Thomas Christiansen believes Panama's exit from the Copa America will prove to be a "learning experience" for his players following their defeat to Colombia.
Panama had no answers to a James Rodriguez-inspired performance, bowing out of the competition after a 5-0 defeat to Los Cafeteros in Arizona.
Christiansen's side reached the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history, having fallen in the group stages in 2016.
Panama finished second in Group C in this year's edition behind Uruguay, while also knocking out hosts United States out in the process.
Los Canaleros knew the enormity of the task ahead of them and have now failed to beat Colombia in their 15 fixtures against them (drawn four, lost 11).
However, head coach Christiansen was proud of his team's efforts and knows his players will return stronger from the defeat.
"I am very proud of my players, of what they have achieved in this Copa America," Christiansen said.
"Of course, no one likes losing and much the less 5-0, but we have to commend the players for this Copa America.
"It did not end as we wished, but this is also a learning experience."
James Rodriguez wants to be the Copa America's standout player, and is going some way to being just that.
Colombia reached the semi-finals with a thumping 5-0 defeat of Panama on Saturday, with James taking a starring role as Los Cafeteros claimed their biggest Copa Ameria win.
James scored a penalty and supplied two assists, including a delicious ball for Luis Diaz to make it 3-0 just before half-time.
The former Real Madrid playmaker, who hardly featured for club side Sao Paulo last season, has now created five goals at this edition of the tournament, equalling the record haul for assists (since Opta began collecting such data) at the Copa America, alongside Lionel Messi's five in 2021.
And having missed out on a call-up to Colombia's squad in 2021, James made it clear he plans on being the tournament's standout performer.
"A tough match, they are very strong, but we played well, we knew how to score the goals quickly and that gave us control of the match," James said.
"Did I want to be the best player of the Copa? Yes, I wanted to have a very good Cup, help my team-mates to go far.
"We are going until the last day, let's hope we can reach that great final that we all want, we are going through a good moment too.
"The most important thing is still to come. We hope to reach the final."
Saturday's match was the second time James has directly contributed to three goals in a competitive match for Colombia, after scoring and providing two assists against Japan in the 2014 World Cup (4-1), in which he won the Golden Boot.
Colombia are now unbeaten in 27 games, matching their best such streak, and will face Uruguay, who overcame Brazil 4-2 on penalties, for a place in the final.
James Rodriguez stole the show with a goal and two assists as Colombia breezed into the Copa America semi-finals after brushing Panama aside with a 5-0 thrashing on Saturday.
Colombia captain Rodriguez teed up Jhon Cordoba's opener and Luis Diaz's cool lob either side of his own 15th-minute penalty at State Farm Stadium.
Richard Rios hammered home another after 70 minutes in bizarre circumstances after the referee appeared to blow for a Colombia penalty, then Miguel Borja converted when Nestor Lorenzo's side were awarded another spot-kick in stoppage time.
Having dispatched Panama with ease, a semi-final meeting with either Brazil or Uruguay awaits for Colombia, who have reached the last four in three of their last four Copa tournaments.
Colombia needed just eight minutes to open the scoring as Cordoba found space inside the six-yard box, diving low to head Rodriguez's right-sided corner past Orlando Mosquera.
Jose Fajardo blazed over in response but Lorenzo's side would soon extend their advantage only seven minutes after taking the lead.
Panama goalkeeper Mosquera felled the onrushing Jhon Arias, with a lengthy VAR check reviewing a potential offside in the build-up before the penalty decision was confirmed.
Yet that stoppage failed to detract from Rodriguez's focus as the attacking midfielder hammered into the top-right corner from 12 yards, sending Mosquera the wrong way.
Panama almost halved the arrears soon after, though Edgardo Farina's header from Eric Davis' free-kick cannoned against the left post before Camilo Vargas somehow parried away on the line.
Thomas Christensen's side suffered further damage just before the break as Rodriguez's quick-thinking free-kick from inside his own half set up Diaz to lob the stranded Mosquera from just outside the Panama box.
Panama provided a battling performance of some sorts in the second half, yet for the wrong reasons as numerous fouls slowed the game down with Jovani Welch and Farina both cautioned.
Daniel Munoz was then felled as the referee appeared to blow his whistle and point to the penalty spot, only for Rios to arrow into the bottom-right corner from range to make the advantage count.
