By EFE
03 Jul 2024, 10:45 AM EDT
The group stage of the America Cup comes to an end this Tuesday with a verdict that few in Concacaf could have imagined: Panama and Canadawho started their groups far from being favorites to advance, They are in the quarterfinals, while the two ‘big ones’ of North America, Mexico and the United States, have already said goodbye.
Canada made a surprise on Saturday by qualifying second in Group A, behind Argentinabut ahead of a priori more competitive teams such as Chile and Peru; Panama defeated the host United States and sealed a brilliant qualification against Bolivia as second in Group C, behind Uruguay.
The United States said goodbye to its Copa America in a very gloomy wayafter adding just three points (against Bolivia) in three games; Mexico died on the shore in a group, yes, very demanding with Venezuela, Ecuador and Jamaica.
With two years to go until the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Concacaf is experiencing a moment of revolution in its balance.
“I think both teams have made a lot of progress. In the previous years we have been doing things well, both us and them, and I think that is the reflection of today.”, said the Panamanian Eduardo Guerrero in the mixed zone after Panama’s victory against Bolivia, referring to his team and that of Canada.
An opinion shared by his colleague Cesar Yanis after the great achievement of Panama.
“I am happy, delighted (with the qualification) because this is for everyone. Happy for the group, we have achieved something historic and now we can rest and think about what is coming next.”, said.
“(The classification of Canada and Panama) It speaks very well of us and of the work we have been doing. We came to this tournament to compete, we said so at the beginning, and it is showing,” he added.
Meanwhile, in the United States, criticism of Gregg Berhalter’s selection is mounting, who said goodbye to the Copa América through the back door.
Berhalter, while acknowledging that the result was negative, said that, in his opinion, His management has significantly increased the national team’s football movement.
Asked if he still believes he is the most suitable person to lead the project, Berhalter replied with a resounding “yes.”
The United States’ play and the character shown in this Copa America in an accessible group with Bolivia and Panama, as well as Uruguay, did not convince the American environment.
The verdict was much more bitter for Mexico, which said goodbye after a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. a match of enormous intensity in which he was awarded, and subsequently denied after a VAR review, the penalty that could have given him a ticket to the next round.
But beyond the final controversies, Mexico is at the beginning of a generational change that requires time to compete again at the highest level.
Two key years are coming for Mexico and the United States to relaunch their sports projects in view of ‘their’ World Cup, in a North America where they are beginning to be joined by more and more rivals with hunger and competitive power.
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