Nunez retained his starting position despite an ongoing investigation involving himself and 10 teammates, with Marcelo Bielsa showing confidence in his No. 19. However, it was a quiet match for Nunez, who had only 17 touches, completed three passes, and took one shot on goal, according to FotMob.
Nunez did manage a clever flick that set up Maxi Araujo for a chance, though Araujo’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Dayne St Clair. Uruguay initially took the lead with Rodrigo Bentancur scoring from a corner, but Ismael Kone equalized with an overhead kick.
With the score tied at halftime, Bielsa made changes, substituting both Nunez and Manuel Ugarte. Among the substitutes was Luis Suarez. Canada took the lead late in the game when Jonathan David capitalized on a spilled save to score.
As Uruguay faced potential defeat, Suarez scored from Jose Gimenez’s cross to force a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Sergio Rochet made a crucial save, and Alphonso Davies’ failed panenka attempt hit the bar, allowing Uruguay to win 4-3 on penalties and secure third place.
Despite the victory, the celebrations were subdued as Nunez, Suarez, and the Uruguay squad received their bronze medals, with Colombia and Argentina set to contest the final on Sunday. For Liverpool’s No. 9, the tournament showed promise as he scored in the first two group games against Panama and Bolivia, but it ended on a low note. After a record-equalling streak of goals in seven consecutive games, Nunez has now gone four matches without scoring for Uruguay.
During the medal ceremony, Bielsa shared a long embrace with Nunez, indicating his trust in the striker as the future of Uruguay’s attack. Meanwhile, Suarez, at 37, faces speculation about his potential retirement from international duty.
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