Christensen and the Panama bench cut frustrated figures following that odd refereeing sequence, and that annoyance furthered when Borja slotted a stoppage-time penalty into the bottom-right corner after Jose Cordoba clumsily hacked down Santiago Arias.
Who can stop Rodriguez-inspired Colombia?
Lorenzo's men are now a remarkable 27 games unbeaten after their dominant victory, though a huge test awaits them in the semi-finals against either Uruguay or Brazil.
Yet both of those sides may be no match for Colombia if Rodriguez's imperious form is anything to go by.
The Sao Paolo midfielder is the first player in the Copa America to both score and assist within the opening 15 minutes of a match, since such records began in 2011.
Rodriguez is also the first player at the 2024 edition to reach six goal involvements (one goal, five assists), ahead of Argentina's Lautaro Martinez and Venezuela's Salomon Rondon (both four).
The Colombia captain's five assists are three more than any other player so far at this Copa. Will that creativity lead Lorenzo's side to glory?
Panama pain
The 2024 edition of the Copa America marked only Panama's second participation, with this their first instance of making the knockout stages.
Panama may have been confident for this one, too, having won four of their previous seven competitive meetings this century against CONMEBOL sides (three defeats).
Indeed, two of those victories came against Colombia (both at the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup), and Christensen's team impressed this year in Group C to pip the United States to second.
Yet they were brought crashing back down to earth here, with no way back after a first-half blitz from an imperious Colombia side.
James Rodriguez says Colombia are not getting ahead of themselves as they prepare to take on minnows Panama in the Copa America quarter-finals.
Panama shocked the hosts United States in the group stage, with that 2-1 win over the Stars and Stripes paving the way for a 3-1 victory over Bolivia, which secured their place in the last eight.
Their reward is a contest against Colombia, who are unbeaten in their last 26 matches and finished top of Group D, ahead of nine-time Copa America winners Brazil.
The Opta supercomputer hands Colombia a 61.6% chance of winning the tie, with Panama's win likelihood only 18.8%, but captain James knows Nestor Lorenzo's team must be focused on the task at hand at State Farm Stadium.
"There's still a lot of work to do, and on Saturday we have to come out and play very focused," said the former Real Madrid star.
"We are going step by step. Panama will be difficult, but we will play with a lot of quality."
James, who turns 33 next week, has been sensational for Colombia at the tournament.
Having been left out of their squad at the last Copa America in 2021, James has provided a tournament-leading three assists, while creating 11 chances overall, level with Lionel Messi.
"I feel comfortable," said James, who has been playing in Brazil after spells in Qatar and Greece following his one-year stint with Everton.
"There is still a long way to go, we still have to play on Saturday, but I feel good. I am going through a good phase here."
Thomas Christiansen believes Panama can rise to the occasion when they face Colombia in the Copa America quarter-finals on Saturday.
Panama are competing in the tournament for the second time, and have already made history after reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
They finished as runners-up in Group C behind Uruguay after wins over the USA and Bolivia, and now face a tough test against Group D winners Colombia, who are on a 26-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Christiansen admitted he had wanted to be the surprise package before the tournament, and he has now urged his team to take that one step further.
"I don't need to tell [his players] anything," the head coach said.
"They know that they have made history. But we don't want to stop there. We want to try and go a step further, and hopefully, we can do that.
"We're not going to take anything for granted.
"If they [Colombia] want to look down on us, that's their thing. But we are going to take this match very seriously."
Thomas Christiansen is challenging Panama to keep springing surprises at the Copa America when they face off against Colombia in the quarter-finals.
After losing their opening game of the tournament 3-1 to free-scoring Uruguay, Panama dug in to cause an upset for host nation United States, coming from behind to win 2-1.
A comfortable 3-1 victory over Bolivia followed secured second place in Group C as Panama booked their place in the knockout round of the Copa America for the very first time.
Former Leeds United boss Christiansen challenged his team to be the surprise package, but says this result is years in the making.
"When we were going to leave for the United States, I said I would like to be the surprise [of the tournament], like Morocco in the [2022] World Cup [who made it to the semi-finals]," he told reporters.
"Well, now we're through to the next round. I am happy. Super happy.
"It's constant, really, what we have been doing, what we have been reaping in these almost four years.
"[Is it a] coincidence? I don't believe in coincidences. You have to work. You have to fight for it. Luck alone isn't enough."
Colombia were the winners of Group D, beating Brazil to top spot.
