Copa America 2024- How Can USMNT & Christian Pulisic Qualify for Quarterfinals After Shocking Loss vs Panama? Entire Qualification Scenario Explained

It was an unlucky day at the office for the USMNT tonight. The host nation endured a shock 2-1 loss against their Group C rivals Panama for the Matchday 2. The latest result has put their qualification for the next stages of the competition in danger. That said, the only burning question in the minds of ardent fans is whether Christian Pulisic and Co. can qualify for the quarterfinals.

Everything went wrong for the Eagles today. Aside from an early red card shown to Tim Weah, goalkeeper Matt Turner also left the pitch injured. Despite being 10 men down, Folarin Balogun gave Berhalter and Co. a surprise lead. However, it didn’t last that long as Panama quickly found an equalizer. Subsequently, in the final minutes of the game, they doubled their lead against the host nation before going 10 men down as well.

Speaking of the current Group C standings, Uruguay managed to retain their place at the top with 6 points, thanks to their previous 3-1 victory over Panama and today’s 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia. Behind them are USMNT and Panama who may share 3 points each but are separated by 1 and -1 goal difference. At last, is Bolivia with nil points, whose Copa America dream has officially come to an end.

Well, now to give all the American supports a sigh of relief, yes, there is still a chance for the USMNT to make it to the knockout stages. However, that would require some groundwork from Gregg Berhalter and Co., while also, a little bit of help from rival group teams. Here are some of the scenarios that can see USMNT in the knockout stages.

Scenario 1: A must-win victory for USMNT over the formidable Uruguay

The USMNT now only needs to play their final group-stage fixture against Uruguay. Yet, that is not an easy task for several reasons. Hypothetically, even if the USA manages to win against Luis Suarez and Co., they would need to do so with a decent goal margin. Currently, they are separated from Panama by only a few inches in goal difference.

To complicate further, Panama will face Bolivia, a vulnerable side, on the final matchday. If Panama manages to win with a significantly larger goal margin than what the USMNT achieves against Uruguay, then their qualification is in danger.

Scenario 2: Bolivia can do a favor for Gregg Berhalter by surprising Panama

The second scenario would require a bit of help from Bolivia. Though they have been the weakest team in the group, a win or even a draw for that matter against Panama can do wonders for the US. Then if Gregg Berhalter and Co. even lose or draw against Uruguay, there’s no stopping them from qualifying for the knockout stages.

Regardless, the USMNT’s focus should be on trying their best and winning the match. It remains to be seen what happens in the final matchday.