Bielsa Eyes Further Progress For Uruguay Following Copa America Opener Win

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 victory saw them move level on points with hosts the United States following their win 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 grew into the contest as Jose Fajardo and Jose Rodriguez squandered golden opportunities for Thomas Christiansen's side.

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.

Goleada uruguaya en el estreno pic.twitter.com/tYf6Yr5Rh7

— CONMEBOL Copa América (@CopaAmerica) June 24, 2024

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.