KANSAS CITY, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Mathias Olivera struck a second-half winner as Uruguay dumped the United States out of the Copa America with a 1-0 victory over the tournament hosts on Monday.
Uruguay broke the deadlock just after the hour when United States goalkeeper Matthew Turner parried away a Ronald Araujo header - following Nicolas de la Cruz's set piece - only to see Olivera bundle in the rebound.
The goal sparked the United States into action and captain Christian Pulisic will be ruing two missed chances in the final minutes. First, the AC Milan winger had a deflected effort cleared off the line and then he sent a shot from 15 yards sailing over the crossbar.
The result at Arrowhead Stadium confirmed Uruguay as leaders of Group C with three wins from as many matches. The United States finished third in the group with three points.
The Celeste will now meet either Brazil, Colombia or Costa Rica in the next round while the United States have been afforded an early summer break.
In Orlando, Panama advanced to the quarterfinals with a 3-1 rout of Bolivia on Monday. Jose Fajardo gave his side an earlier lead before Bruno Miranda equalized in the 69th minute at Inter&Co Stadium.
Eduardo Guerrero restored the Central American team's lead before Cesar Yanis put the result beyond doubt with a 91st-minute strike. ■
