Overview: Uruguay is one of the friendliest most laid back country’s to visit, it’s very quiet and polite population is often enjoying their spectacular climate, sipping maté and thinking what to eat next. Long nicknamed the Switzerland of South America, Uruguayans lack the obessesion with money and psychosis of their European nick-namesakes, but are exceptional at the production of quality food products, textiles and certain luxury goods. Besides Maté, Uruguay has two other unallienable elements to its national existence: their splendid coast and football.
Certainly the most underrated team in history, always performing, often winning, playing brilliant, entertaining attacking football, but all labeled as an „also ran. Scanning the French media I was in shock how lighltly they are taking their Group A opponents, France this is for you: Uruguay is not to be underestimated. Fluid, rapid attacking football combined with phenomenally powerfull and technically skilled players, a deservedly proud footballing history, an exceptionally tough defense makes Uruguay a team never to be underestimated.
Surface Area: 176,220 sq. km.Population: 3,4 million
Lyrics to the national anthem :
Orientales la Patria o la Tumba!
Libertad o con gloria morir!
Orientales la Patria o la Tumba!
Libertad o con gloria morir!
Es el voto que el alma pronuncia,
Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir!
Es el voto que el alma pronuncia,
Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir!
Que sabremos cumplir!
Es el voto que el alma pronuncia,
Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir!
Que sabremos cumplir!
Sabremos cumplir!
Sabremos cumplir!
Sabremos cumplir!
English:
Orientals, our nation or the grave, Liberty or with glory we die.
Orientals, our nation or the grave, Liberty or with glory we die.
Its the vows that our souls pronounce and which heroically we will fulfill.
Its the vows that our souls pronounce and which heroically we will fulfill.
We will fulfill.
Its the vows that our souls pronounce and which heroically we will fulfill.
We will fulfill.
We will fulfill. We will fulfill. We will fulfill.
Official Team Bus Slogan for South Africa:
El sol brilla sobre nosotros. ¡Vamos Uruguay!
(The sun shines upon us. Go Uruguay!)
National Food Culture:
If Uruguayans play complicated and entertaining football, their food is simple and good.
Many, many members of this’s country’s male population play football several times a week in their amateur, local setting... but the profesionals and the amateurs are united by the link between diet and football.
The European immigrants from Greece, Ireland, Italy, Armenia, Scotland along with the Turks, Syrians and Palestinians founded a good proportion of the country’s genetic pool, and with them they brought recipes which make up much of Uruguayan cooking.
Before a match you enjoy heaping, eggy pastas almost always accompanied with bread.
As the tired players come off the pitch they move towards a heart on which roasting meat, rarely less than one or two types of sausages accompanied by 4-5 different cuts of beef, sizzles succulently on a gentle open flame.
These meals are washed are washed with the strong green indiginous tea called Maté, which is consumed in the morning and throughout the day, and which the Uruguayan team invested in 150 kilos of in bringing it to South Africa.
Charrúas (Inidigenous natives of Uruguay), La Celeste (The Sky Blue), Orientales (Orientals – a nickname for Uruguayans in South America
Negative Nicknames:Los Dramaticos de la Plata (the drama queens of the River Plate), El Humo Uruguayo (The Smoke)
Most Famous Clubs:
Nacional Montevideo, Peñarol, Defensor Sporting, Liverpool, River Plate
Famous Players of the Past:
Enzo Francescoli (after whom Zinedine Zidane named his first son), Paolo Montero, Alvaro Recoba (the greatest talent never to fulfill his potential), Hector Scarone, Debray Dario Silva
Achievements:
2 Time World Champions (1930, 1950)
1954, 1970 World Cup Semifinalists (this is their 11th World Cup Participation)
14 Times South American Champions (tied for best with Argentina) (1916, 17, 20, 23, 24, 26, 35, 42, 56, 59, 67, 83, 87, 95)
South American Runners up 1999, 1989, 1941, 1939, 1927, 1919 and Third Place 8 times.
