Uruguay's odds to win the World Cup
50/1
Best World Cup
Winner 1930, 1950
2018 World Cup
Quarter-final
Uruguay's World Cup Schedule
|
Date |
Fixture |
Location |
|
24th November 1pm |
Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan |
|
|
28th November 7pm |
Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail |
|
|
2nd December 3pm |
Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah |
Road to Qatar
Uruguay's passage to the World Cup finals looked in serious jeopardy 14 games into their 18-game CONMEBOL campaign. Six defeats and four draws suggested that even a playoff spot might be out of their reach, with a 3-0 defeat at struggling Bolivia the real low point. However, a late rally saw them win all of their last four games, two of them against serious qualification rivals, and that was enough to see them climb up to third spot that made qualification look much more comfortable than it really was.
Recent form
Uruguay have enjoyed positive preparations for the finals as they seek to improve on their quarter-final exit in Russia. Impressive wins over Mexico (3-0), Panama (5-0) and Canada (2-0) were backed up by a fourth clean sheet in their goalless draw with the USA. However, September's 1-0 defeat to Iran in Austria was a reminder that there will be no room for error in what looks like a competitive Group H.
Uruguay squad
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Sergio Rochet (Nacional), Sebastian Sosa (Independiente)
Defenders: Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Sporting CP), Diego Godin (Velez Sarsfield), Martin Caceres (LA Galaxy), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Jose Luis Rodriguez (Nacional), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Matias Vina (Roma)
Midfielders: Lucas Torreira (Galatasaray), Manuel Ugarte (Sporting CP), Matias Vecino (Lazio), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United), Nicolas De La Cruz (River Plate)
Forwards: Agustin Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense), Facundo Torres (Orlando City), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Maxi Gomez (Trabzonspor), Luis Suarez (Nacional), Edinson Cavani (Valencia), Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
Team insights
Probable formation: 4-3-3 With much of Uruguay's old brigade winding down their illustrious careers, the Qatar World Cup could provide the perfect stage for Liverpool's Darwin Nunez to showcase the talent that has only appeared in brief glimpses so far in the Premier League. Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez offer vast experience, but at 35 years old are unlikely to share much game time together at the same time. That attacking line-up will be dependent on service from a midfield that will revolve around Real Madrid's Federico Valverde, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Torreira offer steel and quality in the middle of the park. Veteran defender Diego Godin will hope to be fit enough to start what is sure to be his last tournament, where he would marshall a typically no-nonsense Uruguayan back line that forms the platform of Uruguay's World Cup ambitions.
World Cup prospects
Uruguay will kick off their tournament knowing that their second game against Portugal is likely to prove crucial in determining which of them will probably be facing (or avoiding) Brazil in the last 16. Before that, however, La Celeste must overcome a tricky opener against South Korea, while Ghana will also be no pushovers on Match Day 3. Best hope: Quarter final (if they avoid Brazil)
Read more about each of Uruguay's Group H opponents: