Maximiliano Araujo opened the scoring with a long-range strike in the 16th minute, with Darwin Nunez and Matias Vina adding late goals as Uruguay beat Panama 3-1 on Sunday night in their 2024 Copa America Group C opener.

Uruguay beat Panama 3-1 in the opening match of Group C of Copa America 2024.

Uruguay, who are chasing a record 16th Copa America title, dominated with 20 shots – seven on target – in front of the 33,425 packed into the Hard Rock Stadium, which will host the final on July 14. The premier stadium will also host seven matches at the 2026 World Cup, with the United States co-hosting. Araujo scored the first goal after receiving a pass from Vina from outside the box, taking two touches and firing a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Orlando Cathedralra for his second goal in nine international appearances.

Liverpool star forward Nunez continued his fine form for his country by making it 2-0 in the 85th minute. He volleyed home from 12 yards for his 12th goal in 24 appearances for Uruguay, and his ninth in his last six games. Vina made it 3-0 with a header from de la Cruz’s free-kick in the first minute of stoppage time to score his first international goal. Amir Murillo scored a late consolation for Panama.

Darwin Nunez continues his fine form for Uruguay, scoring his ninth goal in his last six matches.

Uruguay are level with Argentina on a record 15 Copa America titles, but have not gone beyond the quarter-finals since winning their last title in 2011. But La Celeste have undergone a successful rebuild under Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa – who has parted ways with veterans Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin, and has put his faith in a young squad that has shown it can compete. Uruguay beat Lionel Messi and Argentina as well as Brazil in World Cup qualifying…

“It is obvious that Argentina are title contenders,” said Bielsa. “As for Uruguay’s expectations, we will see that and build on it game by game. My expectation is that each game helps us to improve our mistakes more and more.”

Panama failed to get past the group stage in 2016, their only previous appearance at the South American Championship. Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said: “I think we were too cautious against this opponent. At some points we had a certain level of fear. The second half was a little different. We had our chances. We played a little higher and did well. That’s what I told the players. Despite losing to one of the favourites, we are a team that is still very eager.”

Uruguay top Group C on goal difference over hosts USA, who beat Bolivia 2-0 earlier. Luis Suarez, the 37-year-old striker – Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer and the best player of the 2011 Copa America – did not play. However, he is likely to feature when Uruguay play Bolivia on Thursday, while Panama face USA. The group finishes on 1 July with USA vs Uruguay and Panama vs Bolivia. Only the top two teams advance to the quarter-finals.