Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez helped Uruguay hit the ground running at the Copa America after scoring late on in their opening 3-1 win over Panama.

After group rivals USA earned a 2-0 win over Bolivia earlier in the evening,Marcelo Bielsa's men knew the pressure was on to get off the mark in their curtain-raiser at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.

And thanks to goals from Maximiliano Araujo,Nunez and Matias Vina,they cruised to a straightforward victory against Panama in Florida,despite conceding a late goal which ultimately proved nothing more than a consolation.

It means Uruguay take an early lead at the top of Group C,albeit on goals scored after recording one more than USA.

Next up for Bielsa and Co is a clash with Bolivia on Thursday,before they take on the Stars and Stripes in what could be a shootout for top spot on Monday July 1. 

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez helped Uruguay hit the ground running at the Copa America

Marcelo BielsaDarwin NunezCopa America