Wins over Paraguay and Costa Rica put Colombia in the driving seat before they held Dorival Junior's side to a 1-1 draw in the final match.
While that may be a surprising outcome on the face of it, Colombia are the form team in South America and are on a 26-game unbeaten streak.
Integral to their success has been James Rodriguez, who is often their talisman at major tournaments, having first come into the spotlight in the 2014 World Cup.
"I feel comfortable, there is still a long way to go, we still have to play on Saturday, but I felt good," the ex-Real Madrid star said.
"I am going through a good phase here; we are going step by step. Panama will be difficult, but we will play with a lot of quality."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colombia – James Rodriguez
James has been a driving force for Colombia at the tournament, having already recorded three assists.
Colombia had the best crossing accuracy at the Copa America group stage, completing 41% of their crosses (20/49). James was responsible for 11 of their successful crosses – the most of any player in the tournament.
Panama – Jose Fajardo
Out of players who attempted more than five shots in the Copa America group stage, Jose Fajardo boasts the second-highest shot conversion rate.
He scored with 29% of his attempts (2/7), bettered only by Argentina's Lautaro Martinez (44%), who is the tournament's leading scorer.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLOMBIA WIN
Colombia stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 26 matches with their draw against Brazil, and the Opta computer has backed them to continue that here.
Colombia are playing in their sixth consecutive Copa America quarter-final, with each of their last four going to penalties. Los Cafeteros have won twice (against Peru in 2016 and Uruguay in 2021) and lost twice (against Argentina in 2015 and Chile in 2019).
Panama have won four of their seven competitive matches in the 21st century against opponents from CONMEBOL (losing the other three).
Two of those victories were against Colombia when they faced each other in the group stage (1-0) and the semifinals (3-2) of the 2005 Concacaf Gold Cup.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Colombia – 61.6%
Draw – 19.6%
Panama – 18.8%
The United States' home Copa America campaign was not supposed to come down to this.
Monday's Group C finale against Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay was expected to be a straightforward battle for top spot, with Panama and Bolivia, ranked 43rd and 84th in the world respectively, deemed unlikely to offer much of a threat.
However, a stunning capitulation saw Gregg Berhalter's side beaten 2-1 by Panama on Thursday, the hosts ceding control after Timothy Weah's early red card.
That result has had a seismic impact on their hopes of progressing, potentially leaving them requiring a win against one of the continent's finest next week.
The story of the USA's campaign to date has been one of unfulfilled potential, a lack of decisiveness in attack and a struggle to change things on the fly. It is a tale that might sound familiar to England supporters, who are watching the Three Lions rather limp through to the Euro 2024 knockouts.
Quarter-final hopes in the balance
Before a ball was kicked at this year's tournament, the Opta supercomputer gave the USA a 64.5% chance of reaching the last eight.
After Thursday's result, they are assigned a 51% probability of advancing, as anything less than a victory over Uruguay – who will not rest on their laurels as they bid to clinch top spot – will leave them needing a favour from Bolivia in their match with Panama.
Though the USA could still top the group with a win, third (49%) is now viewed as their most likely final position, which would represent a monumental failure at a tournament viewed as a dress rehearsal for a home World Cup in 2026.
But where has it all gone wrong?
USA follow England's lead
The USA were clearly superior in their opening 2-0 win over Bolivia, firing off 20 shots worth 2.51 expected goals (xG) and recording 35 touches in the area to their opponents' one.
While Weah's early red card – the result of a petulant push to the back of Panama player Amir Murillo's head – put them in a difficult position in Thursday's second match, that incident did not necessarily have to precipitate such a dire collapse.
Indeed, four minutes after Weah's exit, their frustration turned to elation as Folarin Balogun fired a brilliant left-footed finish in off the woodwork from the edge of the area.
But much like England in their first two games at Euro 2024, the USA ceded control after assuming the lead, which was wiped out within four minutes by Cesar Blackman.
Home fans would surely have expected Panama to enjoy more of the ball while a man up, but the sheer extent to which they dominated was alarming.
Panama finished the match with a 74% possession share, the highest figure any CONCACAF team has managed in a Copa America match on record (since 2011), and the eighth-highest overall.
From the 19th minute onwards, the USA completed just three passes into the Panama penalty area, recording a dismal 59.4% passing accuracy throughout the match – comfortably the worst figure at the tournament so far.
