Darwin Nunez scored at the start of Uruguay’s Copa América campaign in a 3-1 victory over Panama in Miami, Florida.
The 25-year-old Liverpool striker fired towards the near post with five minutes remaining in normal time to extend Uruguay’s lead after defender Ronald Araujo opened the scoring in the 16th minute.
Left-back Matias Vina scored the third in stoppage time for the 15-time champions, before defender Michael Amir Murillo scored a consolation for Panama.
“As far as Uruguay’s aspirations are concerned, we will look at that and build on them game by game,” said Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa.
“My expectation is that each match will help us increasingly improve our level. Uruguay has very good players and we need to see if I can build with these players.”
Uruguay are in good form and should impress in the Copa América after defeating Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifying over the last 12 months.
In the other Group C game, Christian Pulisic scored a goal and set up another as the United States beat Bolivia 2-0 in the tournament opener in Arlington, Texas.
The AC Milan striker opened the scoring after three minutes before setting up Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, whose low left-footed finish added the second just before half-time.
