KANSAS CITY, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Goalscorer Mathias Olivera hailed Uruguay's fighting qualities after a 1-0 victory over hosts the United States in their final Copa America group match on Monday.
The Napoli full-back put the Celeste ahead in the 68th minute by bundling home from close range after Matthew Turner parried away a Ronald Araujo header.
The result at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City guaranteed Uruguay top spot in Group C, having won each of their three games so far, while the US were eliminated with only one victory.
"It was difficult for us, but we showed that when times get tough we have the team spirit to overcome any challenge" Olivera said afterwards.
"They [the US] played very well and there were times when they put us under a lot of pressure, especially at the end. They were pushing for an equalizer but luckily we were able to hold on and give our fans something to cheer about."
Uruguay will likely meet either Brazil or Colombia in Las Vegas next Saturday, with a place in the semifinals at stake. Olivera said he didn't mind which team Uruguay would be pitted against in the next round.
"The most important thing is to focus on how we are playing and try to dictate the match, regardless of the opponent," he added. ■
