Uruguay coach Bielsa banned for match against USA

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa has been suspended for Monday’s Copa America Group C match against the United States, tournament organizers said Sunday. Bielsa was punished for allegedly delaying the start of the second half of his team’s 5-0 win over Bolivia. The veteran Uruguayan coach’s place on the bench for Monday’s game in Kansas City will be taken by his assistant Pablo Quiroga. Bielsa is one of several coaches at the Copa America to be punished for interference with play. Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni, Chilean Ricardo Gareca and Venezuelan Fernando Batista were also punished by CONMEBOL for similar offenses. The Uruguayan soccer federation was also fined $15,000. Uruguay are virtually assured of a place in the quarterfinals after the team beat Panama 3-1 in their opening match before devastating Bolivia. For the United States, Monday’s game is a do-or-die situation. To avoid an embarrassing first-round exit, they will most likely need a win over Uruguay.