Uruguay’s Victory over Canada Secures Copa America 2024 Third-Place Playoff

At Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, a goal by Jonathan David gave the Canadians a 2-1 lead in the 80th minute, and Uruguay appeared to be headed for an unexpected loss. However, in the second minute of injury time, former Liverpool and Barcelona player Suarez, who had entered the game as a second-half replacement, scooped in a clean finish from Jose Gimenez to make it 2-2 and force penalties.

Goalie Sergio Rochet of Uruguay saved Canada’s Ismael Kone’s spot-kick in the shootout, while Alphonso Davies’ attempt at a panenka struck the crossbar and bounced out, giving Uruguay the victory.

Before Suarez’s late leveler, Canada was headed for a historic— and well-deserved— triumph, so it was a terrible way to finish the tournament. After just eight minutes, Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur gave Uruguay the lead, setting them up for an incredible start.

Bentancur was knocked down by Sebastian Caceres after he outran his marker. Bentancur then pivoted and fired a shot into the net’s ceiling.

Shortly after, the Uruguayans nearly increased their advantage as Canada’s defense scrambled to cover following a sweeping counterattack. However, Canada goalie Dayne St. Clair denied Maximiliano Araujo’s attempt.

That error proved costly, as Kone quickly equalized for Canada on minute 22 with a fantastic improvised finish. Moise Bombito headed Jacob Shaffelburg’s corner, and Kone skillfully flicked the ball beyond the charging Rochet to make it 1-1.

The moment Facundo Pellistri put the ball in the net in the 23rd minute, Uruguay believed they had tied the score almost instantly. Unfortunately, the goal was called off due to an offside in the build-up.

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Just before halftime, Canada, on the other hand, missed two excellent chances to score: first, on minute 41, Tani Oluwaseyi headed wide from close range, and then, on minute 43, Jonathan Osorio’s effort was cleared off the line.

A series of substitutions caused the second half to become fragmented, and it appeared like the match would end in a tie until, with ten minutes remaining, Kone stormed forward from midfield and sent a powerful shot that Rochet could only parry into the path of David, who finished with a tuck to make it 2-1.

However, with victory imminent, Canada persisted in pushing ahead rather than holding onto their lead, and they promptly paid the price when Uruguay got past their defense to allow Suarez to equalize.