Darwin Nunez continued his prolific scoring form for Uruguay as the South American side secured a 3-1 win over Panama in their opening Copa America group match on Sunday.

Maximiliano Araujo put Uruguay ahead in the 15th minute at Hard Rock Stadium when he curled a long-range effort into the top right corner.

Panama made it difficult for Marcelo Bielsa's men, who struggled to move the ball with their customary fluency and speed.

Nunez doubled Uruguay's lead against the run of play with a powerful volley from 12 yards that beat Orlando Mosquera at his near post. The Liverpool forward has now scored nine times in his past six outings for the Celeste.

Suddenly, Uruguay were unshackled and Matias Vina made it 3-0 by rising highest after Nicolas de la Cruz's set piece to send a glancing header into the far corner.

Michael Murillo reduced the deficit in the fourth minute of stoppage time as he cut onto his left foot and sent a rising effort from 15 yards past goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

But it proved nothing more than a consolation goal as Uruguay climbed to the top of Group C, ahead of the United States.

Earlier, the tournament hosts eased to a 2-0 victory over Bolivia, courtesy of goals from Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.

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