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Uruguay Team Profile – 2010 World Cup
Uruguay – the country, the football
The Republica Oriental del Uruguay, officially known as Uruguay, is a southeastern country that is inhabited by just around 3,300,000 people. Almost one third of the total population can be found in Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, and around 88% of Uruguayans have European roots – most of them being Spanish or Italian.
Covering only 176,215 km² of land, Uruguay is ranked second after Suriname as South America’s smallest country. It is surrounded by the Uruguay River on the west, the estuary of Rio de la Plata on the southwest, and the South Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. Uruguay only shares a land border with Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul.
Keeping up with South America - Uruguay News
Uruguay was one of the last two teams that reserved their ticket for this championship in South Africa, for Oscar Tabarez's presence in this competition is almost a miracle, considering the irregular performance of the team during the qualifying stages.
Having performed only on 4 of the last 7 World Championships, most of team's players do not have experience on such challenging tournaments. Nevertheless, most of them are key players on different international leagues, lowering the weight of this fact.
Top 10 - South American Debutants
These last years have brought many surprises to international football, and most of these players are soon to become legends. This time, they'll have to show their versatility and skills in South Africa. Argentina's flavor of the month, Angel Di Maria, is our top choice, even though Alexis Sanchez is a formidable opponent as the top debutant.
1. Angel Di Maria
Everyone is talking about Angel Di Maria, and it makes sense, considering the last four years could've hardly been any better for El Pibito, being widely recognized as Argentina's next super star. Jose Mourinho might have Di Maria as an offering to join Real Madrid, as rumors involving a €40 million transfer from Benfica to the Merengues received major attention from world's press. Another one of Argentina's Gold Medal winners in 2008's Olympic Games, Di Maria will have in this competition to opportunity to shine brighter than ever.
Top 10 - South American Notable Absences
Years of experience and glory mean nothing when a coach has to choose the best 23 to travel to South Africa. Some absences have to do with a blurry performance at the present time, while others have a public controversy that keeps them away from wearing its National Football Team's colors. Paraguay and Argentina suffer the most notable absences, but both team's prolific present makes up for these key losses. Once again two Internazionale's players occupy our top-three.
1.Javier Zanetti
Diego Maradona did not make many surprising choices for South Africa, but the absence of Javier Zanetti, one of Argentina's most experienced player, current triple champion with Internazionale (Champions League, Scudetto and Coppa Italia) and more than 16 years of experience playing for the Albiceleste is indeed strange. Jose Mourinho found in Pipi Zanetti the solidity, regularity and fighting spirit his team has shown during the whole season. But for some unknown reason he won't be part of Maradona's squad.
Top 10 - South American Wingers
Brazil has historically excelled in the bands, and thus occupying the top of the list with the presence of Barcelona and Internazionale's right wingers, Maicon and Daniel Alves. The ferocity of the Latin American squads usually comes from the dual fight these players can deal with. These players have to be continually focused in the match, for a sudden modification in team's strategy can completely modify their role in the team.
1. Maicon
Another Internazionale's players occupying the first position in our rankings, Maicon has been one of the players of the year, giving the Neroazzurri an unchallenged edge on the bands
thanks to his speed and efficiency as a gunner. He has even been chosen over legendary Daniel Alves to guard the right band by Brazil's coach Dunga.
Top 10 - South American Aggressive Midfielders
Leaders of their team's advance, most aggressive midfielders have to stand against the ferocity of the full backs or the tenacity of defensive midfielders, and thus speed to escape from their hunters and make their way towards their opponent's goal is mandatory. Usually excellent free-kickers, our list offers America's best, who will have to do without much World Championship experience, except for our number one.
1. Kaká
Kaka is the undisputed leader of Dunga's midfield, a veteran from the 2002 World Championship and current star in Real Madrid. Two times winner of the Golden Ball, Ricardo Dos Santos received almost every single individual distinction a player can get, from Best Serie A Player back in 2004 to the Marca Legend Prize only six months ago. Having wore the Brazilian colors on 73 occasions this midfield's beast scored 26 goals, one of the highest averages on its National Football Team.
Top 10 - South American Defensive Midfielders
An excessive offensive can relegate the defense while a squad without offensive capabilities could hardly claim a single victory in a World Championship. The physical requirements to occupy this position are endless, for an ideal defensive midfielder will have to be fast-thinking, always aware of where it's team is going to assist both in the defense and the offense. Most of these guys are as well deadly gunners, and can be one of the surprises of this year's World Cup.
