Uruguay had all the characteristics to be among the candidates to win the World Cup before the start of the tournament. But after the first round, they should be considered as a serious threat.
For the first time in their history, the Uruguayan national football team took the nine points in a World Cup group stage. Not only that, they’ve also done it without conceding a goal.
A Look at Uruguay’s Chances Heading Into the World Cup Knockout Stage
It seems like an inspirational moment for the two-time World Cup winners, and of course, it’s the same for the small South American country with a population around 3 million who trust in them.
One of the reasons Uruguay is a contender is because of their attacking effectiveness and compact defense.
It’s not a secret that the Uruguayans are formidable up top with Barcelona’s Luis Suarez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani. However, it is their defensive players who showed the best of the team in the group stage.
The First Step Completed
Uruguay is a dangerous team to play against because they don’t depend on one player. They are a team and play as a cohesive ensemble.
The proof is on the pitch. Atletico Madrid center-back Jose Maria Gimenez earned the first three points with a superb header in the 89th minute to give Uruguay the 1-0 victory against Egpyt in the opening game when everyone was talking about the poor display from La Celeste.
Later on against Saudi Arabia, Uruguay showed another low-quality performance that almost cost them the game but Suarez’s stroke in the 23rd minute was enough to take the 1-0 win. Even so, Uruguay managed to destroy 3-0 the host nation Russia with Suarez and Cavani at their best.
Without showing too many skills, they advanced first in their group and now Portugal is next.
The Knockout Stage
It’s now a win or go home situation and on Saturday, the South Americans will face their toughest test of the tournament.
Uruguay maybe has a slight advantage because their midfield is more solid than the Europeans, but on the side, they will be challenged by the always dynamic Cristiano Ronaldo.
Inter’s Matias Vecino and Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentancur will have a hard battle against William Carvalho, João Mario and Bernardo Silva in the midfield. Those who control the midfield will dominate the match.
Portugal goes on Ronaldo’s pace. If he is not on his best day, the team probably will fall down. That is a big reason Uruguay has to make sure the Real Madrid star does not show up.
On the other hand, Suarez and Cavani will have the difficult task to bother Portugal’s center-back duo, Pepe and Jose Fontes.
Uruguay will play against Portugal on June 30 at Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi, at 17:00 MSK (UTC+3) [10 a.m. ET].