Though they won plaudits for their dynamic approach at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Berhalter's side can look uncomfortable when tasked with exercising control, and that was certainly the case on Thursday.
They managed only six shots in total, as Panama set a new national record for the lowest amount of attempts faced in a Copa America match. Their previous low was 12 shots, against Bolivia and Argentina in 2016.
Two of the four defeats that the United States have suffered as hosts in major tournaments have come against Panama.
The coach's changes – particularly the decision to sacrifice Giovanni Reyna for an additional defender in Cameron Carter-Vickers – did nothing to stem the tide.
By the time he changed tack by bringing on Josh Sargent for Tim Ream in the 86th minute, it was too late, with Jose Fajardo's close-range finish proving decisive.
Pepi's profligacy and Balogun's talents wasted
While the USA spent long periods sitting off Panama when down a man, they still had one huge chance to restore their advantage at 1-1, but substitute Ricardo Pepi saw his header kept out by Orlando Mosquera.
Pepi has only played 43 minutes off the bench at this year's Copa, yet his cumulative xG figure of 2.27 is the highest of any player at the tournament.
The five players directly below the goalless Pepi in the xG charts – Kendry Paez, Lautaro Martinez, Darwin Nunez, Solomon Rondon and Facundo Pellistri – have all netted at least once.
While the PSV striker could be forgiven for his wastefulness in the Bolivia match, when USA had already seized control before his second-half introduction, his form is starting to become a major worry.
The fact Pepi was introduced in place of goalscorer Balogun in Atlanta has brought further scrutiny upon Berhalter.
The Monaco forward is one of just four men to net more than once at this year's Copa America, and only the second USA player to score in successive Copa matches, after Clint Dempsey netted in three straight at the 2016 tournament.
Both of Balogun's goals have been pinpoint finishes from the left side of the penalty area, coming despite his xG total for the tournament standing at just 0.34. For context, that is a lower figure than that recorded by Harry Kane through England's first two matches at Euro 2024 (0.48), and the Three Lions' struggles in the chance-creation department have been well documented.
Convincing Balogun to switch allegiance from England in 2023 was considered a major coup for the USA, with his decision coming at the end of a season in which he plundered 22 goals while on loan at Reims from Arsenal.
At present, however, they are wasting their star striker, who has registered just eight touches in the penalty area at this tournament, having averaged 7.97 per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 last term.
Berhalter will hope Uruguay's expansive approach gives Balogun space to attack on matchday three, but without any level of control or the ability to play through the thirds, the striker will always be peripheral.
Similar failings have not yet cost England at Euro 2024, a set of lacklustre opponents and the 24-team format ensuring a group-stage exit was never really on the cards.
With one of South America's form teams next up and no second chances for third-place finishers, the same may not be true for the USA.
Gregg Berhalter hit out at a "silly" mistake from Timothy Weah after his red card in a 2-1 defeat to Panama put the United States' place in the Copa America at risk.
Having opened their home campaign with a 2-0 win over Bolivia, the USA slipped to a surprise defeat in their second match in Atlanta, leaving them likely needing a result against Uruguay on matchday three to progress.
The tournament hosts played over 70 minutes with 10 men after Weah lashed out at Amir Murillo, and they were unable to force a late equaliser after Adalberto Carrasquilla also saw red for Panama.
After the game, Berhalter said Weah's actions were costly but also suggested Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton was always poised to make a big decision.
"We talked beforehand about the tendencies of this referee, we knew what he's capable of and to be honest I think we played right into his hands," Berhalter said.
"We made that decision pretty easy. Tim got bumped, he got checked and he reacted.
!He apologised to the group and he understands what a difficult position he put the group in.
"Nonetheless, it happened and as a result we lost this game and we're going to have to move on and figure out how to win the next game.
"The guys dug in and we were close to coming out with a point. But it's a shame, because there was more in this game, and a silly decision by Timmy leaves us short-handed."
Forward Christian Pulisic echoed his coach's sentiments, saying: "Timmy knows the mistake he made.
"That's it. He's going to learn from it. It sucks. It's not the way you want to put your team in that position.
"It hurts. Just the minimum, it's a lapse of judgement. It's just one simple second, you respond to something."
The United States were defeated 2-1 by Panama in a thrilling Copa America encounter on Thursday.
A frantic opening paved the way for an exhilarating, blood and thunder match in which both teams had a player sent off.
