Coach: Oscar Tabarez
Confederation: Conmebol
FIFA Ranking (Dec 09): 19
Previous Appearances: 10 (1930, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1990, 2002)
Uruguay v France 11 June; Cape Town
Uruguay v South Africa 16 June; Pretoria
Uruguay v Mexico 22 June; Rustenburg
Background
The first ever World champion winning the first ever World Cup in 1930, could repeat this feat only once. That was in 1950 and then they had to bask in the glory of those triumphs, nothing else coming their way in the highest tournament. Of course, they won two Olympics Gold medals, and fourteen Copa America trophies. But despite being one of the most successful nations in football history, they have not been able to shine in the World Cup arena.
the road to the 2010 World Cup
With nine teams and 18 rounds to play, Uruguay embarked on their qualifying campaign with a crushing 5-0 win against Bolivia. But this was only flattering to deceive and what followed were two defeats to Paraguay and Brazil and two draws against Chile and Venezuela. Thus after five matches, Uruguay had only one win to show and only five points.
So they had to regain form and they did it with a 6-0 victory against Peru and a 1-0 win against Colombia. But plans went awry once again, being held goalless at home to Ecuador, losing 2-1 away to Argentina followed by an away draw to Bolivia. But the worst was yet to come. They were ground to dust by Brazil, 4-0. Brazil had never won an away game in Uruguay for the last 33 years. According to the point tally at that juncture, Uruguay, was five points behind Argentina, a precarious position to be in, with only three more matches remaining. Things did not improve and Uruguay was shocked 1-0 by Peru. However, Uruguay attained some sort of parity with a 3-1 win away to Colombia in the penultimate game. The last encounter was with Maradonna’s Argentina. Both of the teams required a win to bag the automatic slot in the World Cup finals. But it was Argentina’s day and they won by a 84th minute goal. This meant that Uruguay had to go for the play-offs.
Costa Rica was Uruguay’s opponent in the play-off. In the first leg held in Costa Rica, Uruguay’s captain Diego Lugano’s first half strike earned La Celeste a precious 1-0 win. Now the task was cut out for Uruguay. Just hold on to the first leg lead. The match which never rose to any heights ended in a 1-1 draw and the Uruguans got what they wanted most: a slot in the jamboree at South Africa.
Strengths
Defensive to the core, they don’t give away anything easily. Traditionally, they are strong in the air. They have a strong defence which is reinforced by robust tackling.
Weaknesses
Lack of consistency is their biggest problem. They are unpredictable too. At times, they would sparkle and at times dawdle like zombies. The Uruguans are also deficient in making the best use of opportunities that come their way.
The Coach
Despite managing to qualify for the World Cup, Oscar Washington Tabarez has not been fully accepted. He keeps himself flexible strategy-wise and goes for formations and tactics according to the opponent. It is not a bad idea, but quite often it upsets the rhythm of the team.
Star Men
Diego Forlan;
At 30, Diego Forlan, the former Manchester United striker could be playing in his last World Cup. He is equally good with both feet and has a menacing long ranger that could shock the opposition defence like a thunderbolt.
Cristian Rodríguez (FC Porto);
Uruguayan fans love El Cebolla, as he is generally known. He is courageous on the field and does wonders with his left foot. When he is in fine nick, he controls the left flank. However, he is banned for the first two games in the World Cup for fighting in the qualifiers against Argentina.
Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce);
A tough centre-back he is efficient and takes good care of the Uruguan defence. He is adored by his mates and is unquestioned as the captain.
Best Footballing Moment
Uruguay's best moment has to be sought in the distant past only and it occurred in the 1950 World Cup final, when Alcides Gigghia's 79th-minute shot crossed Brazil’s goal line.
World Cup Objective
Those who have climbed the ladder of glory in the past always want t o repeat it. But on a rational analysis, last eight will be good enough.
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