Current Coach:
Former AC Milan coach, Oscar Washington Tabarez is a calm, consumate, capable tactician who , because of a good fit and chemistry with his team represents perhaps a significant chance to fulfill his management talent with this tournament.
Tabarez is a patient tactician who knows how to open channels to goal against almost any opponent. Patience and man-management are his main strengths, as he is good at longer term projects. He is a great builder of „team aspects” and given appropriate time he has formed some impressive team. Uruguay has consistently improved under Tabarez and could well reach optimal form by the time Uruguay plays on June 11th.
Its hard to write anything dramatic about a man who essentialy always manages to get people to like him, and has an honest, good approach to the game of football, but that is Tabarez in a nutshell.
Oscar is a man who I really wish success, because he doesn’t use violent, destructive players, doesn’t play the referee, doesn’t encourage his team to dive and doesn’t believe any means are necessary to be successful. Furthermore, he manages to communicate, clearly and openly with his players and unbriddle their passion and desire to win like few managers.
He coached a great Uruguay team in the 1990 World Cup with Enzo Franscoli as the main figure, the team finished third in a tough group, drawing with Spain, losing to Belgium and beating Korea. They ended up one point away from advancing, and that sort of experience can be crucial for an intelligent manager like Tabarez who is being given a second chance.
Squad of 23:Probable strarting 11: (x uruguay games, x uruguay goals)
Fernando Muslera, 23, Lazio (6,0) is the goalkeeper of choice. Highly agile and skilled he is really making a name for himself in Serie A, continuing impressive form against the most exerting of opposition even though Lazio are only a shadow of their former glories. Muserla can save shots which are certain to go in. His one weakness is physical strength, and he can get outmuscled by agressive attackers from time to time.
Jorge Fucile, 24, Porto (24,0) probably, but not certainly a first choice to the more famous Martin Caceres of Juventus at right back, not in the least because he has had a really impressive season with Porto. Most notably was when he managed to completely shut down Arsenal down the left wing during their Champions League encouter while creating danger going forward. Like many Uruguayans, not a great technician, but possessing an excellent understanding of the game, and exceptional timing. He is very capable of picking up too many cards though, and his tackles can be overcomitted from time to time.
Diego Godin, 24, Villareal (38,3) considered one of the major central defensive prospects evolving in Europe at the moment, Godin has had something of a mediocre season with Villareal (after the departure of Pellegrini to Real Madrid) after two brilliant seasons. He is really very complete as a defender, including a fair deal of speed and technique for a defender, but he is erratic and unstable especially after his loss of confidence over the last twelve months. However, he is competive, and used to playing against the worlds best on a weekly basis in La Liga, which means he is more than up for this task, and is more than likely to lend his head to a goal or two this World Cup.
Diego Lugano, 29, Fenerbahce (43,4) I consider Diego one of the best non-famous defenders around. A perfect captain for his team, except his ability to be overly passionate and erratic, and pick up too many cards for it. His tackling is what legends are made of, and his ability to make last minute saves and score key goals from set pieces is superb. If Uruguay advances into history, Lugano will finally get the recognition he deserves.
Sebastian Eguren, 29, AIK (27,5) this Swedish-Uruguayan returned to AIK in Stockholm after getting significant repute in Villareal, he moved back to Sweden in order to secure a spot in the World Cup while Virrareal began fighting relegation. He is a workhorse, a passer and a goal scorer from his defensive midfield position (although he plays as an offensive midfielder and forward in the less demanding Swedish Allesvenskan). Eguren is a very positive and honest character in top flight football, who could still end his career with a major club.
Maxi Pereira, 26, Benfica (37,0) mercurial, Maxi plays anywhere on the right, but best as a right winger where his cut-ins and thundering shooting create constant danger for the opposition. Maxi is superb in the Portuguese league, and the only reason he has failed to score for Uruguay is because he has often been played as a right back, and until now too often from the subs bench. His lack of physical strength means he could be excluded form the starting line up, but should have done just enough to make Tabarez’s firts team.
Alvaro Pereira, 25, Porto (15,2) rapid and with boundless energy, this baldie was a real discovery of last season with Argentinos Juniors in Argentina, and has a habit of not sticking to formation but getting forward from his left wingback role at any opportunity. He can play defensivelly or in midfield but he is a 90 minute worker and runner.
Walter Gargano, 25, Napoli (28,0) a major coup for Napoli who signed him early in their return to glory. He is a complete defensive midfielder, defending, creating and sometimes dangerous going forward. Gargano is calm and balanced, used to playing at the top of the game and is also waiting for a big club soon. If anything he lacks a bit of exceptionality in terms of physique.
Edison Cavani, 23, Palermo (14,2) a technical, tall forward who is improving into what seems like superstar potential on a monthly basis. Edison is a major success with Palermo in Serie A, being a threat with his head, his feet and his decision making. He still is not experienced enough not to get drowned out from time to time in top level football, but his experience is rapidly accumulating and the footballing world is open to this great prospect. Don’t be surprised by his skills.
Luis Suarez, 23, Ajax (30,10) a left sided winger, forward Luis is liquid in his movements, dangerous in his unpredictability and a powder keg up front. He stayed an extra season with Ajax to improve his game and is ready to make a big move this summer. He was undoubtedly the best player and forward in Holand this summer, and off course the top scorer. He is one of those players than can create something out of nothing, don’t take your eyes of the screen when he has the ball. He has scored an incredible 124 professional goals already which is phenomenal for his age.
Diego Forlan, 31, Atletico Madrid (62, 24) maybe the best, most complete forward in the world, certainly the reason Atletico won the Europa Cup this year, and a many years among the top scorers in Spain every season. He is one of the best players in the final ¼, and this is his heyday, his last chance to be remembered for the talent he really showed at club level. He can score from anywhere, and Tabarez uses him as a sponge to absorb all of the focus of the opposition so that the rest of the team does the scoring.
The remaining benchies: (x uruguay games, x c uruguay goals)
Juan Castillo, 32, Deportivo Cali (11,0) & Martin Silva, 27, Defensor Sporting (1,0) Castillo is a great shot stopper and penalty saver and Martin Silva is an all-around goalkeeper who is great under pressure and consitent. Both are secondary to Muserla although Castillo is the number 2.
Martin Caceres, 23, Juventus (19,0) a central defender converted to right back at Juventus because of his interesting technical capacity with the ball and acceptable crossing prowess. As a central defender he has a problem with remaining in position, one of the reasons he never broke into the Barcelona first team. He is however a major talent, and capable of a lot more than just playing a position with discipline, unfortunatelly he is one of those players that spends too much effort doing more than asked of him which results in occassional lapses of concentration.
Alvaro Fernandez, 24, Universidad de Chile (7,0) a 185 cm tall well rounded midfielder who can perform a wide variety of tasks well on the pitch. Has good technical ability for his size.
Mauricio Victorino, 27, Universidad de Chile (5,0) a capable left sided defender with a vicious left-footed shot. As a wingback he is very even-headed when getting forward and supporting the attack.
Sebastian Fernandez, 25, Banfield (6,0) he could be a real revelation this tournament, this quick highly-skilled foward makes things happen with or without the ball. If he gets playing time, if Tabarez keeps using a number of attacker Seba could get himself noticed and on the scoresheet. He was instrumental in Banfield’s Argentine title win with his sizzling attacking performances over the past two years.
Egidio Arevalo Rios, 28, Peñarol (6,0) a good versatile right-sided or central midfielder, Rios is a highly concentrated player, and a great teamworker. Although lacking international experience he has earned a World Cup place through good performances combined with versatility.
Ignacio Gonzalez, 28, Valencia (21,1) an interesting highly excentric player, who was signed by Newcastle against the manager’s wishes, and has yet to show his full potential. He is a bit of a puzzling inclusion by Tabarez, but he is a Riquelme type and his potential could well reveal itself.
Diego Perez, 30, Monaco (50,0) this tough, strong defensive midfielder could well start instead of Eguren or Gargano. He is a key player with Monaco and a real Gatusso-like asset for Urugay. He is a champion of the destructive-obstructive game.