1. Javier Mascherano
Liverpool's Javier Mascherano has grown tougher and stronger during the last years, being the first man confirmed by Diego Maradona along with Jonas Gutierrez and Leonel Messi to travel to South Africa for the World Cup. El Jefecito has already obtained two gold medals for Argentina (During the last two Olympic Games) as well as reached the final of the Copa America two times. Having already performed on 57 occasions for the major squad, Masche will have to communicate Argentina's strikers with the back line, as it seems Maradona's squad gets lost without Mascherano.
Liverpool's weak campaign has not outshone his performance, and in South Africa he'll be able to prove once again he is indeed the best center midfielder of the present time. His optimism to never give up a ball is the main reason for which he occupies the first position, for he extols the way a player in his position should perform.
Top 5 - South American Coaches
Most of these coaches have been criticized for his 23 chosen ones for South Africa, but being able to stand against criticism is what most of being coach is about. This selection does not take into direct consideration their history as team's manager but rather their current situation. Three Argentineans, one Brazilian and one Uruguayan will be responsible for America's luck in Africa.
1. Marcelo Bielsa
Chile's coach occupies the first position thanks to the consistency and the regularity of every team he ever took control of. Gold medal winner in 2004's Olympic games, he was chosen two times as the best manager in the world. He took command of Chile's squad back in 2007, and from that moment on the Chileans are charmed by his strategies, winning two awards as Chile's and American's best coach.
Top 5 - South American Goalkeepers
Latin American Teams have always had problems finding the right man between the posts, as they may lack the physical advantage of most European (especially Eastern Europe) goalkeepers. But nevertheless most of this goalies have what's needed to stand against the blows of world's deadliest strikers.
1. Julio Cesar
Internazionale's goalkeeper is widely regarded as the best in the world, and it's easy to understand the reason, for Dunga's first choice between the posts has walked a fruitful path during this season. Claiming three titles with the Neroazzurri he took advantage of the opportunity to become a hero last January 24th, when his save from Ronaldinho's penalty kick gave Internazionale the three points on the Derby Della Madonnina.
Top 10 - South American Strikers
Goals are the final objective of any strategy in football, and even though finesse and skills are almost always the top qualities for any players, when it comes to scorers efficiency becomes the most important trait.
1. Lionel Messi
It is commonly accepted that the footballer of the moment is Lionel Messi, but criticism regarding his performance for the Albiceleste has only grown during the qualifying stages, questioning the reason why he can't perform at the same level he does when playing for the Blaugrana. Having played in almost every position as a striker, Diego Maradona is confident Lio will grab his future by the horns and claim a place in Argentina's history, for he shares many qualities with team's coach and appears to be taking advantage of that fact. Despite Barcelona was unable to claim this year's Champions League, Messi did manage to become top striker of both La Liga and the Champions, the last merit badge he was lacking.
Top 10 South American Defenders
Both Internazionale's central backs occupy the first positions in our list. As important as scoring is keeping one goal's shut, something every fullback is aware of.
1. Lucio
The first match of this World Cup will be Lucimar Ferreira da Silva's 90th game with Brazil, and he has undoubtedly become one of Dunga's main weapons to claim the top. Having just conquered every possible title with Internazionale (Scudetto, Coppa Italia, Champions League) the World Cup will become a personal matter for this 1.88 mts defender.
Uruguay vs Israel - International Friendly Match Preview
This encounter should teach Group A contenders Uruguay a lot as they aim to compete well against the likes of France, Mexico, and hosts South Africa in the first round of the 2010 World Cup this summer. Uruguay are yet to impress in terms of performance. They were fortunate to reach the promise land after suffering a serie of poor results in the South American zone which sent them to a play-off against CONCACAF's Costa Rica.
Now, more job has to be done if Uruguay are to defy doubters and stun the world in South Africa. The country last played against Israel in 1995 and then lost 3-1. To gain confidence from their home fans ahead of the World Cup, the team will have to overturn this result. Ironically, this 3-1 score line is exactly what the Uruguayans achieved in their last and only friendly match fixture since qualifying for the finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. That was when they trampled Switzerland on March 3.
Uruguay vs Switzerland
After a harsh qualification, Uruguay finally managed to obtain a place in South Africa, and they know they must make the most of this opportunity not to be left with a bitter taste in their mouth. They've entered a death group, facing World Cup's host South Africa along with an European giant (France) and a Latin American promise yet unable to take off (Mexico). They have booked their place for the World Cup upon a draw last November home, making their victory in the first leg of the South America/CONCACAF play-off be enough to take them to the Cup.
