Defending Copa America champions got off to winning ways in their opening Group B game as they defeated Jamaica 1-0 in Antofagasta. Uruguay were heavy favorites to win the game against outsiders Jamaica, however, Uruguay were fortunate to come away with all three points as Jamaica were arguably the better side, especially in the first half. It was Jamaica’s first appearance in the Copa America, but they did not seemed fazed by the defending champions and played some nice football throughout but failed to convert any of the chances created. The best chance for Jamaica to take the lead came in the 39th minute as Darren Mattocks evaded Uruguay Captain Diego Godin, but failed to connect with the ball just yards away from goal, Uruguay really fortunate not to find themselves behind to the ‘The Reggae Boyz’. Moments later, Edinson Cavani went down in the penalty area appealing for a penalty but his appeals were waved away by the referee, it would have been harsh on Jamaica to award the penalty. Cavani responded by nearly putting Uruguay ahead with an acrobatic effort but his effort sailed past the post. At half time Jamaica would have been disappointed not to be in front, as they had the best chance of the half but it was horribly wasted by Mattocks. Uruguay grew into the game in the second half, taking the lead in the 52nd minute as a free kick from the left hand side from the head of Jose Gimenez, who headed down to Cristian Rodriguez who’s side footed effort bobbled into the bottom corner; heart breaking for Jamaica who should have been ahead.
Jamaica had a chance to equalize shortly after as goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was out of position as the ball landed at Giles Barnes’ feet from a distance, but he failed to get his volley on target and the chance went begging. Jamaica brought on striker Deshorn Brown who had a couple of chances to equalize for his side, but both of his headed efforts sailed past the far post. Kemar Lawrence came close to equalizing for Jamaica in the 85th from a free kick, but he was denied by the fingertips of Muslera. Cristhian Stuani should have wrapped up the three points for Uruguay in the 88th minute as he failed to direct his volley on target with the goal gaping as goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr was taken out of the game. Despite an underwhelming performance from the champions, they managed to come away with all three points. Uruguay looked a completely different outside without Luis Suarez; the Champions League winning striker is banned from international football, and they will struggle to regain their crown in Chile if performances such as this one continue throughout, and that doesn’t bode well for Oscar Tabarez and this side as they will face tournament favorites Argentina next time out.
