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    Country Report – Uruguay

    A look at the country’s demographics, football history and its squad status prior to the Qatar World Cup 2022.

    Number of inhabitants: approx. 3.5 million.

    Continent: South America

    Confederation: CONMEBOL

    National Football Association: AUF

    Number of members: unknown (?% of total population)

    International trophies won: 2x World Cup, 15x Copa America, 2x Olympic Games

    Best World Cup result: Champions in 1930 and 1950.

    Key Players

    In the past: Diego Forlan, Maxi Pereira, Diego Lugano, Hector Scarone, Oscar Miguez.

    Key current players: Luis Suarez, Darwin Nunez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde.

    Coach, formation and possible lineup

    Coach: Diego Alonso. (since 2021)

    Typical formation: 4-4-2 or 4-3-3

    Possible lineup:

    • GK: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray) 36
    • LB: Mathias Olivera (Napoli) 24
    • RB: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo) 29
    • LCB: Sebastian Caceres (CF America) 23
    • RCB: Martin Caceres (LA Galaxy) 35
    • CM: Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) 24
    • CM: Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham) 25
    • LM: Nicolas de la Cruz (River Plate) 25
    • RM: Agustin Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense) 24
    • ST: Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) 23
    • ST: Luis Suarez (Club Nacional) 35

    Age Report

    Players aged 25 or under in the current lineup: 7

    Players aged 32 or over in the current lineup: 3

    There are 3 players in this lineup that will (most likely) be playing their last World Cup this year: Luis Saurez, Fernando Muslera and Martin Caceres.

    There are 7 players in this lineup that can play at least two more.

    The remaining player – Guillermo Varela – could play in one more World Cup.

    Youngest player: Sebastian Caceres, born 18 August 1999 (23)

    Oldest player: Fernando Muslera, born 16 June 1986 (36)

    Average squad age: 27.5

    World Cup Qatar – Group H

    Fixtures:

    Thursday 24 November Uruguay vs Korea Rep

    Monday 28 November Portugal vs Uruguay

    Friday 2 December Ghana vs Uruguay

    Our view:

    Uruguay and Portugal are undoubtedly the favorites for this group at the World Cup. But, South Korea and Ghana will make sure to challenge them every step of the way. It definitely won’t be a walk in the park for the favorites. Something else that can be said about Uruguay, is that is unbelievable for such a small country in terms of population to achieve this level of success and quality. Keep at it Uruguay, respect! As with several other world-class players, the Qatar World Cup will probably be the last for Luis Suarez. This will make it even more interesting to see how far these (former) greats of football will go in the tournament.

    Prediction: Round of 16

    Image by Ernesto Velázquez via Pixabay

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