The USMNT are out of the Copa America on the final night of Group C.
A much-debated Mathias Olivera goal for Uruguay put them behind on the night and coupled with Panama beating Bolivia 3-1 in the other game on the night saw them progress through alongside Uruguay.
Uruguay win Group C with Panama advancing alongside them in second place.
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How did we get here?
The USMNT suffered a shock defeat to Panama on Thursday to leave their chances of progression beyond the group in doubt.
Folarin Balogun had given the tournament hosts the lead with his second goal in as many games at the competition before Cesar Blackman equalised.
The U.S. had earlier been reduced to 10 men after Tim Weah was sent off for an off-the-ball incident.
Fajardo stunned the home crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with an 83rd-minute goal to ultimately win it before a chaotic ending with Adalberto Carrasquilla also dismissed for a late challenge on Christian Pulisic.
The result left Gregg Berhalter’s side with work to do to qualify for the knockout phase.
So, what did they need to do?
For the USMNT to advance to the knockout phase, their result against Uruguay in their final group-stage game needed to match or better Panama’s result against Bolivia.
- If Panama beat Bolivia, the U.S. had to beat Uruguay with progression then depending on goal difference (the first tiebreaker)
- If Panama and Bolivia drew, the U.S. would have advanced with a win or a draw
- If Bolivia had beaten Panama, the U.S. would have advanced with a win or a draw, while a loss would have left goal difference as the determining factor
What are the tiebreakers?
In the event of a tie on points at the end of the group goal difference is the first tiebreaker before goals scored and then head-to-head record.
A team’s disciplinary record can ultimately be used to split a tie before the drawing of lots.
- Points obtained in all group matches (three points for a win, one for a draw, none for a defeat);
- Goal difference in all group matches;
- Number of goals scored in all group matches;
- Points obtained in the matches played between the teams in question;
- Goal difference in the matches played between the teams in question;
- Number of goals scored in the matches played between the teams in question;
- Fewest red cards;
- Fewest yellow cards;
- Drawing of lots.
What now?
The next games will depend on who finishes where in Group D.
July 6
- Match 28 1D vs Panama (6pm ET, State Farm Stadium, Glendale)
- Match 27 Uruguay vs 2D (9pm ET, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas)
(Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)