South American giant Uruguay has a glorious soccer history which many of the present generation may not know. Two times World Champion Uruguay shocked the home team Brazil at the historic Maracana stadium in 1950. Who knows whether history will not repeat? But if Uruguay somehow manages to reach final and Brazil is on the other side, many Brazilians will be alarmed of the horror of Maracana. Uruguay was a major force in the early days of the world cup. They won the first ever edition in the home soil in 1930. They upset Brazil in 1950. These achievements of the past of a team again qualifying though on a difficult route cannot be written off specially when the cup is again played in the their continent.
After a golden era, Uruguay reached the last four of the 2010 world cup and won the 2011 Copa America. But that spell suddenly slumped into decline. Many observed Uruguay entered the Brazil 2014 through backdoor. They were unsure of playing in the finals at the midway of the qualifying round. The period of uncertainty triggered after Oscar Tabrez and his charge got a 4-0 drubbing by Columbia. The confidence and morale of the team got serious bruising. In subsequent matches Uruguay lost 4-0 to Argentina, 4-1 to Bolivia and 2-0 to Chile. They were languishing at sixth spot of the group. But with the back to the wall Uruguayans started bouncing back with hard earned away win against Venezuela. That started the turning back. They beat Peru and Columbia in the next two must win matches. But again another defeat against Ecuador put them in a tight spot. Even a creditable win 3-2 against fancied Argentina could not help them qualifying through play offs. Fortunately Uruguay could come better of Jordan the 5th placed team of Asia Pacific group though the middle eastern team managed to hold them at Montevideo.
Whatever be the dramatic ups and downs in the qualifying round, Uruguay in Brazil 2014 must be rated as a potent force to reckon. They possess two very wonderfully gifted forwards in Liverpool’s Luis Saurez and Paris Saint Germain’s Edinson Cavani. Both are fast and furious, can strike from all ranges. Suarez is in sublime form and may strike his peak during the cup. The deadly partner Cavani also has magical skills. A combination of two may break the heart of few opponents. The player of the tournament of the last world cup Diego Forlan may be ageing but still with his playmaking skills and personality may contribute to teams’ success. The deep defense is also not that weak. Angel faced hatchet man Diego Lugano possibly in his last world will not hesitate to give his best. Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is also very skilled. La Celeste’s center is still as tough as they come and as always take some getting past. Against stronger opposition the more creative midfielders Christian Rodriguez and Nicolas Loderio will be affected if and when the team will need to score in tight matches. Uruguay will let the static defense to sit deep letting strong mid field to toil and protect. The super star strikers will create many openings on their own.
Coach Tabrez with 30 international matches experience is past master to implement strategies. The man they call “El Maestro” has several tricks in his hat to suit the situation and opponent. He can use 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 3-4-2-1 as and when applicable. Uruguay always adopt fearless and feistiness style of play. Tabrez has successfully channeled these qualities effectively while ensuring that the team do not go overboard with the roughhousing and gamesmanship that were the modus operandi of the earlier Uruguayan teams.
In the group of death Uruguay will have battle hard against two European heavyweights Italy and England. However they start with a relatively easier opponent Costa Rica and can warm up better for stronger opposition. Analysts may have judged Uruguay on the basis of their uncertain qualifying round. But Uruguay may prove pundits wrong which many believe. Specially more fancied Brazil may get shaky if they find Uruguay against them at any stage of the world cup.
BDST: 0915 HRS, MAY 11, 2014
