Food for thought: Uruguay’s tactical options:-

Coach Óscar Tabárez’s 8 consecutive years coaching Uruguay is a pretty long period of time in today’s managerial merry-go-round-world of football; but, it is by no means a small feat considering the fact that he has been able to properly mold the team together; displaying consistently positive performances on the big stage (4th place at the 2007 Copa America & the 2010 WC, 2011 South American Champions & 4th place at the 2013 Confederations cup).

The main issue that coach Tabárez has to address prior to Uruguay playing their first match would be the team’s formation and tactical set-up. His choices are limited to be honest and he hasn’t really gone beyond switching between a 4-4-2 lay-out and a 4-3-3 one.

Both could be combined together during the actual course of games by shunting one of their 2 strikers out wide and pushing one of their offensive midfielders, or perhaps center forward, further up-front on the other side of the pitch. However, such flexibility of play and the ability to quickly adapt requires extremely technical players who have immense tactical awareness. Therefore, given the current Uruguay squad, it would be rather counter-productive to go down that road and coach Tabárez’s best bet is, then, to firmly fixate his mind on EITHER one of those formations.

In the case of a 4-4-2 variation, Uruguay would have higher dimensions in terms of fully utilizing their strikers’ potentials and causing opposition defenders major headaches by forcing them to have to mark those 2 strikers; which would, consequently, leave extra space for their ongoing attacking midfielders. However, the drawback would be that their play would be more vertical and direct in terms of creating chances and/or looking to deliver aerial balls.

A 4-3-3 set-up would, in Uruguay’s case, widen play on the flanks and allow their main striker much more freedom in between the opposition’s defensive lines. Also, it would provide their midfielders an increased sense of freedom in the middle of the park in the build-up to their attacks; as they could then take their time when trying to figure out to whom to pass the ball. The disadvantage here, obviously, would be that at least one of their strikers-turned-wingers would have to be shifted to the side and run the channel from there; limiting his options in attack and depriving him of a clearer path forwards.

Coach Tabárez’s final decision before each game will probably depend on the form and fitness of his favorite attacking trio of Luis Suárez, Edison Cavani and Diego Forlán (yes he is still alive :P); but the degree to which they will all be effective together also relies heavily on the chemistry and understanding between them (the recurring theme within Uruguay’s squad!).

Uruguay:-

“Los Charrúas” certainly have most of the elements required to try and emulate (if not better!) their run from the 2010 WC. However, their dismal qualifying campaign should remind them that it won’t be at all easy!

Starting from the back, Diego Lugano’s experience is vital for Uruguay’s defensive stability; however, his age (33) has slowed him down over the years and has caused them problems many times. While Diego Godín has certainly taken his game to a completely new level ever since the 2010 WC, he does not seem to have formed a harmonious relationship with Lugano at the heart of their defense.

It is this lack of chemistry and proper understanding between the 2 CBs that has seen Uruguay ship-in 37 goals from a total of 29 games over the last 2 years or so; and, excluding friendlies, their GCPG ratio increases to 1.5!

Let’s take that number into perspective a little bit:-


Q: How many teams have been able to win the WC with an average GCPG ratio of 1.5 or higher?

A: Only one! Namely, West Germany in 1954 (GCPG 2.4); HOWEVER, that is mainly because:-

They lost by 8-3 in their second group-stage match against Ferenc Puskás’ and Sándor Kocsis’ Hungary side; who, incidentally, STILL hold the record for the most goals scored (27), highest average GSPG (5.4), highest goal difference (+17) AND highest average GDPG (3.2) in ONE single WC tournament.


Therefore, it is safe to say that it is almost impossible for ANY team to win the WC all the while shipping-in AT LEAST more than one goal in every match they play. Which is why Uruguay’s entire backline (especially the CBs) have to “up” their game considerably and Coach Óscar Tabárez MUST enforce a higher sense of commitment among them.

Uruguay’s SBs are very much similar to Spain’s ones in their tendency to surge forward and offer their wide men support on the flanks; therefore, the remaining CBs and the DMs must make sure that they cover any gaps left on those sides of the pitch.

Midfield-wise, coach Tabárez favors a pivot of 2 defensive midfielders lined-up behind one central/offensive midfield player who would “run the show” when given the ball. Uruguay have no shortage in talent and/or experience in midfield; but, again, the lack of understanding between them often causes them problems when attempting to go forward (collectively).

In terms of Uruguay’s attacking approach, coach Tabárez is an ardent fan of proper counter-attacking football, and given the sheer strength and pace his offensive players possess, it is hard to argue against opting for such a strategy. The balance starts from the back (hence the aforementioned pivot!), where the defenders and their fellow DMs will look to sit back and invite the opposition into their own half before attempting to retain possession and “let loose” their wide men on ultra-fast counters.

Individually speaking, Uruguay boast one of THE best (in terms of talent, experience and footballing attributes) squads in regards to most areas of the pitch; however, as a team, they have not found the right rhythm over the last 2 years and much of their WC success will depend on reversing that fact!


Main man: Luis Suárez: Love him or hate him, Suarez’s mere presence on the pitch elevates Uruguay’s game to a much higher level! His incredible technique, one-of-a-kind eye for goal, unbelievable power and general all-round play all make him THE top candidate to take Uruguay far into this competition!

Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 28.73913