How good is the Uruguay squad for the Qatar World Cup 2022?Analysis of the strength level of the Uruguayan national team
Recently, the Uruguayan team officially announced the formation of the World Cup and shot a video specifically for the official announcement list. In the video, as the coach of the Uruguayan national team points to each point on the map of the country, people from all walks of life and all ages show up and announce the list of players selected for the World Cup squad in different ways, which it’s captivating.
Uruguay is not a frontline favorite among all World Cup teams, and even in South America, Uruguay attracts far less attention than Brazil and Argentina. However, Uruguay’s connection to the World Cup runs quite deep. In 1930, the first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay and the Uruguayan team was also the champion of the first World Cup. In the 1950 World Cup, Uruguay defeated host Brazil to win the championship for the second time.
However, over the next 72 years, Uruguay has lost its former courage: in the last three World Cups, their results have been the semi-finals in 2010, the top 16 in 2014 and the top eight in 2018. Uruguay ranks 14th place in the latest FIFA rankings.
In this World Cup, Uruguay is in the same group as Portugal, South Korea and Ghana. In the round of 16 of the last World Cup, Uruguay beat Portugal. In this match, Uruguay has a certain psychological advantage, but Portugal obviously cannot be underestimated. The Ghanaian team is in very good physical form and the “handball outcry” caused by Suarez when the two teams played against each other 12 years ago will also put Ghana in a good mood and could pose a certain threat to the Uruguayan team. The South Korean team defeated the German team 2-0 in the last World Cup, and Uruguay must also be vigilant. It can be said that Uruguay still have a high chance of qualifying, but if you’re not careful you could be eliminated.
Diego Alonso is the current coach of the Uruguayan national team, and this World Cup is also the first time in his coaching career. Compared to former head coach Tavares’ ‘442’ system, Alonso likes to try new formations, such as ‘4231’, ‘433’ and ‘4141’ in the game. However, he has been in office for less than a year and the disadvantages of inexperience could appear at the World Cup.
There are many veterans on the roster of the Uruguayan team this time around and Suarez is undoubtedly the most famous player of the team. The 35-year-old has represented the Uruguayan national team in the league this season and has maintained an efficient performance despite his departure from the main league. However, his age and fitness added uncertainty to his World Cup performance. Cavani, who is the same age as Suarez, will also play in the World Cup for the fourth time.
On the front line in Uruguay, in addition to these two legendary veterans, there are also new forces. Nunes, who plays for Liverpool, is one of the best, his performance in this World Cup, still on the rise, has attracted a lot of attention.
In the midfield position, Valverde, who plays for Real Madrid, is their hub and this will also be the first time in his career to play in the World Cup. Tottenham’s Bentancur has also had a good performance this season. Furthermore, Vecino has both offensive and defensive capabilities: he can defend himself when he retreats and can enter the opponent’s danger zone when he advances.
The defense is led by two veterans, Godin and Caceres. The veterans of this Uruguayan national team are helping young players integrate and gain confidence quickly; in the World Cup, their experience will be the team’s most valuable asset.
Of course, this World Cup could also be the last dance for many Uruguayan stars. Whether Nunes, Valverde and Bentancur, the new generation and the Mesozoic players will be able to take the lead depends on the World Cup in Qatar. (Reporter Wang Junbao)
World ranking of the Uruguayan national team
The Uruguayan national team is currently ranked 14th in the world (FIFA update October 2022)
History of the Uruguay national team
Results of the last 10 games of Uruguay
Uruguay record in the last 40 games
Original title: World Cup in Qatar Top 32 Tour | Veterans hold lineup and newcomers debut, can Uruguay go further?
Responsible editor: Zeng Shaolin