Nicolas Lodeiro, 21, Ajax (4,0) this creative young player is set to continue the super-talented Uruguayan offensive midfield tradition last seen with Alvaro Recoba. He has gotten little playing time so far, but his unique flair-based playing style could make him a key trump card towards Uruguay’s advance, as his coming off the bench, or even potential starting role in a 4-4-2 diamond could very well result in a major revelation of the tournament if he managed to show off his true potential.
Sebastian Abreu, 33, Botafogo (56,33) Abreu is a highly underrated player. An extremely experienced player who has played for 20 teams in 8 countries in his career, and always well, is a 193 cm giant and lives up to his nickname „Loco” or „Nuts” in every way. He comes on the pitch and makes things happen with his height, incredible strong shot, deadly headers, capable movement and clever passing. He functions basically like a medieval siege tower, and is especially usefull when breaking down 11-man defensive boxes. He is mainly responsible for getting Uruguay qualified, and few teams posess such a phenomenal trump card as „El Loco” Abreu.
Tactical Approach:
Uruguay have strengths in all parts of the pitch, and Tabarez knows that. The mistakes of the past can lead to the right approach for Uruguay, and one of those mistakes can be over-reliance on a star like Francescoli in 1990, and Forlan twenty years later.
For this reason, Forlan is something of a trojan horse, and Tabarez uses the certain attention he will get from the opposition to open holes for other players, especially from midfield to get into scoring positions. Uruguay’s traditonal 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 is deployed with skilled wingbacks, excellent defensive midfielders, and a creative triangle in attack, and the inidividual skill of the attacking players means that they are dangerous from anywhere in the oppoents final 1/3 of the pitch. Uruguay has a history of skiled defensive midfielders, the most famous but perhaps last capable of which was Pablo Garcia of Real Madrid and Osasuna, and the two usually deployed by Tabarez go a long way to protecting the defense from overload.
Currently however, Tabarez has been drifting towards a 4-4-3 to adapt to the excellent forwards he has, with Suarez, Cavani and Forlan playing together and two defensive midfielders. This formation might not be used, but certainly will be used against South Africa.
Set pieces were always a strong point of the team, corners and free kicks are always dangerous with Uruguay, but there is still no successor to Alvaro Recoba who can take them as effectivelly, and Lodeiro is in line to take that mantle.
Who is missing? Why?
Cristian Rodriguez, 25, Porto (36,3) this key left sided attacker with Porto is a major absence for Uruguay, and was left out due to international suspention after he is set to miss 2 more games due to fighting with Argentines at the end of the qualifier in Montevideo last year. His speed and ability on the wings would have been a great asset.
Jorge Martinez, 27, Catania Calcio (18,1) a real Seria A asset for Catania, scoring loads of goals and playing many roles on the right side of the pitch, even as an attacker. Tabarez left him out controversially, but he has never perfomed as well for country as for club.
Alvaro Gonzalez, 25, Lazio (11,0) A major talent just not reaching his potential after losing confidence at a struggling Boca Juniors. He might well be back in a major role someday.
Sebastian Viera, 27, Larissa (15,0) Once a superb prospect, he lost his place and his confidence at Villareal and fell from Uruguay number one due to exceptional shot stopping and reflexes to number 4 due to lapses in concentration and lack of self-confidence.
Uruguay’s Strength
Skill. Urugay’s men have ideal skill in the positions they are assigned. Tabarez is an integrator. This team., even if their attacing style is flawed and vulneable, should be awareded the entertainment prize. Forlan, Lugano, Muserla, Abreu are enough experience to make mincemeat of any unprepared oppenent. I predict for Uruguay to make a mark on this World Cup.
Uruguay’s Weakness
Uruguay’s system is flawed, and they lack physique to play an intense tournament at the same level for many games. Their weakness can be expressed versus faster, stronger teams, which they don’t have many of in their group... but South Africa can already cause them a bit of trouble.
Finally if you have read this far your reward (the prediction):
Uruguay will shock France and qualify out of group A. Depending on their form they might make it as far as the quarterfinals.
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