Rio de Janeiro: A Jairo Quinteros own goal and a second-half strike from Edinson Cavani saw a struggling Uruguay beat Bolivia to ensure their Copa America 2021 quarterfinal spot on Thursday. Elsewhere, Paraguay edged past Chile 2-0 to sail into the knockouts.
With a draw and a loss in their first two matches, 15-time champions Uruguay needed to land a win against Bolivia. Also making it to the next stage are 14-time champions Argentina and two-time winners — Paraguay and Chile.
While Chile have played all their four matches, Uruguay will be playing Paraguay in their last round-robin encounter on June 28. On the same day, Bolivia face Argentina which will finalise the team’s position in the group and eventually their draws in the quarterfinals.
Oscar Tabréz’s men didn’t have a great start against Bolivia, but an unlucky own goal from goalkeeper Carlos Lampe saw Uruguay taking the lead in the 40th minute. Uruguay came out a better side in the second half and were duly rewarded on 79 minutes when Manchester United star Cavani slotted home.
Meanwhile, in Brasillia, Miguel Almiron scored one and set up another as Paraguay beat Chile 2-0 and moved to second place behind Argentina. The Newcastle United midfielder first set up Braian Samudio from the corner before the 25-year-old headed in to give Paraguay the lead on 33 minutes.
Almiron then confirmed Paraguayan victory converting from the spot on 58 minutes. It was a dismaying tie for Chile who could register only one shot on the target while Antonio Bareiro left the field after picking up a serious knee injury.
In Group B, hosts Brazil have entered the knockouts with three wins from three outings. Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela will fight for the remaining three spots.