The first 26 minutes in Atlanta saw the USA have a goal disallowed, Timothy Weah sent off and Folarin Balogun score a stunner before Cesar Blackman equalised.
With the match seemingly ebbing towards a draw, Ricardo Pepi's profligacy sparked a frenetic finale, with Jose Fajardo netting in the 83rd minute and Panama holding firm despite Adalberto Carrasquilla's red card.
Victory takes Panama level on three points with the Copa America hosts, who are in a precarious position ahead of facing Uruguay in their final Group C match.
A rowdy crowd was almost silenced inside the first two minutes when Yoel Barcenas' stunning bicycle kick flashed over the crossbar, but the home fans were soon celebrating when Weston McKennie slammed in, only for the goal to be disallowed after a lengthy VAR review for Tim Ream straying offside.
There was further VAR frustration to come for the USA, as they were reduced to 10 men when Weah saw a yellow card upgraded to a straight red after he lashed out at Amir Murillo.
That frustration turned to elation in the 22nd minute as Balogun brilliantly fired in from the edge of the box, his left-footed strike cannoning in off the inside of the right-hand upright.
It was a lead that lasted only four minutes – Blackman drilling into the bottom-left corner from 20 yards out to restore parity.
VAR came to the USA's rescue just after the hour when referee Ivan Barton overturned his decision to award Panama a penalty after Cameron Carter-Vickers lunged in on Fajardo.
Balogun went close to a sensational second soon after, but the best chance of the second half fell to his replacement Pepi, whose close-range header was kept out by Orlando Mosquera.
Pepi was immediately made to pay, with Fajardo making no mistake as he lashed home from close range, and even though Carrasquilla saw red, Panama sealed a memorable victory that throws Group C wide open.
Pepi pays the price
Pepi has had to settle for a substitute role with Balogun the first choice, but that has not stopped him having chances. In fact, he has accumulated more expected goals (2.27) than any other player in the tournament so far.
Yet the youngster, who has played just 43 minutes, has failed to convert any of his seven shots, while the other four players in the top five for xG at this edition of the Copa have all scored at least once.
McKennie did brilliantly to tee Pepi up for the USA's big moment in the second half, but PSV striker fluffed his lines.
In contrast, Balogun showed just how good he can be – his goal, his second of the tournament, came from a shot with an xG value of just 0.04. The Stars and Stripes might well need their first-choice forward to deliver that kind of quality again if they are to progress.
Panama worthy winners
Panama came out on top on penalties against the USA in the Gold Cup last year, but Thomas Christiansen's team were well worth their victory in regulation time on this occasion.
The USA did continue their run of scoring at least one goal when facing Panama – they have now done that in 19 of the last 20 meetings – but despite the hosts having a higher xG (1.11 to 0.76), Panama had the cutting edge when it mattered.
They had to play dirty at times, committing 19 fouls to the USA's four, and Gregg Berhalter may well point to that, but mastering the dark arts has given Panama, who face Bolivia next, a great chance of getting out of the group.
United States goalkeeper Matt Turner has urged fans of the Copa America hosts not to forget the value of results ahead of Thursday's clash with Panama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The USA got their Group C campaign up and running with a 2-0 win over Bolivia, with Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun on target.
Some believed Gregg Berhalter's side should have recorded a more comprehensive victory as they racked up 20 shots on goal to Bolivia's six.
Nottingham Forest shot-stopper Turner, though, says tournament wins should not be taken for granted.
"We'll never have that luxury. I think you take wins when you can get wins, no matter the context," Turner said.
"You take the result, especially in tournament play, it's the end all be all. I implore people to not lose sight of that.
"Obviously, we wish we did some things better, but that's what tournaments are about. You want to improve and get better throughout the tournament and keep growing as a team, and a bond and a culture.
"At the end of the day, we got a clean sheet, we scored two goals and we won. Going into this next match, we know we might have to be a little bit better if we want to win."
Panama, meanwhile, were beaten 3-1 by Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay in their opening match, with Amir Murrillo netting a late consolation after Maximiliano Araujo, Darwin Nunez and Matias Vina scored for the 15-time winners.
"I think we had too much respect for Uruguay, in the first half there were too many mistakes," head coach Thomas Christiansen said.
"They're a great team that you have to respect, but I think in moments we were afraid of making a mistake.
