Canada vs Uruguay: La Celeste seeking record-extending Copa America bronze medal | OneFootball

A coveted podium finish is at stake as North American invitees Canada and joint-record Copa America winners Uruguay meet in a third-place play-off at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The first American manager at the helm of Canada mustered the country’s first-ever semi-final qualification of a major tournament outside of the CONCACAF region.

However, reigning World Cup holders Argentina ended Jesse Marsch’s hopes of leading the Canucks to the 2024 Copa America title-deciding fixture in their tournament debut during the week.

Goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi inspired the defending champions to a landslide 2-0 victory in East Rutherford, condemning the Canadians to a battle for the consolation prize.

Canada can already find comfort in becoming the best performer of the CONCACAF federation after dispatching Venezuela in the quarter-finals on penalties.

Whether they could become the only North American team alongside Mexico to win a Copa America medal remains to be seen.

Lining up against Marsch’s charges are Uruguay.

La Celeste’s hopes of adding to their rich Copa America legacy were dashed by a nerve-wracking 1-0 defeat against high-flying Colombia in the semis.

Despite boasting numerical advantage for more than 45 minutes, Marcelo Bielsa’s side couldn’t break down Los Cafeteros’ stubborn backline as Jefferson Lerma’s first-half header made the difference.

Although they’ve failed to reach their first Copa America final since last lifting the title in 2011, Uruguay are odds-on to win a record-extending tenth bronze medal.

Fish out of water

Canada are in uncharted territory.

In addition to searching for their first non-CONCACAF honour, they are fighting for silverware for the first time since a third-place finish at the 2002 Gold Cup.

Unaccustomed to high-stakes encounters, Canada must punch above their weight to return home with a medal, something not even their most die-hard fans could’ve expected before the tournament.

Marsch’s tactical set-up and the team’s collective effort give the Canucks hope that they could solidify their place as a rising force in international football with an unlikely triumph in Charlotte.

The Canadians have already made waves on United States soil, with only FIFA’s top-ranked nation, Argentina, getting the better of them at the 2024 Copa America.

Before overcoming Venezuela in the opening knockout round, Canada had held Peru (1-0) and Chile (0-0) goalless in the group stages, proving they are a tough nut to crack.

Something is better than nothing

While a bronze medal isn’t what the Uruguayans came for in the first US-held tournament since 2016, it’s still better than their results across the last four Copa America editions.

Uruguay had failed to make it out of the quarter-finals in four consecutive tournaments before squeaking past Brazil on penalties last weekend.

Bielsa can’t blame his backline for falling short of his objective, considering La Celeste have only conceded twice in five 2024 Copa America outings.

However, Darwin Nunez’s wasteful finishing in crucial moments has been a significant factor in Uruguay missing out on their first appearance in the grand final in over a decade.

After several missed chances against Brazil, the Liverpool forward spurned two glorious first-half opportunities versus Colombia, which eventually returned to haunt Uruguay.

Nunez can partially redeem himself against Canada, with La Celeste bidding to obliterate the memory of a 3-1 loss to Mexico in their last third-place play-off tie in 2007.

Canada vs Uruguay potential line-ups

Canada (4-2-3-1): Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies; Jonathan Osorio, Stephen Eustaquio; Richie Laryea, Jonathan David, Jacob Shaffelburg; Cyle Larin.

Uruguay (4-2-3-1): Sergio Rochet; Guillermo Varela, Jose Maria Gimenez, Mathias Olivera, Matias Vina; Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte; Facundo Pellistri, Nicolas de la Cruz, Giorgian de Arrascaeta; Darwin Nunez.

Prediction

Despite Canada’s admirable team effort, Uruguay have far more experience in these high-stakes matches.

Bielsa’s men have more quality in their squad, particularly in terms of individual talent and tactical depth.

Uruguay will likely wrap up a bronze medal with a minimum of fuss.