Uruguay’s last World Cup win came sixty years ago, twenty years after their first World Cup win back in 1930. Eighty years have passed since that historic first World Cup, when Uruguay beat neighbours Argentina to win the first ever World Cup, which was then known as the Jules Rimet trophy, named after FIFA’s longest serving president. So can the South American’s beat Ghana in the quarter finals and advance to the semi finals for the first time since the 1930 World Cup (the 1950 World Cup had a unique group format, without a knockout phase)? Uruguay have been a breathe of fresh air at these finals, playing a high pressing game and alternating between a three and four man defense. Is it their time again?
Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have been lethal in front of goal, collecting five goals between them. Although Forlan put in a more complete performance against South Korea in the 2-1 last sixteen victory, it was Suarez who scored the two vital goals that booked a quarter final match against Ghana, who beat the USA 2-1 last night. But could these two along with skipper Diego Lugano and powerhouse Diego Perez steer the Charrúas to their third World Cup win? If they do they will have to overcome an impressive Ghanaian side who, like Uruguay, play a high pressing game which could well lead to a number of fouls throughout the match. If successful, Uruguay will most probably face the Netherlands or Brazil (who are on course for an epic quarter final match) and Brazilians will not want to be remind of their greatest ever defeat in the 1950 World Cup finals when the Maracanã saw their beloved Brazil and tournament favourites lose 2-1 after a awful mistake by goalkeeper Barbosa.
Uruguay lined up with a 3-5-2 against France in their opening match, which effectively turned to a 5-3-2 after Ribery and Govou combined early on. A Diego Forlan double helped beat host nation South Africa, before a 1-0 victory over Mexico, which saw Uruguay adopt more of a 4-3-1-2 formation with Forlan floating behind Cavani and Suarez. Against a Korean side, who lined up 4-2-3-1, Uruguay dominated the midfield battle due to how deep the ‘shielding’ two midfield were. Forlan operating more as a front man this time round, rather than the trequartista role that he played in the earlier games. Uruguay were the better team all round, however a goal keeping error meant that the game looked closer than it was. Korea did have an excellent chance in the second half through Lee Dong-Gook who’s tame finish was disappointing.
Uruguay didn’t even qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals, were knocked out of the group stages in 2002 and failed to qualify for the 1994 & 1998 tournaments. Uruguay were definitely a stronger force in the earlier tournaments, beating Bolivia 8-0 in 1950, Scotland 7-0 in 1954 and England 4-2 in the same tournament. Following the England match in 1954, Uruguay have only won seven matches since – three of those coming in this tournament! So including 1954 and before, Uruguay have won ten World Cup matches. Not including 2010, they have only won a measly four games since that 4-2 victory over England. If they beat Ghana in the next round then they will have already equaled a record that took them seven tournaments to achieve! Uruguay have set the tempo and played to their own beat in all the games so far. They nullified the self destructing France team, before dominating against both South Africa and a decent Mexican side. They press high up the pitch and being Uruguay they do not pull out of tackles – very competitive and along with Chile have been impressive to watch in this tournament.
Further Reading:
- Why are South American Teams doing so well? – WCS
- Uruguay tactics & style of play – Zonal Marking
- Uruguay beat Mexico to top group – FourFourTwo
