by the retirement of key players like Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin. With Luis Suarez, the all-time leading goalscorer, also considering retirement, Uruguay has been rebuilding their squad.

The 15-time Copa America champions have shown promising form in recent months, with notable wins against Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifiers. While there is hope for a record 16th continental crown, Bielsa stresses the importance of taking each game as it comes.

"We are focused on building our performance step by step, game by game," Bielsa told reporters. "Uruguay has talented players, and it's crucial that we continue to elevate our level of play with each match."

Uruguay displayed dominance in the first half against Panama, showcasing their pressing and intensity. However, their energy levels dipped in the second half, allowing Panama to threaten an equalizer. It wasn't until Darwin Nunez's goal in the 85th minute that Uruguay regained control.

Reflecting on the match, Bielsa acknowledged the missed opportunities in front of goal. "We had the upper hand in the first half and should have capitalized on more chances," he noted. "In the second half, our performance dropped for a period, giving Panama the chance to push back. We need to be more clinical in front of goal."

Uruguay's next challenge comes against Bolivia in New Jersey on Thursday. As they continue their Copa America campaign, Bielsa and his team will be looking to build on their opening win and maintain their quest for continental glory.