One of the many surprises for this match will be defender's Sebastián Coates, who will take the place of Mauricio Victorino and Alvaro Fernández, both unable to leave Chile after the vicious earthquake that shook the country the last few days.
Uruguay v Costa Rica World Cup Play-off Match Preview
Uruguay match analysis
The Uruguayans defied all the odds by beating Costa Rica 1-0 through Diego Lugano's first half goal.
Uruguay were usually poor away from home throughout the qualifiers but their passion and determination last Saturday paid-off with a victory against an excellent Costa Rica team.
Uruguay missed out on the opportunity of qualifying automatically for the World Cup against Argentina in the last match-day of the South American zone, but their captain Diego Lugano carried the team on his shoulders as he scored the only goal of the match in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica v Uruguay World Cup Play-off Match Preview
How Costa Rica qualified into the play-offs
It was only on the last day of the campaign that CONCACAF’s table was truly decided. The battle in the middle was hotter than ever but Costa Rica unfortunately stumbled to its pressure.
A victory would have assured them a place in the top three and ultimately given them automatic tickets for the finals in South Africa.
Unfortunately for Costa Rica, they let a 2-0 lead slip away to draw 2-2 against the United States and the points were shared.
Chile v Ecuador South American qualifier Match Preview
Ecuador’s match against the Chileans promises to be a mouthwatering clash, especially because the Ecuadorians are behind Argentina and Uruguay who will lock horns in another decisive match on Wednesday.
Ecuador’s table status and statistical analysis
Ecuador are sixth in the table with twenty-three points. In contrast to the Uruguayans who are one point above them, the Ecuadorians have a negative goal difference.
This means that a draw will surely not be enough even if Uruguay lose to Argentina. A win for the Ecuadorians is the only solution for the country to have a chance of qualifying into the finals of the World Cup.
Uruguay vs Argentina South Africa 2010 World Cup Qualifier Match Preview
Importance of the game
Argentina made an amazing effort to grab the 3 points at home against Peru with a stoppage time goal by veteran Martin Palermo. They now currently stand in fourth place with 25 points.
Uruguay had an equally exciting game away in Ecuador with a last minute penalty goal by Diego Forlan. They currently are one point behind Argentina with 24 points.
While a tie could ensure an automatic spot for Argentina (unless Ecuador win away in Chile by 5 or more goals), a win is a must for Uruguay if they want that automatic spot.
Both countries want nothing more than to have that automatic entry to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but the fifth place finisher will have to go to a home and away playoff against either Honduras or Costa Rica.
Ecuador v Uruguay South American World Cup qualifier Match Preview
Brazil and Paraguay have already booked their places into the finals of the World Cup in South Africa.
However, like Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia and even Chile in third, nothing is assured yet for both Ecuador and Uruguay.
These two teams will affront each other on Saturday and anything else than a draw will definitely put more fire in the already-hot race.
Uruguay v Brazil World Cup Qualifier Preview
Both teams will enter the game with the fervent desire of clinching all three points. Brazil are very much on course to qualifying for the World Cup finals in South Africa, despite occupying only the second place in the table behind leaders Paraguay.
As for Uruguay, things have toughened up if they are to snick a way through to the promise land. The Olympic Sky Blue failed to collect a vital away win against Chile in their last qualifier.
After a goalless draw in Santiago, Uruguay consequently lie fifth in the table, just one place behind Argentina, and three points above the Colombians. But the gap is closing up between fifth-placed Uruguay who have 17 points and seventh-placed Ecuador who have 14 points. Uruguay surely have some work to do if they want to seal themselves a place in South Africa 2010. Even the play-off spot isn’t guaranteed. They need to catch up Argentina who have slipped unto fourth in the table, and cool down the pressure created by the likes of Colombia, and Ecuador by giving their maximum in their six remaining matches. One of them includes a home encounter against Brazil, and there is no doubt about the difficulty of this game.
Venezuela v Uruguay, World Cup Qualifier Preview
Venezuela and Uruguay clash against each other at the Estadio Cachamay on Day 14 of South America Group Zone qualifiers.
The pair met in the first leg of this tie in Montevideo in June 2008, where a goal in each half settled the score line to 1-1 at the end of the game. Each side will try and get the better of the other this time, as the battle to reach the finals of the World Cup is boiling up.
The Burgundy – who play Bolivia before – sent a relatively home-based squad in La Paz on March 26 to cooperate with the country’s high altitude, but kept another group made of several European-based players to train in Puerto Ordaz, where they’ll welcome Uruguay.