Panama secures unprecedented qualification for the round of 16 by beating Bolivia

The match between Bolivia and Panama was tense, at least for Panama. With a chance of qualifying, it was all or nothing to secure an unprecedented spot in the round of 16 of the Copa América. The Bolivian team, in last place and already eliminated, was looking to at least score a consolation goal at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando.

At the same time, the United States and Uruguay were playing at the Kansas City Chiefs Stadium, and the host was fighting for the other spot in Group C. However, Panama showed more determination on the field, and won 3-1 against the fragile Bolivia, and now, awaits the result of the match between Brazil and Colombia, who play on Tuesday (2) to find out who will be their next opponent in the round of 16.

Panama opens the scoring with a great goal

Bolivia did not play well in the Copa América, but they wanted to leave the competition in a less embarrassing way. In the first few minutes, striker Algarañaz shot inside the opponent's area, but an offside call prevented the play from continuing. With unnecessary fouls, the Bolivian players came under the referee's radar and the first yellow card of the match came in the 21st minute, for midfielder Villamíl. Inattentive, they ended up leaving space for Panamanian striker Fajardo to open the scoring in the following minute after a play with Cristian Martinez.

Bolivia's reaction came soon after. In the 24th and 29th minutes, midfielder Miguelito shot close to the post twice, but failed to hit the target. Villamíl also tried to equalize a few minutes later, but went wide of the goal.

After 35 minutes, Panama's attack relaxed and missed good opportunities to extend the lead. With the clock ticking over 40 minutes, Panama received its first yellow card, on Amir Murillo for a foul on Suarez. In the final minutes, both teams still tried to extend the lead, with Algarañaz, who was once again offside, and Fajardo, who wanted to score his second goal of the match.

_{Players from Bolivia and Panama during a Copa América match (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@conmebol)}

Bolivian goal goes in, but Panama wins

The teams returned for the second half with changes in defense and attack. Bolivia, which needed to show more on the field, especially in the offensive sector, got the message. In the 23rd minute, Bruno Miranda scored the first goal for the Bolivians from inside the area, sending the coaching staff and fans into a frenzy.

It didn't take long for Panama to react, and in the 33rd minute, Eduardo Guerrero scored a great header. Destabilized, Bolivia lost its way again, giving its opponents new opportunities to counterattack. The scorer of Panama's first goal, Fajardo, suffered an injury on the field and had to be replaced by striker Góndola in the 37th minute.

In the final stage, midfielder Terrazas received a yellow card for a foul. Seeking to speed up his attack, coach Thomas Christiansen replaced defensive midfielder Welch and brought on Yanis, who, with his first touch of the ball, shot into the back of the net. With five minutes of added time, there was nothing that could reverse Bolivia's situation, but Marcelo Suárez committed one last foul for his team.

Featured photo: Fajardo, scorer of Panama's first goal in the match against Bolivia (Reproduction/Instagram/@selecciondepanama)