Uruguay come into the Confederations Cup as the reigning champions of South America, but are in the midst of a poor run of form that has put their participation in next summer’s World Cup in serious doubt.
The country’s 2011 Copa America success was built upon strong defending – they conceded just three goals in six matches – and swift counter-attacking, but they have found it tougher going in qualification, where they are required to be more assertive, especially at home in Montevideo. In the circumstances, a return to knockout competition may just be the spark they need to re-ignite their confidence and make a final push towards Brazil 2014.
Coach: Oscar Washington Tabarez
El Maestro is an experienced, well respected coach who led Uruguay to a third place finish at the 2010 World Cup and then to glory in the 2011 Copa America. Things have not gone quite as well since then, however, with Uruguay in danger of failing to qualify for the World Cup following a run of four defeats and two draws in their last six qualifiers.
Tabarez has been criticised for showing too much faith in the rapidly ageing members of the 2010 World Cup squad and for failing to get the most out of players such as Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, who has scored just twice in the current qualifying campaign despite managing nearly 40 goals at club level in the season just ended.
Key Player: Luis Suarez
Love him or loathe him, it is difficult to argue that Suarez is not a difference maker for both club and country. A quick, wily dribbler and constant irritant to defenders, he does everything within his power (inside and outside the laws of the game) to spur his teams to victory.
The 26-year old striker comes into the Confederations Cup well rested and on the back on a 23-goal season with Liverpool. In an oft-disfunctioning Uruguay attack he has managed eight goals in 10 World Cup qualifiers to date and his performances will go a long way towards determining their level of success in Brazil.
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View from Uruguay
For many in Uruguay the Confederations Cup is a mere side-show to the more pressing matter of securing qualification for the 2014 World Cup. With that said, there is excitement about the meeting with world champions Spain and, if they progress from the group stage, a potential semi-final against Brazil or Italy.
Verdict
Spain are the clear favourites in Group B, but Uruguay will fancy their chances of beating Nigeria to second in the group. If they do, Uruguay have proved themselves to be knockout competition specialists in recent years and despite a general downturn in form would be certain to at least give their semi-final opponents a good run for their money.
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