"In the second half, we showed this team is alive with enthusiasm and desire. Now it's time to make another big effort against the United States before ending with Bolivia."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Panama – Amir Murillo
Murillo netted a late consolation against Uruguay, also recording the most touches (62) and joint-most touches in the penalty area (four, also Jose Fajardo) of any Panama player in their opening match.
That game saw Panama surpass 250 completed passes in a Copa America game for the first time. They will not be pushovers in Atlanta, but if they are to really trouble the hosts, they need wing-back Murillo to contribute in the attacking third.
United States – Christian Pulisic
Pulisic provided a goal and an assist as the USA beat Bolivia in their Group C opener, becoming the first American to score and assist in a single Copa America match since Clint Dempsey did so twice in 2016, versus Ecuador and Costa Rica.
Pulisic averages 0.93 goal contributions per 90 minutes in competitive matches for his country, the highest rate in their history (minimum 1,500 minutes played).
The Milan winger also recorded the most line-breaking passes in the attacking third of any player during Group C's first set of games, with four.
Until the USA's first match, only Rodrigo De Paul of Argentina had reached that figure in the tournament's opening round of fixtures.
MATCH PREDICTION: UNITED STATES WIN
After beating Bolivia, the USA could start a Copa America tournament with back-to-back victories for the very first time.
Only once before have they managed successive wins in the competition, winning three games in a row up to the quarter-finals in 2016, as they finished fourth on home soil.
They have never lost or even conceded a goal to CONMEBOL opponents at the Copa America, drawing 0-0 with Mexico in the 1995 quarter-finals before triumphing on penalties, and routing Costa Rica 4-0 in the group stage in 2016.
The USA have only failed to score in one of their previous 19 matches against Panama on home soil, in a goalless draw in New Jersey in the 2005 Gold Cup final, which they won via spot-kicks.
With home advantage on their side, we expect more joy for the USA on Thursday.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Panama – 22.6%
United States – 54.7%
Draw – 22.7%
Marcelo Bielsa insists there is room for improvement for Uruguay, despite kicking off their Copa America campaign with a 3-1 win over Panama in Florida.
Uruguay's win saw them move level on points with hosts the United States following their victory over Bolivia in the other Group C encounter.
The 15-time winners were rewarded for their fast start when Maximilian Araujo curled home his first international goal in the 16th minute.
However, Panama would grow into the contest as Jose Fajardo and Jose Rodriguez squandered golden opportunities for Thomas Christiansen's side.
And their wastefulness was punished late on as Darwin Nunez, who had missed several chances in the game, settled Uruguay's nerves with a calm finish.
Matias Vina furthered La Celeste's advantage in the first minute of injury-time with a header, only for Michael Amir Murillo to net a late consolation for Panama.
However, Bielsa was quick to temper expectations despite the triumph, insisting his side must improve to secure a record 16th Copa America crown.
The 68-year-old took charge of Uruguay in May last year, beating both Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifiers.
"When it comes to Uruguay's aspirations, we will see that and build it match by match," he told reporters.
"My expectation is that each match will increasingly help us to improve on our level. Uruguay has players of a very good level and we need to see if I can build with those players."
Uruguay continue their group campaign against Bolivia in New Jersey on Thursday, before facing the USA at the Arrowhead Stadium next Tuesday.
Marcelo Bielsa insists there is room for improvement for Uruguay, despite kicking off their Copa America campaign with a 3-1 win over Panama in Florida.
Uruguay's win saw them move level on points with hosts the United States following their victory over Bolivia in the other Group C encounter.
The 15-time winners were rewarded for their fast start when Maximilian Araujo curled home his first international goal in the 16th minute.
However, Panama would grow into the contest as Jose Fajardo and Jose Rodriguez squandered golden opportunities for Thomas Christiansen's side.
And their wastefulness was punished late on as Darwin Nunez, who had missed several chances in the game, settled Uruguay's nerves with a calm finish.
Matias Vina furthered La Celeste's advantage in the first minute of injury-time with a header, only for Michael Amir Murillo to net a late consolation for Panama.
However, Bielsa was quick to temper expectations despite the triumph, insisting his side must improve to secure a record 16th Copa America crown.
The 68-year-old took charge of Uruguay in May last year, beating both Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifiers.
"When it comes to Uruguay's aspirations, we will see that and build it match by match," he told reporters.
"My expectation is that each match will increasingly help us to improve on our level. Uruguay has players of a very good level and we need to see if I can build with those players."
