Copa América Group C is beginning to take shape after the first round of play on Sunday. The United States easily defeated Bolivia, while Uruguay swept Panama.
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Christian Pulisic carries the aspirations of a nation on his shoulders, but it didn't stop the forward from firing a screamer into the net off the crossbar just three minutes at AT&T Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
As a 17-year-old, the Milan youngster was the youngest player on the last United States Copa América team, and his development as a potential future star has been the driving force behind this generation's United States Men's National Team.
Where Pulisic goes, the United States will follow. If he remains hot in the coming weeks, there is no knowing how far Gregg Berhalter's team can go.
When the teams were drawn into Group C, Uruguay was the clear favourite to reach the summit.
An excellent victory over Panama on Sunday evening did little to diminish the belief that they will play a significant part in the final destination of the trophy in July.
The Dynamic Darwin Núñez has the speed and power to worry any Copa América defense, but when he finishes his opportunities, watch out.
The United States are undoubtedly the squad that may challenge Uruguay in this group, but even at their best, Gregg Berhaler's men may struggle to manage La Celeste's delectable blend of determination and skill.
They only had three shots on goal, but they weren't long-range shots; Sergio Rochet needed to step up in goal for Uruguay.
Panama may not have the firepower of the United States or Uruguay's Premier League and LaLiga superstars, but they demonstrated on Sunday evening that a few huge saves and deflections past the post may be the difference between a point and zero.
Los Canaleros will need to pull off a shock against the United States, but they last defeated the CONCACAF kings in 2021.
All signals lead to a matchday three clash between the United States and Uruguay, with no disrespect to Panama or Bolivia.
The two teams have a plethora of footballers from some of the world's best clubs and leagues, but the potential Group C decider may come down to coaching.
Gregg Berhalter's tactics have received a lot of criticism, while Marcelo Bielsa appears to have transformed a Uruguay squad famed for its defensive strength into a dynamic, relentless attacking force overnight.
When the two sides meet in Kansas City next month, the United States, and possibly Uruguay, will face a serious test.
Here is what we learned from the Group C activity.
The man of the hour
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As a 17-year-old, the Milan youngster was the youngest player on the last United States Copa América team, and his development as a potential future star has been the driving force behind this generation's United States Men's National Team.
Where Pulisic goes, the United States will follow. If he remains hot in the coming weeks, there is no knowing how far Gregg Berhalter's team can go.
Not enough firepower.
It was evident from the start that Bolivia would struggle to compete with their Group C opponents. And, while they maintained the score pretty respectable, they did little to trouble the United States that night.
Bolivia's fragility was on clear display, with less than 40% possession and only three shots on goal over 90 minutes. They may have the courage and the energy, but with an early surrender, it was always going to be difficult to engineer a comeback.
The only bright spot was a cameo from teenager Miguel Terceros off the bench, but the Santos player can't dribble through 11 men every time his team needs a goal.
Bolivia's fragility was on clear display, with less than 40% possession and only three shots on goal over 90 minutes. They may have the courage and the energy, but with an early surrender, it was always going to be difficult to engineer a comeback.
The only bright spot was a cameo from teenager Miguel Terceros off the bench, but the Santos player can't dribble through 11 men every time his team needs a goal.
The crème de la crème
An excellent victory over Panama on Sunday evening did little to diminish the belief that they will play a significant part in the final destination of the trophy in July.
The Dynamic Darwin Núñez has the speed and power to worry any Copa América defense, but when he finishes his opportunities, watch out.
The United States are undoubtedly the squad that may challenge Uruguay in this group, but even at their best, Gregg Berhaler's men may struggle to manage La Celeste's delectable blend of determination and skill.
A valiant effort
Though Uruguay proved to be too much for Panama to handle, Thomas Christiansen's team deserves credit for their ambition on the night.
They only had three shots on goal, but they weren't long-range shots; Sergio Rochet needed to step up in goal for Uruguay.
Panama may not have the firepower of the United States or Uruguay's Premier League and LaLiga superstars, but they demonstrated on Sunday evening that a few huge saves and deflections past the post may be the difference between a point and zero.
Los Canaleros will need to pull off a shock against the United States, but they last defeated the CONCACAF kings in 2021.
Set your calendars.
The two teams have a plethora of footballers from some of the world's best clubs and leagues, but the potential Group C decider may come down to coaching.
Gregg Berhalter's tactics have received a lot of criticism, while Marcelo Bielsa appears to have transformed a Uruguay squad famed for its defensive strength into a dynamic, relentless attacking force overnight.
When the two sides meet in Kansas City next month, the United States, and possibly Uruguay, will face a serious test.
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