Uruguay came through qualifying with flying colours. Of course, they were beaten to top spot by an indomitable Brazil side but showed plenty of attacking verve and positive signs in their run to pip Argentina to second place in the South American continent.
Oscar Tabarez has assembled a squad anchored by seasoned pros like Diego Godin, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez and peppered with young attacking talent. With an energetic, youthful exuberance – particularly in midfield – La Celeste are a force to be reckoned with.
Their greatest strength lies in their famed two-pronged attack. In Suarez and Cavani, they possess a strike partnership as good as any in the world. While the Barcelona star has many facets to his game and can excel when doubling up as a creator of goals, Cavani has proved himself as a master marksmen.
He was the top scorer across all South American teams during qualifying with 10 goals to his name. At club level as well, he’s taken centre stage, scoring 49 goals in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain last season while he has 40 this time around.
In Godin, Uruguay have an inspirational leader at the heart of their defence, capable of marshalling the back-line to perfection. Of late, the young Jose Gimenez has emerged as a worthy central defensive partner for the old stalwart. However, their full-backs leave much to be desired. Martin Caceres is past his best and has struggled for playing time at Lazio.
Meanwhile, Guillermo Varela hasn’t always been the most convincing at right-back. On the other side, Gaston Silva has been in and out of the team while Diego Laxalt is a makeshift left-back. Although the midfield has been aided by youth, it does lack stability with Tabarez experimenting with different players and combinations.
Uruguay hold a prestigious place in World Cup history, boasting the distinction of being the first ever champions having also hosted the inaugural edition in 1930.
Their other win came in 1950, while they placed fourth in South Africa eight years ago under the guidance of Tabarez. They were knocked out by Colombia in the last 16 in 2014.
KEY PLAYER
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez.
Luis Suarez hasn’t enjoyed an extraordinary season, by his standards at least, but retains his standing as Uruguay’s match-winner. Blessed with remarkable technique, intelligence and a relentless work ethic, he’s just the kind of player that can make the difference when the pressure’s on.
COACH
Oscar Tabarez
Oscar Tabarez.
The grand old man of Uruguayan football. Oscar Tabarez has led the national team for 14 years over two spells, winning the Copa America in 2011. Renowned for his pragmatism, his teams have a reputation for being passionate, dogged and difficult to beat.
CAPTAIN
Diego Godin
Diego Godin.
When you think of Uruguay’s best performances over the last decade, they’re brave, battling displays and Diego Godin is invariably a central figure in every one of them. The Atletico Madrid vicecaptain is a rock at the back, he’s reliable as ever and wears his heart on his sleeve.
YOUNG STAR
Rodrigo Bentancur
The 20-year-old has impressed in his first season with Serie A side Juventus despite starting on the bench on most occasions. His height and strength makes him a formidable force in midfield as does his range of passing while his versatility serves as an added bonus.
KEY FACTS AND STATS
– Only the first verse and chorus on their national anthem is played ahead of games. The complete version lasts six minutes and is one of the longest anthems in the world.
– Ururguay have won the Copa America 15 times, more than any other team.
– In terms of population (3.44 million according to the latest survey), Uruguay are the smallest country to ever win a World Cup.
– 291, touches in the opposition’s box for Suarez in 17/18 La Liga.
FIFA Rating
80 DEF 77 MID 86 ATT
World Cups competed at
13 (First in 1930)
World Cup record
P51, W20, D12, L19
Best finish
Champions (1930 & 1950)
Qualification record
P18, W9, D4, L5
World ranking
17
SQUAD
Uruguay.
Goalkeepers
Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama), Martin Campana (Independiente).
Defenders
Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez (both Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Sporting Lisbon), Maximiliano Pereira (Porto), Gaston Silva (Independiente), Martin Caceres (Lazio), Guillermo Varela (Penarol).
Midfielders
Nahitan Nandez (Boca Juniors), Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria), Matias Vecino (Inter Milan), Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus), Carlos Sanchez (Monterrey), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Cruzeiro), Diego Laxalt (Genoa), Cristian Rodriguez (Penarol), Jonathan Urretaviscaya (Monterrey).
Forwards
Cristhian Stuani (Girona), Maximiliano Gomez (Celta Vigo), Edinson Cavani (Paris St-Germain), Luis Suarez (Barcelona).
VERDICT
Round of 16. They pack a punch but realistically, aren’t even outside favourites although they could spring a couple of upsets along the way.
