2024 Copa America
Group C
Uruguay
United States
Panama
Bolivia
United States vs. Bolivia
Game 1
The United States outdid Bolivia in strong fashion for its opening match in the 2024 Copa America that took place in Arlington, Texas (Dallas area). With a big crowd on hand, the USMNT predictably cruised by Bolivia without too much difficulty.
The Bolivians, of late, are hit or miss. You can’t depend on it to drive home a strong offensive performance. Typically speaking, within the realm of South America, Bolivia would be considered one of the weakest teams. It’s neighbor, Peru, would be somewhat higher regarded. Another close neighbor, Chile, would be even higher up. Yet Bolivia, in all its splendor, is working hard to gain a foothold in the South American hierarchy of soccer powers.
So, what does it say for Bolivia to be defeated by the United States of North America? It says Bolivia is predictably where it should be.
For the US, it’s an interesting story that keeps unfolding. The overall soccer progress in the United States is such that if, hypothetically, there were a different coach that had Pulisic on the field with 10 different supporting players the result would arguably be the same. On the other hand, in 1988 the result between the US and Bolivia might’ve been different. At that time, the USMNT had equally talented athletes. Yet, over the years, the USMNT has drastically improved its overall passing prowess. (In other words, long-term possession is much improved these days; though, still not where it could be.)
US leader Pulisic scored a nice goal that kicked things off, from the top of the left box to the far right. Eventually, the 2-0 score held up.
Did I predict a 2-0 victory? Essentially, yes. As for the next match against Panama: that could be different altogether. Theoretically, one might think Bolivia is a better team. However, Panama has given the US fits from time to time with solid efforts. As CONCACAF rivals, Panama has a lot of passion when it plays the USMNT so watch for potentially a more aggressive approach when the two meet.
It should be a good test as the US seeks to enter the Quarter-finals.
More around the corner.
Shane Stay 
Shane Stay is a bestselling author; his most recent book is This is Our City. He has also written The Euro 2020 Book, European Soccer Leagues 2019, Major League Soccer 2019, The Women’s World Cup 2019 Book, The World Cup 2018 Book, Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet, and The Cairo Project. In 2008, he played professional soccer with St. Louis Illusion. During his career as a soccer player, he earned a Missouri club state championship with Busch Soccer Club and a Holland Cup championship with a Metro East team. In 1999, he founded the first online Current Events Game (CE Game). He has appeared on TV and has featured on numerous radio broadcasts including ESPN and NPR.