Copa America 2024 Group Stage
24 June, 2024 - Indian Date
AT&T Stadium
MATCH TIMES
India
03:30 AM
UAE
02:00 AM
Saudi Arabia
1:00 AM
FULL TIME
USA possible starting lineup: Turner; Scally, Richards, Carter-Vickers, A. Robinson; Adams, Musah, McKennie; Weah, Pepi, Pulisic
Bolivia possible starting lineup: Lampe; Medina, Haquin, Jusino, Jo. Sagredo; Saucedo; Terceros, Villamil, Vaca, Fernandez; Ramallo
United States vs Bolivia: A Knockout Victory Will Measure Success, Claims Adams
The United States is gearing up to launch their Copa America 2024 campaign with a critical opening match against Bolivia this Sunday. As the host nation, there is significant pressure on Gregg Berhalter’s squad to perform and progress beyond the group stage.
Group C Challenge
The USA, alongside Bolivia, will face Panama and Uruguay in Group C. According to Opta's supercomputer, the United States is expected to finish in second place, setting the stage for a competitive and closely-watched group phase.
Tyler Adams: "Success Measured by Knockout Wins"
Tyler Adams, a key midfielder for the United States, has emphasized that real success in the tournament will be judged by their ability to win knockout matches.
“For me, it's getting past the quarter-final,” Adams said. “We need to – in a pressure situation – win in a knockout. That's going to measure a lot of our success.”
Adams' comments reflect the team's ambition to move beyond just participating and to truly challenge the traditional South American powerhouses in a tournament historically dominated by them.
Defensive Determination
Defender Mark McKenzie echoed Adams' sentiments, highlighting the prestige and competitive nature of the Copa America.
“When you talk about some of the most watched games, I think aside from the World Cup, you look at the Copa America,” McKenzie noted. “You talk about countries that have won multiple World Cups, in Uruguay and Argentina and Brazil. You have the opportunity now to step into this tournament and go head-to-head with them.”
Bolivia’s Upset Intentions
Bolivia’s head coach, Carlos Zago, who won the Copa America with Brazil in 1999, aims to compete fiercely against the hosts.
“The most important thing is for us to compete,” Zago stated. “We have to try to play on an equal footing with the big teams in terms of intensity and physicality.”
Players to Watch
United States - Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic, set to captain the US team, is their primary playmaker and a significant goal threat. Fresh off his best scoring season at club level with AC Milan, where he netted 15 goals, Pulisic’s performance will be crucial to the US's success.
Bolivia - Carlos Lampe
Goalkeeper Carlos Lampe is on the verge of making history with Bolivia. Just two appearances away from equalling Arturo Lopez for the third-most appearances among Bolivian goalkeepers in the Copa America, Lampe’s experience and leadership will be vital for Bolivia.
Match Prediction: United States Win
Historically, Bolivia has the upper hand with their sole Copa America meeting resulting in a 1-0 victory in 1995. However, with the USA’s current form and home advantage, they are the favorites to win this encounter. Despite CONMEBOL teams having a strong track record against the USA, the American squad is poised to turn the tide.
Conclusion
The opening match against Bolivia is more than just a game for the United States; it is a statement of intent for the entire tournament. With high expectations and the pressure of being hosts, Tyler Adams and his teammates are focused on proving their mettle in the knockout stages, starting with a crucial victory against Bolivia. As fans eagerly await kickoff, the stage is set for an exciting and potentially historic Copa America campaign for the United States.