Uruguay continue their group campaign against Bolivia in New Jersey on Thursday, before facing the USA at the Arrowhead Stadium next Tuesday.
Away teams enjoyed the run of play during Sunday's round of matches in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers.
El Salvador secured a 3-1 victory over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Group F at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Jairo Henriquez opened the scoring with a stunning strike from outside the box in the 10th minute. Oalex Anderson equalized for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the 43rd minute with a well-placed header from a corner.
However, Rafael Tejada restored El Salvador's lead in the 60th minute after a smooth build-up play involving Henriquez and Francis Castillo. Nelson Bonilla sealed the win in the 83rd minute, connecting on a long cross from Nelson Blanco. El Salvador now sits on four points, trailing group leaders Suriname by two points, while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remain winless.
In Grenada, Costa Rica continued their dominant start in Group B with a 3-0 victory over the home team at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St. George's, Grenada.
Manfred Ugalde scored the opening goal in the ninth minute, capitalizing on a through ball from Brandon Aguilera. Alvaro Zamora doubled the lead in the 34th minute with a composed left-footed finish.
Gerald Taylor added the third in the 70th minute, finishing a short pass from Ugalde. Costa Rica's goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira secured his second clean sheet of the campaign. Costa Rica leads the group with six points, while Grenada has only one point from two matches.
Meanwhile, in Bridgetown Haiti triumphed 3-1 over Barbados in Group C at Wildey Turf.
Louicius Deedson opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a precise shot inside the right post. Markhus Lacroix extended the lead with a powerful strike into the top netting in the first-half stoppage time.
Barbados' Niall Reid-Stephen pulled one back in the 73rd minute, but Bryan Labissiere's 84th-minute goal on a counter-attack ensured Haiti's victory. Haiti now has six points, matching the pace with first-place Curaçao, while Barbados remains without a point after two defeats.
At the National Sports in Hamilton, Honduras delivered an emphatic 6-1 win over Bermuda in Group A. Kervin Arriaga started the scoring in the 15th minute, but Bermuda's Zeiko Lewis equalized from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.
David Ruiz put Honduras back in the lead in the 49th minute, followed by goals from Edwin Rodriguez (53rd minute), Luis Vega (56th minute), Andy Najar (62nd minute), and Bryan Rochez (90+1 minute). Luis Palma played a crucial role with three assists. Honduras leads the group with six points, while Bermuda has one point from two matches.
Panama secured a 3-1 victory over Montserrat in Group D at the National Football Stadium in Managua, Nicaragua. Jovani Welch gave Panama the lead with a long-distance strike in the 40th minute. Montserrat's Kaleem Strawbridge-Simon equalized with a similar effort in the 48th minute. However, Panama regained control with a header from Jose Fajardo in the 61st minute, assisted by Jose Luis Rodriguez, who then scored Panama's third with a header in the 70th minute. Panama now has six points, keeping pace with group leaders Nicaragua, while Montserrat remains winless.
Costa Rica and Honduras were among the winners on the second day of round two of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday.
Costa Rica won 4-nil over Saint Kitts and Nevis in Group B at the National Stadium in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Orlando Galo struck with a header in the box to open the scoring in the 40’, connecting on a long service from Jefferson Brenes following a throw-in.
Galo secured his brace in the 50’ with a left footed strike just outside the box.
Josimar Alcocer came off the bench to add a third for the hosts in the 83'.
Andy Rojas, another second half substitute, extended the lead in the 84' to secure the three points.
Costa Rica will travel to face Grenada on Sunday in St. George's. Saint Kitts and Nevis will host the Bahamas on Tuesday in Basseterre.
Honduras won 3-1 over Cuba in Group A at the Chelato Ucles National Stadium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Maykel Reyes struck first for the visitors in the 23', capping off a counterattack with a chipped ball from the penalty arc.
Antony Lozano tied the match minutes later, in the 26', as Honduras took advantage of a free kick from short distance. Luis Palma delivered the service over the top, which Lozano received with his chest as he spun to hit the ball with his right foot.
Edwin Rodriguez obtained the lead for Honduras in the 45'+2 with a left footed shot in the box.
Rubilio Castillo extended the lead in the 82' with a strike off a long pass from the right side of the box by fellow second half substitute David Ruiz.
Up next for Honduras is playing away at Bermuda on Sunday. Cuba will host the Cayman Islands on Tuesday in Santiago de Cuba.
