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Uruguay were the first team to win the FIFA World Cup in 1930. They won the trophy again in the 4th edition in 1950 as well. They have participated in 10 World Cups in all and since that triumph in 1950 have made it to the semi-finals on 2 occasions in 1954 and 1970. Their more recent trip to the grandest stage of them all came in 2002 where they failed to go past the group stages after drawing 2 and losing 1 of their 3 encounters.
Uruguay are ranked 18th in the world and have been placed in Group A. They have France, hosts South Africa and Mexico in their group and qualification for the knockout rounds is definitely not a foregone conclusion for them. France, ranked 10th, are the Group favourites,while South Africa at 90th are the second lowest ranked team in the entire tournament.
La Celeste took part in Copa America 2007 and made it to the semi-finals. They lost out to eventual winners Brazil on penalties after coming back twice in the game in normal time. Interestingly fellow group mates Mexico beat them 3-1 in the 3rd-4th place play off game.
Uruguay finished 5th in their qualifying group below Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Argentina. They advaned to their 11th FIFA World Cup finals courtesy of an inter-continental play-off win over Costa Rica.
They face France in their World Cup opener and an extremely tough contest is expected from the last tournament's runners up. The French may be depleted, but have the pedigree to go all the way. South Africa should be easy to defeat but with the hosts you never really know what the support of a zillion fans can do. Uruguay will want to avenge that Copa America defeat against Mexico and the two may end up playing a knockout game of their own, the winner making it to the round of 16.
Key Players:
Diego Forlan: The in-form super striker took Atletico Madrid to victory in the inaugural Europa League recently, with his brace in the finals proving to be decisive. The striker who despite having a poor start to his European adventure with Manchester United has now become a household name and is amongst the very best finishers in the world today. Forlan must fire if Uruguay are to have any chance of progressing.
Luis Suarez: In less than two years at Dutch club Ajax, Suarez was handed the club's captaincy for his consistent and inspirational efforts. Suarez has tremendous ability in the box and alongside Forlan forms one of the best striking partnerships at the World Cup finals.
Diego Lugano: Forlan might be the most well known face in the squadm but the heart and soul of Uruguay is their captain Diego Lugano. The authoritative Fenerbache defender, known for his commitment, is a pivotal figure in the defence and is quite capable of mixing it with the best on the opposite side of the pitch with his set plays.
Team:
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Lazio), Juan-Guillermo Castillo (Cali), Martin Silva (Defensor Sporting)
Defenders: Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce), Diego Godin (Villarreal), Andres Scotti (Colo Colo), Jorge Fucile (Porto), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Mauricio Victorino (Universidad de Chile), Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica)
Midfielders: Walter Gargano (Napoli), Egidio Arevalo-Rios (Penarol), Sebastian Eguren (AIK Stockholm), Diego Perez (Monaco), Alvaro Pereira (Porto), Alvaro Fernandez (Universidad de Chile), Jorge Rodriguez (River Plate), Alvaro Gonzalez (Nacional), Ignacio Gonzalez (Valencia), Nicolas Lodeiro (Ajax)
Forwards: Sebastian Fernandez (Banfield), Luis Suarez (Ajax), Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Abreu (Botafogo), Edinson Cavani (Palermo), Jorge Martinez (Catania)
Head Coach: Oscar Tabarez
Form Guide: (WWDWL)
Oct 14, Uruguay 0-1 Argentina
Nov 15, Costa Rica 0-1 Uruguay
Nov 18, Uruguay 1-1 Costa Rica
Mar 03, Switzerland 1-3 Uruguay
May 27, Uruguay 4-1 Israel
Fixtures:
11-Jun: Uruguay vs. France 7:30pm (BST) - Match Report
16-Jun: South Africa vs. Uruguay 7:30pm (BST) - Match Report
22-Jun: Mexico vs. Uruguay 3:00pm (BST) - Match Report
26-Jun: Uruguay vs. South Korea 3:00 (BST) - Match Report
Team Trivia
Uruguay has a national holiday on 31st July in recognition of their country's first ever World Cup title in 1930.
Also Read:
Group Competitior Previews: South Africa, Mexico, France
File Photograph Copyright: Johann Cardenas
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