Explained: Bizarre reason Marcelo Bielsa suspended for Uruguay vs USMNT as Gregg Berhalter's side handed potential boost ahead of huge Copa America clash
Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa has been handed a one-match ban at the Copa America and will miss the crunch group clash with the United States.
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Uruguay facing USMNT in final group game
Stars and Stripes must win to progress
Bielsa banned for crunch game
WHAT HAPPENED?
Uruguay are preparing to face the USMNT at the Copa America in a huge game for the tournament hosts. The Stars and Stripes will fail to qualify from the group if they do not better Panama's result in their final group match against Bolivia. It looks a tough ask for the United States too, as Uruguay have started with impressive wins over Panama and Bolivia to sit top of the group. However, the USMNT have been handed a glimmer of hope by news Bielsa has been hit with a touchline ban for the game.
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THE EXPLANATION
Bielsa has been hit with a one-match ban for Uruguay's late arrival onto the pitch in both of their Copa America games so far. The team were warned after arriving 90 seconds late against Panama but repeated the offence against Bolivia, resulting in a ban for Bielsa. The Uruguay coach will also not attend the team's press conference, while assistant coach Pablo Quiroga will take over in the dugout against the US.
Bielsa has masterminded some impressive wins and performances since taking charge of Uruguay and there's no doubt the team are contenders for the Copa America crown. The charismatic 68-year-old will be missed on the touchline but Uruguay are favourites to top the group and will finish with a 100% record for the first time ever with a win over the USMNT.