Edinson Cavani found his name on the scoresheet as Uruguay eased to victory over Bolivia in the group stage of the 2021 Copa America on Thursday.
The Manchester United striker scored from a Facundo Torres cross in the 79th minute to make sure there was no coming back for Bolivia.
Uruguay had taken the lead in the first half courtesy of an own goal when Bolivia defender Jairo Quinteros turned in Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s cross into his own net after 40 minutes.
This win has guaranteed the record Copa America winners safe passage into the quarterfinals. This has also ascertained that Bolivia will be the team missing out on the quarterfinals from Group A.
Argentina, Paraguay, Chile and Uruguay will be going through but barring Chile, the other three teams still have to play their final game to determine their final placings. This will directly impact who they face in the quarterfinals of the Copa America.
No one wants to finish fourth in Group A as that would mean facing defending champions and hosts – Brazil.
Uruguay need to beat Paraguay in the final game to move ahead of them in the table and that means Paraguay simply need to avoid defeat to finish ahead of the 15-time CONMEBOL Copa America winners.
The result ended a five-game winless streak for Uruguay and they will be keen to push on from here as they get ready for the quarterfinals of the 2021 Copa America.