Haiti defeated Saint Lucia, 2-1, in Group C at Wildey Turf in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Caniggia Elva opened the scoring in the 18' to put Saint Lucia on the board.
Jean-Kevin Duverne tied the match in the 47', connecting with a strong header off a corner kick service from Fabrice Picault.
Duckens Nazon completed the comeback in the 78', powering through the defense for the match-winning goal.
The Haiti national team will remain in Bridgetown to face Barbados on Sunday. Saint Lucia will also stay on the island to host Aruba on Tuesday at Wildey Turf.
Panama took a 2-nil victory over Guyana in Group D at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium in Panama City, Panama.
Cristian Martinez broke the deadlock in the 62' with a goal inside the box, connecting on a pass over the top from Adalberto Carrasquilla.
Jose Rodriguez made it a two-goal lead for the hosts in the 65' with a one-hit finish on the other end of a service from Edgar Barcenas.
The next opponent for Panama is Montserrat on Sunday in Managua, Nicaragua. Guyana will meet Belize on Tuesday at Wildey Turf in Bridgetown, Barbados.
El Salvador and Puerto Rico played to a scoreless draw in Group F at the Cuscatlan Stadium in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Darwin Ceren had a look towards goal in the 23’ but the attempt went wide of the goal.
The hosts came close again in the 26’ as a long-range attempt from Christian Martinez hit the crossbar.
Leandro Antonetti delivered a menacing header in the 78’ but was just wide of the left post as the match stayed scoreless.
Goalkeepers Mario Gonzalez and Joel Serrano ended the night with their first clean sheets of the campaign.
Suriname, who won on Wednesday, maintains its spot at the top of the group as a result. Anguilla and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have yet to play their first match.
Next for El Salvador is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday in Paramaribo, Suriname. Puerto Rico will host Anguilla on Tuesday in Bayamon.
Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are set to cross swords in the group stages of this year’s fourth edition of the Concacaf Nations League, as both were drawn in Group B of League A for the 2024/25 campaign which is scheduled to kick off in September.
This year’s Concacaf Nations League will again be contested in a three-league format –Leagues A, B and C –and will see the Confederation’s 41 senior men’s national teams doing battle during the FIFA match windows of September, October, and November 2024. The semi-finals and finals of the tournament, which serves as the qualifiers for next summer’s 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, are scheduled for March 2025.
The teams have been grouped across the respective Leagues based on their results from the 2023/24 staging. The Reggae Boyz and their Soca Warriors counterparts, who contested the business end of the competition for the first time in that campaign, will be hoping to do so again on this occasion.
They are among 12 teams, split in two groups of six teams each to contest League A in a “Swiss style” league system, with each team playing a total of four games (two at home and two away).
Jamaica, last edition’s semi-finalist, and Trinidad and Tobago, who made the quarterfinals, are drawn alongside Honduras, Cuba, Nicaragua, and French Guiana, while Group A comprises, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Suriname, and Guyana.
After group stage play in September and October, the first and second-place finishers of each group, will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will join the four top-ranked League A teams, Mexico, United States, Panama, and Canada. The quarterfinals will be played in a home-and-away format, with the winner of each fixture, on aggregate, set to secure a berth in next year’s Finals.
Meanwhile, League B will feature 16 teams divided into four groups of four teams. Each team will play every team in its group twice. The groups were drawn as follows:
Group A -El Salvador, Montserrat, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Bonaire
Group B -Curacao, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Saint Martin
Group C -Haiti, Puerto Rico, Aruba, and St Maarten
Group D -Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominic
Matches in each group will be played at a centralized venue instead of the previous home-and-away format, to alleviate travel challenges that Member Associations face.
The third best-ranked teams in each group will host the September matches, the second best-ranked teams will host the October matches, and the best-ranked teams will host the decisive November matches.
Over in League C, which consists of nine teams, divided into three groups of three teams, the format takes a similar shape, where each team will play every team in its group twice.
Group A -Barbados, Bahamas, and US Virgin Islands
Group B -Belize, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Anguilla
Group C-Saint Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, and British Virgin Islands
Where centralized venues are concerned, the second highest-ranked teams in each group will host the September matches, and the highest-ranked teams will host the October matches.
Schedule:
Group Stage: September 2-10, October 7-15, and November 11-19, 2024
Quarterfinals: November 11-19, 2024
Semifinals: March 20, 2025
Final and Third Place Match: March 23, 2025
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