Copa America 2021: The Thursday recap

• by Mike Woitalla  @MikeWoitalla, Jun 24, 2021

With a penalty kick, Miguel Almirón, a 2018 MLS Cup winner with Atlanta United, scored his first goal for Paraguay in official competition in a 2-0 win over Chile. Almirón, now at Newcastle United, also assisted on Braian Samudio's goal with a corner kick. The win clinched quarterfinal passage for Paraguay, which opened a 3-1 win over Bolivia and a 1-0 loss to Argentina.

Also in Group A play on Thursday, Uruguay won its first game (following a 1-0 loss to Argentina and 1-1 tie with Chile) and qualified for the quarterfinals, joining group leader Argentina, Paraguay and Chile. Bolivia has no chance to advance regardless of Sunday's results.

Highlights

Thursday, June 25
Bolivia 0 Uruguay 2 (Goals: Quinteros, own goal 40, Cavani 79)

Thursday, June 24
Chile 0 Paraguay 2 (Goals: Samudio 33, Almirón, pen. 58)

• The Chicago Fire's Gastón Giménez made his Copa America debut as an 85th minute sub for Paraguay. Portland's Felipe Mora and LAFC's Brian Rodriguez stayed on the bench for Chile and Uruguay, respectively.

Schedule

Sunday, June 27
5 pm ET -- Group B Brazil-Ecuador FOX, TUDN, Univision
8 pm ET -- Group B Venezuela-Peru FS2, TUDN, Galavision