Uruguay World Cup Preview

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F ALVARO RECOBA Q&A What are your earliest memories of the World Cup? In 1986 I was very young and was amazed by what Diego Maradona did in the Argentina side. It was the first time that I had watched the World Cup on television. But I really got involved four years later when it came to Italia 90, watching the Uruguay side led by Enzo Francescoli. He was the idol of our country. Which of your teammates should people look out for at the finals? Young Nico Oliveira. He's a phenomenon! What stage do people back home expect you to reach? Some people at home are convinced that we have the ability to win the World Cup. But as a team, we will be happy if we reach the second round. That will already be a good result. If you don't win the World Cup, who will? Italy or Argentina. Is there too much money in football? I don't think so, it's just that every season the players are costing more and more, and their salaries are growing higher and higher. But it's no big deal.

How they line up

Uruguay have spent the past few months looking at a number of different systems in their search for extra firepower. Victor Pua's side now have so many formations in their locker that it is not easy to predict how they will play at the finals. However, it is a fair guess that in their opening game, against Denmark, they will repeat the diamond formation that worked so pleasingly in the first half of their friendly against Italy.

Fabian Carini had an outstanding qualifying tournament, despite his problems at Juventus, and is first-choice keeper. The youngster's nerves and quick reflexes will be vital, but should he get injured he has a capable deputy in Gustavo Munua.

Gianni Guigou may be switched to right-back, one of the few positions he did not fill in qualification. He has played there for Roma, though, and it would help the side in a problem position. Washington Tais, for one, has not been convincing there.

The defence is built around the experience, class and steel of captain Paolo Montero, who has been struggling with injuries of late. His likely center-back partner is the steady Alejandro Lembo, though this is an area where Uruguay have considerable strength in depth. Gonzalo Sorondo is their best defender in the air, and Joe Bizera is emerging as a center-back of huge promise.

Dario Rodriguez is the regular left-back. His height and defensive skills mean that he can also move inside to feature as one of three center-backs, a system that Uruguay have occasionally used ever since last year's Copa America.

Pablo Garcia knits the side together from his position in front of the defence. In front of him, the resurgent Fabian O'Neill has the strength on the ball and the ability to dictate the rhythm of a team who can either play measured possession football or look to get the ball forward early. In the diamond formation, the flying Gustavo Varela provides the counter-attack option on the right, with the more technical Federico Magallanes on the left.

Pua may decide the midfield is too attack-minded and needs an extra marker. If so, the tall and combative Gonzalo De los Santos heads a long list of candidates. Nicolas Olivera is in contention for a creative midfield role, while Mario Regueiro is a left winger of pace and penetration. Other useful options are the dynamic Guillermo Giacomazzi, tough-tackling Diego Perez and lithe marker Marcelo Romero.

Up front, Dario Silva has the attributes to operate on his own, which means that the rest of the team can be pulled behind the ball. Silva's pace forces the opposing defense back, creating space for Alvaro Recoba to wander where he can cause the most damage. The attacking options are headed by Sebastian Abreu, a gifted striker who is currently full of goals for club and country, the livewire Javier Ernesto Chevanton and the gangling Richard Morales, who provides an aerial threat.

From World Soccer magazine.

 

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