Uruguay show they will be tough nut to crack at Copa America

Although Uruguay only led 1-0 until Darwin Nunez doubled their lead in the 85th minute and Matias Vina headed in a third in stoppage time - before a late consolation for Panama - their first-half display was an exhibition of Bielsa's high-energy, attacking, philosophy.

If there was any doubt about whether the Florida heat would lead Uruguay to adopt a more cautious, energy-saving approach, that was dismissed from kick-off as "La Celeste" swarmed their opponents with their relentless pressing. At times it looked as if Panama were outnumbered. Uruguay threw men forward into every attack and offered no respite when their opponents had possession, pressing high and fast in packs.

When Maximiliano Araujo fired them in front in the 16th minute with a wonderfully struck left-foot shot from the edge of the box, the question seemed to be simply how long it would take for the next goal.