Photo by John Hefti/USA Today Sports
Uruguay concluded their disappointing Copa America Centenario with a 3-0 win over Jamaica at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Tuesday night.
La Celeste benefited from strikes by Abel Hernandez and Mathias Corujo as well as a Je-Vaughn Watson own goal to finish their run at the competition on a high note.
Hernandez, who scored 22 goals for Hull City in the Championship this past season, opened the scoring in the 21st minute as he lifted a shot over Andre Blake from the right side of the penalty area.
Blake turned away Hernandez’s attempt for a second goal 15 minutes later as he made a fingertip save on the 25-year-old striker. Diego Godin came close to scoring for Uruguay a minute later, but he sent his header wide from close range off a corner kick.
Jamaica put together a set of quality chances to start the second half, but the Reggae Boyz were unable to net their first goal of the tournament. Garath McCleary came the closest to scoring for the last-place side in Group C, bit his 61st-minute effort soared past the left post.
Uruguay opened up their advantage to two in the 66th minute, when a cross from the left wing deflected off the arm of Watson. If the ball didn’t end up in the back of the net, the defender could’ve been whistled for a penalty for handling the ball.
Corujo finished off the contest in the 88th minute as he benefited from a defensive mistake to break open on goal to beat Blake.
Uruguay, who entered as one of the favorites to win the tournament, finished third in Group C with three points. Jamaica dropped out of the tournament with zero points and zero goals scored.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Abel Hernandez was a consistent threat in front of the net for Uruguay throughout his 74 minutes on the pitch. The production from the forward, who put all three of his shots on target, was a refreshing change from the inability to score in the first two Copa matches.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Hernandez’s opener allowed Uruguay to breathe a sigh of relief. As disappointing as the tournament may have been for Oscar Tabarez’s side, they were able to create some positive momentum heading into September’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches against Argentina and Paraguay.
MATCH TO FORGET
Edinson Cavani continued to struggle with his opportunities in front of the net. The PSG forward, who was supposed to replace the production of the injured Luis Suarez, put just one of his seven attempts on target. The agonizing search for a tally stretched into stoppage time as Cavani’s final chance soared past the right post minutes before the final whistle.
